lEx  SItbrta 


SEYMOUR  DURST 


"When  you  leave,  please  leave  this  book 

Because  it  has  been  said 
"Ever  thing  comes  t'  him  who  waits 

Except  a  loaned  book." 


i  i 

________-_-*>--—« m m 


Avery  Architectural  and  Fine  Arts  Library 
Gu  t  of  Seymour  B.  Durst  Old  York  Library 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2014 


http://archive.org/details/recordsofnewyorkOOirel 


RECORDS 


NEW  YORK  STAGE, 


1750  to  1860. 

BY     JOSEPH     TST_     IIREIj  A-IsTID . 


IN  TWO  VOLUMES. 

VOL.  I. 


X  E w   ro R K 
T.    H.    MORRELL,  Publisher. 
1 866.  * 


Edition,  200  copies,  8vo. 

60     "  4to. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1866, 

By  JOSEPH  N.  IRELAND, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States,  for  the  Southern  District 

of  New  York. 


Bradstreet  Press, 


PREFACE. 


That  one  fully  conscious  of  his  literary  disability,  and  who 
is  neither  ambitious  of  fame,  nor  hopeful  ot  profit  from  his 
undertaking,  should  venture  on  the  publication  of  a  large 
and  expensive  art-historical  work,  demands,  perhaps,  a  few 
words  of  explanation. 

The  collecting  of  theatrical  memoranda  has  been  an  amuse- 
ment of  the  author  since  early  childhood,  and  for  nearly  forty 
years  it  has  been  his  daily  habit  to  record  the  dramatic  events 
of  the  metropolis.  Possessing  thus  a  large  amount  of  ma- 
terial, to  while  away  some  idle  moments,  in  1853,  he  wrote 
and  contributed  to  the  Evening  Mirror  several  theatrical 
sketches  over  the  signature  "H.  N.  D.,"  which,  with  sur- 
prise and  pleasure,  he  found  were  favorably  received,  and 
which,  by  request  of  the  editor,  were  followed  by  others, 
from  time  to  time,  for  more  than  three  years. 

Maintaining  his  incognito  for  a  much  longer  period,  he 
frequently  heard  these  articles  alluded  to  with  commenda- 
tion ;  had  them  recommended  to  him  for  perusal  by  different 
friends ;  learned  that  they  had  been  preserved  by  many  inter- 
ested in  dramatic  history ;  knew  that  they  were  used  by  anno- 
tates and  critics,  and  finally  heard  a  gentleman  of  literary 
distinction,  to  whom  he  was  personally  a  stranger,  express  his 


iv 


PREFACE. 


regret  that  the  author  could  not  be  found  and  induced  to 
publish  his  articles  in  book  form. 

Ultimately  disclosing  his  secret  to  a  friend  upon  whose 
judgment  he  relied,  he  was  tempted  to  enlarge  his  original 
design,  and,  commencing  with  the  earliest  introduction  of  the 
Drama  in  America,  to  undertake  the  publication  of  his  work 
in  its  present  form. 

Trusting  that  the  amount  and  correctness  of  the  informa- 
tion which  it  contains  may  compensate  for  the  poverty  of  its 
diction,  and  gratefully  acknowledging  the  kindness  of  those 
who  have  encouraged  him  by  placing  their  names  on  his  sub- 
scription list,  to  whom  he  respectfully  dedicates  the  work,  he 
begs  the  critical  forbearance  of  the  public,  which  he  knows 
will  be  cheerfully  accorded  him  by  his  personal  friends. 

J.  N.  I. 


RECORDS 

OF  THE 

NEW   YOEK  STAGE. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Dunlap's  History — Corrections  of  Doctor  Francis — Judge  Daly's  Inquiry — Play- 
house of  A.  D.  1733 — Nassau  street  Theatre,  A.  D.  1751) — Mr.  Murray — 
Thomas  Kean — Robert  Upton. 

U  N  L  A  P,  the  principal  historian  of  the  American 
b3^Q  stage,  assumes  erroneously  that  the  acted  Drama 
SJr^/  was  introduced  in  America  by  Hallam's  company 
of  comedians,  who  arrived  in  Virginia  in  the  summer  of 
1752,  and  after  playing  with  success  at  Williamsburg,  made 
their  first  appearance  in  New  York  on  the  17th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1753. 

The  late  Dr.  Francis,  in  an  address  before  the  Historical 
Society,  in  November,  1857,  while  noticing  this  mistake, 
stated  that  Hallam's  company  played  in  New  York  in  Febru- 
ary, 1750.  But  in  correcting  Dunlap's  error  he  fell  into  one 
equally  great.  Dunlap  was  right  as  far  as  he  went,  but  he 
did  not  go  far  enough.  His  dates  with  regard  to  Hallam's 
company,  and  its  first  appearance  in  New  York,  are  accurate, 
but  he  ignores  the  fact  that  other  players  had  preceded  him  ; 
while  Dr.  Francis,  knowing  that  plays  had  been  performed 
here  in  1750,  wrongfully  imagined  that  Hallam's  company 
were  the  performers. 

The  Hon.  Charles  P.  Daly,  in  his  "Historical  Inquiry,"  not 

1 


2 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


only  arrives  at  a  correct  conclusion  with  regard  to  the  play- 
ers of  1750,  but  goes  farther  back,  and  in  the  advertisement 
of  George  Talbot,  a  merchant,  who  directs  inquiries  to  be 
made  at  his  store  "  next  door  to  the  Play-house,"  in  "  Brad- 
ford's Gazette"  of  October,  1733,  finds  just  reason  for  inferring 
that  the  drama,  at  that  early  period,  had  at  least  found  a  tem- 
porary resting  place,  if  not  a  home,  in  the  future  metropolis 
of  America.1  No  other  reference  has  been  found  respecting 
it,  and  any  conjecture  as  to  its  proprietors,  its  performers,  or 
the  plays  represented  therein,  would  be  vain  and  fruitless. 
The  city,  at  the  time,  contained  but  7,055  white  inhabitants, 
and  was  probably  unable  to  sustain  a  theatre,  for  we  hear 
nothing  again  concerning  the  drama  until  the  26th  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1750,  when,  in  the  columns  of  the  "  New  York  Gazette, 
revived  in  the  Weekly  Postboy,"  a  newspaper  published  by 
James  Parker,  appeared  the  following  editorial  notice: 

cc  Laft  week  arrived  here  a  company  of  comedians  from  Phila- 
delphia, who  we  hear  have  taken  a  convenient  room  for  their  pur- 
pofe  in  one  of  the  buildings  lately  belonging  to  the  Hon.  Rip  Van 
Dam,  Efq.,  deceafed,  in  Naflau  ftreet,  where  they  intend  to  per- 
form as  long  as  the  feafon  lafts,  provided  they  meet  with  fuitable 
encouragement. " 

This  building,  belonging  to  the  Hon.  Rip  Van  Dam,  de- 
ceased, once  Governor  of  the  Province  of  New  York,  was 
situated  on  the  east  side  of  Nassau  street,  (formerly  Kip 
street)  between  John  street  and  Maiden  lane,  on  lots  now 
known  by  the  numbers  64  and  66.  (1866)  It  was  converted 
into  a  church  in  1758,  by  a  congregation  of  German  Calvin- 
ist&j  who  in  1765,  erected  in  its  stead  a  more  substantial  build- 
ing, which  remained  standing  as  lately  as  the  year  1810.  Dun- 
lap's  statement  that  the  Old  Dutch  Church  was  built  on  the 
site  of  the  old  Theatre,  has  confused  many  readers  with  regard 
to  its  location,  who  suppose  that  he  referred  to  the  building 
now  used  for  the  United  States  Post  Office.  That  church  was 
erected  in  1729,  long  before  Van  Dam's  building  was  used  for 


i  Judge  Daly's  later  and  more  thorough  investigations  lead  to  the  belief  that 
the  Play-house  of  1733  was  principally  used  for  the  exhibition  of  puppet-shows 
and  similar  entertainments. 


SHAKESPEARE 

(From  a  very  rare  print) 


From  the  edition  of  his  Poems,  1640 


RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


3 


theatrical  purposes.  An  advertisement  in  the  "Postboy,"  be- 
fore referred  to,  reads  as  follows  : 

"  By  his  Excellency's  Permiflion, 
At  the  Theatre  in  Naflau  Street, 
On  Monday,  the  5th  day  of  March  next  (1750) 
Will  be  prefented,  the  Hiftorical  Tragedy  of 
King  Richard  3d  ! 
Wrote  originally  by  Shakfpeare, 
and  altered  by  Colley  Gibber  Efqr. 

"In  this  play  is  contained  the  Death  of  King  Henry  6th  ; — tht 
artful  acquisition  of  the  crown  by  King  Richard  ; — the  murder  of 
the  Princes  in  the  Tower  ; — the  landing  of  the  Earl  of  Richmond, 
and  the  Battle  of  Bofworth  Field. 

"  Tickets  will  be  ready  to  be  delivered  by  Thurfday  next,  and 
to  be  had  of  the  Printer  hereof. 

"P/V/,  5  millings  ;  Gallery,  3  (hillings. 

"  To  begin  precifely  at  half  an  hour  after  6  o'clock,  and  no 
perfon  to  be  admitted  behind  the  fcenes." 

At  this  period  George  II.  was  sovereign  of  Great  Britain, 
Admiral  George  Clinton,  Governor  of  the  Province  of  New 
York,  and  Edward  Holland,  Mayor  of  the  city,  which  included 
within  its  limits  about  ten  thousand  inhabitants. 

Performances  probably  took  place  but  twice  a  week,  usually 
on  Monday  and  Thursday;  but  as  the  newspaper  was  pub- 
lished on  Monday  only,  it  rarely  happened  that  the  enter- 
tainment for  the  other  evening  was  advertised  therein. 

"  Richard  3d"  was  announced  for  March  5th  and  12th,  the 
latter  evening  with  the  addition  of  a  farce  called  the  "  Beau 
in  the  Suds  f  the  "  Spanish  Friar'  for  the  14th  and  19th  ; 
and  on  the  27th,  'k  For  the  benefit  of  the  Charity  School  in 
this  city,  a  Tragedy  called  the  '  Orphan ;  or,  the  Unhappy 
Marriage,'  wrote  by  the  ingenious  Mr.  Otway;"  April  2d,  "The 
Orphan  ;"  April  9th,  "  There  will  be  no  play  acted  at  the 
Theatre  in  this  city  this  week,  but  on  Monday  evening  next, 
a  comedy  called  the  'Beaux  Stratagem'  will  be  presented." 

April  16th  and  23d,  the  "  Beaux  Stratagem." 

April  30th,  "  Richard  3d,"  with  the  farce  of  the  "  Mock 
Doctor." 

Judge  Daly  speaks  of  the  season  as  terminating  at  this 
period,  and  not  commencing  again  until  December.  Prob- 


4 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


ably  there  was  merely  a  cessation  of  newspaper  advertise- 
ments. It  was  no  doubt  the  custom  then,  as  now,  in  towns  of 
similar  size,  to  rely  on  distributed  handbills  and  conspicuous 
posters,  for  bringing  an  entertainment  to  public  notice,  more 
than  on  a  weekly  newspaper.  At  any  rate,  on  the  16th  of 
July  the  following  appeared  in  the  Postboy :  "  The  heat  hav- 
ing prevented  the  play  last  Thursday  night,  it  is  designed  to 
be  presented  this  evening,  as  it  has  the  appearance  of  being 
moderate  weather  f  and  on  the  23d  is  announced  "  The  Last 
Night  of  playing  this  season,  1  Love  for  Love,'  and  the  '  Stage 
Coach.' " 

The  names  of  the  performers  are  attached  to  none  of  the 
above  plays,  nor  is  the  name  of  any  manager  mentioned, 
but  the  company  is  no  doubt  the  same  which  reappeared 
on  the  13th  of  September,  as  announced  in  the  following 
card : 

"  By  his  Excellency's  Permiffion.  At  the  Theatre  in  Naflau 
ftreet,  on  Thurfday  Evening  next  (Sept.  13th,  1750),  for  the  nrft 
time  this  feafon  will  be  prefented  a  comedy  called  the  '  Recruiting 
Officer/  " 

Thursday,  Sept.  20th,  "  'Cato,'  wrote  by  Mr.  Addison,"  which 
brought  forth  the  following  commendatory  notice  from  the 
Postboy  of  the  24th  : 

"  Thurfday  evening  the  tragedy  of  c  Cato'  was  played  at  the 
Theatre  in  this  city  before  a  very  numerous  audience,  the 
greater  part  of  whom  were  of  opinion,  that  it  was  pretty  well 
performed.  As  it  was  the  fulleft  affembly  that  has  ever  appeared 
in  that  houfe,  it  may  ferve  to  prove  that  the  tafte  of  this  place  is 
not  fo  much  vitiated  or  loft  to  a  fenfe  of  liberty  but  that  they  can 
prefer  a  reprefentation  of  virtue  to  one  of  a  loofe  character.  The 
'Recruiting  Officer'  will  be  prefented  this  evening." 

Tuefday,  October  2d. — The  "  Spanilh  Friar,"  with  a  Panto- 
mine  entertainment. 

Monday,  October  15th,  "  Cato,"  and  pantomine. 

OcT:.  22d  and  29th,  "  Amphitryon,  or  the  Two  Sofias." 

Nov.  1 2th,  the  Tragical  Hiftory  of  "  George  Barnwell." 

Nov.  19th,  "A  Bold  Stroke  for  a  Wife." 

"  The  houfe  being  new  floored  is  made  warm  and  comfortable, 
I  befides  which  Gentlemen  and  Ladies  may  caufe  their  ftoves  to  be 
brought." 

This  alludes  to  the  general  custom  (wood  being  the  sole 


MR.  KEMBLE  AS  CATO 

{From  a  drawing  by  Wageman) 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


5 


article  of  fuel)  of  using  small  foot  stoves,  with  an  iron  pan  of 
glowing  embers  placed  therein  to  keep  the  feet  warm,  still 
prevailing  in  many  country  places,  but  unknown  in  the  re- 
gions of  anthracite  and  hot-air  furnaces. 

December  3d  and  10th,  the  "  Beggars'  Opera." 

"        31st,  the  "  Fair  Penitent,''*  and  the  "  Lying  Valet." 

Monday,  January  7th,  1751,  Mr.  Murray's  Benefit. 

"  A  Bold  Stroke  for  a  Wife,"  the  u  Devil  to  Pay,"  and 
"  Colin  and  Phoebe,"  "  to  be  sung  by  Mr.  Woodham  and  Mrs. 
Taylor,  in  pastoral  dresses." 

Performance  postponed  until  next  day  on  account  of  bad 
weather.  This  is  the  first  time  that  a  performer's  name  is 
mentioned. 

January  14th,  Mr.  Kean's  benefit. 

The  "  Beggars'  Opera," — "  with  entertainments  between  the 
acts,  viz.,  a  Harlequin  Dance,  a  Pierot  Dance,  and  the  Drunken 
Pealant,  all  bv  a  gentleman  lately  from  London  ;  '  Mifs  in  her 
teens,'  and  an  Oratorio,  to  be  fung  by  Mr.  Kean." 

"  N.  B.  Thole  gentlemen  and  ladies  who  pleafe  to  favour  this 
benefit  are  delired  to  fend  for  their  tickets  either  to  the  Theatre, 
or  Printer  hereof,  as  there  will  be  no  money  taken  at  the  doors, 
and  the  Curtain  will  rife  precifely  at  6  o'Clock.  Boxes  5  millings. 
Pit  4  millings.    Gallery  2  millings." 

On  this  occasion  is  first  noticed  the  distinction  of  boxes, 
which  probably  (as  was  frequently  the  case  in  London  thea- 
tres at  the  time,  when  a  crowded  house  was  expected  on  a 
benefit  night)  was  no  more  than  a  portion  of  the  pit  railed  off, 
or,  as  the  bills  expressed  it,  "  a  portion  of  the  Pit  will  be  laid 
into  Boxes  on  this  occasion." 

Messrs.  Murray  and  Kean  were  the  managers  of  the  com- 
pany, and  as  such  claimed  precedence  in  the  run  of  benefits. 
The  latter  was  evidently  a  favorite,  and  was  honored  on  his 
benefit  night  with  an  unusual  crowd,  some  of  those  who  had 
bought  tickets  in  advance  not  being  able  to  obtain  admission. 
This  occasioned  so  much  dissatisfaction,  that  the  publisher  of 
the  Postboy,  to  exculpate  him  from  intentional  wrong,  issued 
the  following  card  on  the  21st : 

u  Whereas  feveral  reports  have  been  unkindly  fpread  that  Mr. 
Kean,  on  his  benefit  night  on  Monday  lait,  had  caufed  a  greater 
number  of  tickets  to  be  printed  than  the  houfe  would  hold,  this 


6 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


is  to  certify  that  (according  to  the  beft  of  my  knowledge)  there 
were  but  161  Pit  tickets,  10  Boxes,  and  121  Gallery  tickets 
printed  in  all,  and  it  is  well  known  that  as  large  a  number  have 
been  in  the  houfe  at  one  time. 

(Signed)  James  Parker. 

"  N.  B.  Though  it  was  then  determined  not  to  receive  any 
money  at  the  door,  it  was  afterwards  found  impracticable  to 
be  followed  without  great  offence,  and  fuch  whofe  bulinefs  could 
not  permit  to  come  in  time,  have  fince  had  their  money  returned. " 

The  following  was  also  issued  by  Mr.  Kean  himself : 

"  Whereas  it  has  been  reported  that  Mrs.  Taylor  in  playing 
her  part  at  my  benefit,  endeavoured  to  perform  it  in  a  worfe  man- 
ner than  fhe  was  capable  (!)  and  that  it  was  done  on  account  of 
a  falling  out  between  us  :  This  is  therefore  to  certify  that  there 
was  no  fuch  difference  between  her  and  me,  and  that  I  believe 
her  being  out  fo  much  in  her  part,  was  owing  to  her  not  getting 
the  part  in  time.  (Signed)    -        Thomas  Kean." 

The  number  of  tickets  issued  on  this  occasion  would  clearly 
indicate  the  capacity  of  the  house,  if  it  were  certain  how 
many  were  comprised  in  the  boxes,  but  it  is  a  reasonable 
supposition  that  more  than  ten  seats  were  included  under  that 
designation.  The  benefits  of  Mr.  Tremain,  Mr.  Scott,  Mrs. 
Taylor,  Miss  Osborn,  and  Mr.  Woodkam  follow  successively 
without  producing  any  new  piece,  except  the  farce  of  "  Da- 
mon and  Phillida." 

February  25th,  Mrs.  Taylor  advertises  a  second  benefit  with 
"  Richard  3d,"  "  Damon  and  Phillida,"  and  the  Dialogue  of 
"  Jocky  and  Jenny,"  to  be  sung  by  herself  and  Mr.  Woodham. 

Her  bill  has  the  following  : — N.  B.  "  As  there  was  not  much 
company  at  c  Love  for  Love'  (the  play  performed  for  her  previous 
benefit)  the  Managers  took  the  profit  arifing  by  that  night  to  them- 
felves,  and  gave  Mrs.  Taylor  another  benefit,  who  hopes  the 
Ladies  and  Gentlemen  that  favoured  the  other  benefits  will  be  fo 
kind  as  to  favour  her  with  their  company." 

Miss  Nancy  George  had  her  name  up  for  a  benefit  on  the 
4th  of  March,  which  being  "attended  with  bad  weather  and 
other  disappointments,  the  company  took  that  night  to  them- 
selves, and  agreed  to  give  her  a  benefit  on  the  11th,"  when 
the  "  Orphan"  and  the  "  Mock  Doctor"  were  presented  for  the 
last  time.  March  18th,  it  is  stated  that  "  the  Bad  Weather 
prevented  playing  last  week,  therefore  this  evening  will  be 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


7 


presented  for  the  last  time,  the  1  Fair  Penitent'  and  the  '  Ly- 
ing Valet.'  "  March  25th  and  April  1st,  the  comedy  of  the 
"Committee."  Monday,  April  22d,  the  "Busy  Body"  and 
"Virgin  Unmasked."  The  following  announcement  is  from 
the  paper  of  the  same  date : 

"  Mr.  Kean  bv  the  advice  of  feveral  gentlemen  in  town  who 
are  his  friends,  having  refolved  to  quit  the  ftage  and  follow  his 
emplovment  of  writing,  (wherein  he  hopes  for  encouragement) 
and  Mr.  Murray  having  agreed  to  give  him  a  night  clear  of  all 
expenfes  for  his  half  of  the  Cloaths,  Scenes,  Sec — belonging  to  the 
Play  Houfe,  it  is  refolved  for  the  benefit  of  faid  Kean,  by  his 
Excellency's  permiilion  on  Monday,  the  29th  of  this  month, 
will  be  performed  1  King  Richard  3d' — the  part  of  Richard  to 
be  performed  by  Mr.  Kean,  being  the  laft  time  of  his  appearing 
on  the  ftage.  To  this  tragedv  will  be  added  a  farce  called  the 
1  Beau  in  the  Suds.'  " 

The  performance  on  the  29th,  however,  was  changed  to  the 
"Busy  Body"  and  the  "Virgin  Unmasked,"  with  the  cele- 
brated ode  "  Britons'  Charter,"  sung  by  Mr.  Woodham. 

"  As  this  will  poiitivelv  be  the  laft  time  of  Mr.  Kean's  ap- 
pearing upon  the  ftage,  he  honeftlv  hopes  all  gentlemen  and 
ladies,  and  others,  who  are  his  well-wifhers,  will  be  fo  kind  as  to 
favour  him  with  their  Companv." 

In  the  summer  of  1752,  Kean  had  resumed  his  position  on 
the  stage,  and  was  playing  with  Murray,  Scott,  and  Miss  Os- 
born,  at  Annapolis,  Md. 

Monday,  May  6th,  "  Sir  Harry  Wildair,"  being  the  sequel  to 
the  "Trip  to  the  Jubilee,"  with  "  Damon  and Phillida,"  for  the 
benefit  of  Master  Dickey  Murray,  "  who  humbly  hopes  that  the 
ladies  and  gentlemen  will  be  so  kind  as  to  favour  him  with 
their  Company."  May  13th,  Messrs.  Tremain  and  Scott's  bene- 
fit—the "Beggars'  Opera"  and  "Virgin  Unmasked." 

N.  B.  If  any  Lady  or  Gentleman  has  the  farce,  called  the 
J  Intriguing  Chambermaid,'  and  will  lend  it  awhile  to  the  Play- 
ers, it  will  be  gratefully  acknowledged." 

May  20th,  Mr.  Woodham's  benefit — the  "  Busy  Body"  and 
"Hob  in  the  Well." 

June  3d,  Mrs.  Taylor  and  Miss  Osborn's  benefit — the  "Dis- 
trest  Mother5'  and  the  "  Walking  Statue,  or,  the  Devil  in  the 
Wine  Cellar." 


8 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


June  ioth,  benefit  of  Mr.  Jago,  u  Who  humbly  hopes  that  all 
ladies  and  gentlemen  will  be  fo  kind  as  to  favour  him  with  their 
Company,  as  he  never  had  a  benefit  before,  and  is  juft  out  of  pri- 
fon." 

He  had  probably  been  incarcerated  for  debt,  that  being 

accounted  a  crime,  and  punishable  as  such  in  those  days. 

His  play  was  the  "  Distrest  Mother." 

"On  Thurfdav  evening  next,  June  13th,  will  be  performed 
the  Tragedy  of  c  George  Barnwell,'  to  which  will  be  added  the 
1  Devil  on  two  Sticks,'  for  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Davis,  who  hopes 
as  the  plav  is  granted  to  enable  her  to  buv  off  her  time,  that  the 
Ladies  and  Gentlemen  who  are  charitably  inclined  will  favour 
her  benefit,  and  their  humble  petitioner  as  in  duty  bound  mail 
ever  pray." 

Long  before  this  time,  and  for  more  than  thirty  years  after, 
it  was  a  common  custom  for  captains  of  vessels  to  bring  over 
poor  immigrants,  and  sell  them  on  arrival  for  limited  periods 
to  those  who  would  advance  the  money  for  their  passages. 
They  were  called  Redemptioners,  and  by  agreement  with 
their  purchasers  frequently  earned  sufficient  means  to  buy 
their  time  previous  to  its  expiration.  Mrs.  Davis  no  doubt 
belonged  to  this  class,  of  whom  many  became  the  parents  of 
aristocratic  families  north  and  south. 

Monday,  June  17th,  for  the  benefit  of  widow  Ofborn.  The 
"Diftreft  Mother,"  and  "  Beau  in  the  Suds." 

"  As  'tis  the  firft  time  this  Poor  Widow  has  had  a  benefit, 
and  having  met  with  divers  late  hardmips  and  misfortunes,  'tis 
hoped  all  charitable,  benevolent  Ladies,  and  others,  will  favour 
her  with  their  company." 

Thursday,  20th,  Mrs.  Leigh's  benefit. 

Monday,  July  8th,  Mr.  Smith's  benefit — the  "  Recruiting 
Officer "  and  "  Damon  and  Phillida,"  being  the  last  time  of 
acting  in  this  town. 

Although  Dunlap  does  not  deign  to  acknowledge  this  com- 
pany of  comedians,  he  must  have  been  aware  of  its  existence, 
for  in  speaking  of  Philadelphia,  he  says,  "  As  early  as  1749, 
it  is  on  record  that  the  Magistracy  of  the  City  had  been  dis- 
turbed by  some  idle  young,  men  perpetrating  the  murder  of 
sundry  plays  in  the  skirts  of  the  town,  but  the  culprits  had 
been  arrested,  and  bound  over  to  their  good  behaviour,  after 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


9 


confessing  their  crime,  and  promising  to  spare  the  poor  poets 
for  the  future." 

This  was,  doubtless,  the  company  of  Murray  and  Kean,  who 
came  from  Philadelphia  to  New  York,  and  which  he  con- 
siders of  too  low  a  grade  to  again  notice.  But  the  censures 
of  the  Philadelphia  Magistrates  should  not  have  weighed 
with  one  who  knew  that  in  Great  Britain  all  traveling  act- 
ors, however  eminent  their  talent,  were  but  vagabonds  in 
the  eyes  of  the  law.  It  is  not  probable  that  these  pioneer 
Thespians  were  highly  distinguished  in  their  profession,  but 
that  they  were  entirely  devoid  of  merit  can  scarcely  be  sup- 
posed, as  on  several  occasions  we  hear  of  their  being  honored 
with  overflowing  audiences ;  and  that  they  were  generally 
well  patronized  is  shown  from  their  playing  from  March  5th, 
1750,  to  July  8th,  1751,  with  the  exception  of  six  weeks  in 
the  summer  of  the  former  year.  A  traveling  company  of 
superior  grade  can  now  (1866)  rarely  secure  a  season  exceed- 
ing a  fortnight  in  a  town  of  ten  thousand  inhabitants. 

In  point  of  numbers,  they  were  sufficient  for  the  perform- 
ance of  all  ordinary  plays,  as  may  be  seen  by  the  list  of  names, 
viz.,  Murray,  Kean,  Tremain,  Woodham,  Jago,  Scott,  Leigh, 
Smith,  Moore,  Marks,  Master  Murray,  Miss  Osborn,  Miss 
George,  Mrs.  Taylor,  Mrs.  Osborn,  Mrs.  Leigh,  Mrs.  Davis, 
and  perhaps  others,  for  these  are  only  those  announced  for 
benefits.  In  fact,  they  are  clearly  entitled  to  the  honor  (if 
honor  it  be)  of  being  the  first  of  whom  we  have  any  vestige 
of  information,  to  introduce  the  acted  drama  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  and  the  names  of  Murray  and  Kean  stand  at  the 
head  of  the  list  of  American  Theatrical  Managers. 

At  the  conclusion  of  their  season,  the  company  perhaps  dis- 
banded, for  on  the  26th  of  August,  1751,  the  following  adver- 
tisement appeared  in  the  Postboy : 

"  John  Tremain  having  declined  the  Stage,  propofes  to  follow 
his  bufinefs  of  Cabinet  Maker,  and  at  the  houfe  of  Mr.  Norwood 
near  the  Long  Bridge,  all  gentlemen  and  others  may  be  fupplied 
at  the  cheaper!  rates." 

This  determination  did  not  long  continue,  for  he  is  found 

treading  the  boards  again  a  few  months  later. 

2 


10 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


The  next  Manager  who  appeared  was  Robert  Upton,  whose 
treachery  to  his  employers  was  justly  though  unwittingly 
punished  by  the  neglect  of  the  public.  The  following  ad- 
vertisement, on  Monday,  December  23d,  1751,  was  the  prelude 
to  his  first  appearance  : 

"  By  his  Excellency's  Permiffion,  on  Thurfday  Evening  next 
(December  26th)  at  the  Theatre  in  Naffau  St.,  will  be  prelented 
by  a  new  Company  of  Comedians,  a  Tragedy  called  4  Othello, 
Moor  of  Venice,'  to  which  will  be  added,  a  Dramatick  Enter- 
tainment wrote  by  the  celebrated  Mr.  Garrick,  called  4  Lethe.'  " 

"  Boxes  5  millings.    Pit  4  (hillings.    Gallery  2  millings." 

Monday,  Dec.  80th,  the  same  bill. 

January  6th,  1752,  the  "  Provoked  Husband,"  and  "  Lethe." 
«     13th,  the  "Fair  Penitent"  and  "Miller  of  Mans- 
field," with  the  following  N.  B. : 

"  Mr.  Upton  to  his  great  difappointment  not  meeting  with  en- 
couragement enough  to  fupport  his  Company  for  the  feafon,  in- 
tends to  fhorten  it  by  performing  5  or  6  plays  only,  for  benefits, 
and  begins  with  Jiis  own  on  Monday,  20th  inft.  His  play  is  a 
celebrated  Comedy  called  '  Tunbridge  W alks,'  or  the  1  Yeoman 
of  Kent,' — his  Entertainment,  the  1  Lying  Valet  :'  and  as  hitherto 
encouragement  has  been  little,  hopes  the  gentlemen  and  ladies 
will  favour  him  that  night. 

"  As  Mr.  Upton  is  an  abfolute  Granger,  if  in  his  application  he 
mould  have  omitted  any  Gentleman  or  Lady's  Houfe  or  Lodging, 
he  humbly  hopes  they'll  impute  it  to  want  of  information,  not  of 
refpea." 

The  custom  at  the  time  was  for  a  beneficiary  to  wait  upon 
all  patrons  of  the  theatre  and  solicit  their  attendance  on  his 
particular  night. 

January  23d,  1752,  Mr.  Tremain's  benefit.—"  Richard  3d," 
by  Mr.  Upton,  and  "  Lethe."  Tickets  of  Mr.  Tremain.  at  his 
lodgings  in  Wyncoop  Street,  near  the  Long  Bridge. 

Wyncoop  Street  is  the  present  Bridge  Street,  so  called  from 
the  circumstance  of  a  bridge  existing  for  many  years  in  Broad 
Street,  over  running  water,  at  the  junction  of  the  two  streets. 

February  17th,  Benefit  of  the  poor  Widow  Osborn. — 
"  Richard  3d,"  and  "  Sir  John  Cockle  at  Court." 

February  20th. — 44  Abfolutely  the  laft  time  of  performing  here, 
for  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Upton,  a  Tragedy  never  played  here, 
called  4  Venice  Preferved,' — and  '  Mifs  in  her  teens/  with  Mufick 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


11 


and  Dancing  between  the  acts.  N.  B.  The  company  affaire  the 
publick  they  are  perfect,  and  hope  to  perform  to  fatisfaction." 

Notwithstanding  the  above  announcement,  the  theatre  must 
have  remained  open,  for  on  the  2d  of  March  appeared  the  fol- 
lowing : 

"  The  plav  for  this  night  as  ufual,  and  on  Wednefday  (4th), 
which  will  certainly  be  the  laft  night  of  attempting  to  perform 
here,  (the  vefTel  in  which  Mr.  Upton  goes,  failing  the  latter  part 
of  the  week,)  will  be  acted  the  c  Fair  Penitent,'  and  the  6  Honeft 
Yorkfhireman,'  the  part  of  Lavinia  to  be  attempted  bv  Mrs. 
Tremain,  and  a  farewell  epilogue,  adapted  to  the  occafion,  by 
Mr.  Upton." 

The  character  of  this  Mr.  Upton  will  be  more  clearly  dis- 
played in  a  communication  which  will  shortly  follow,  in 
which  his  name  figures  in  a  conspicuous  but  most  unen- 
viable light.  His  company,  besides  himself  and  wife,  appears 
to  have  been  composed  of  the  remnants  of  his  predecessors',  and 
not  to  have  given  "  satisfaction."    His  after  life  is  unknown. 

From  the  preceding  records,  it  will  be  seen  that  up  to  this 
period  there  had  been  represented  in  New  York  no  less  than 
twenty  plays,  and  fifteen  farces. 

The  first  series,  under  Murray  and  Kean,  included  "Rich- 
ard 3d,"  "Cato,"  "  George  Barnwell,"  "Fair  Penitent,"  "Dis- 
trest  Mother,"  "  Orphan,"  "  Spanish  Friar,"  "  Beaux  Strata- 
gem," "  Love  for  Love,"  "  Amphitryon,"  "  Committee,"  "  Bold 
Stroke  for  a  Wife,"  "  Busy  Body,"  "  Sir  Harry  Wildair,"  "  Re- 
cruiting Officer,"  "  Beggars'  Opera,"  "  Beau  in  the  Suds," 
"Mock  Doctor,"  "Stage  Coach,"  "Devil  to  Pay,"  "Miss  in 
her  teens,"  "  Damon  and  Phillida,"  "  Lying  Yalet,"  "  Virgin 
Unmasked,"  "Hob  in  the  Well,"  "Walking  Statue,"  and 
"  Devil  on  two  Sticks." 

Under  Upton's  management,  several  of  the  above  were  re- 
peated, with  the  addition  of  "Othello,"  "Venice  Preserved," 
"  Provoked  Husband,"  "  Tunbridge  Walks,"  " Lethe,"  "Miller 
of  Mansfield,"  "  Honest  Yorkshireman,"  and  "  Sir  John  Cockle 
at  Court." 

Shakspeare's  tragedy  of  "Richard  3d"  is  the  first  play 
known  to  have  been  acted  in  New  York,  and  Thomas  Kean 


12 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


is  the  first  known  representative  here  of  the  crook-backed 
usurper.  Dryden's  "  Spanish  Friar"  is  the  first  comedy  per- 
formed here  ;  Gay's  "  Beggars'  Opera"  the  first  musical  drama, 
and  Coffey's  "  Beau  in  the  Suds"  (called  in  London  the  "  Fe- 
male Parson")  the  first  farce. 


Note. — Bernard,  in  his  posthumous  papers,  entitled  the  "  Early  Days  of  the 
American  Stage,''  asserts  that  Moody,  afterwards  the  celebrated  representative  of 
Irish  character,  was  its  actual  founder,  in  the  Island  of  Jamaica,  W.  I.  Being 
there  in  1745,  he  joined  a  company  of  amateurs,  and  proposed  the  establishment 
of  a  regular  theatre,  which  being  acceded  to,  he  returned  to  England,  secured  a 
number  of  actors,  whose  names  have  not  transpired,  and  in  the  following  winter 
opened  the  first  temple  to  Thespis  reared  in  the  colonies.  In  the  course  of  four 
years  he  amassed  a  small  fortune,  but,  Lis  company  having  become  thinned,  he 
again  returned  to  England  for  recruits,  when  he  received  an  offer  from  Garrick  for 
Drury  Lane,  which  changed  his  intention  of  settling  in  America.  He  had,  how- 
ever, already  engaged  a  company,  consisting  of  Douglass,  Morris,  Kershaw, 
Smith,  Daniels,  and  their  wives,  with  a  Miss  Hamilton  for  leading  actress,  who 
carried  out  his  original  plan,  and  reached  Jamaica  in  1751,  being  the  second 
professional  troupe  that  crossed  the  Atlantic,  and  the  first  of  which  there  exists 
any  personal  record. 

The  report  of  Moody's  great  success  induced  the  formation  of  Hallam's  com- 
pany for  the  continental  colonies,  and  its  ultimate  transfer  to  Jamaica  in  1754-5, 
where  the  two  companies  wisely  joined  their  strength,  instead  of  wasting  it  in 
opposition.  Douglass,  subsequently  marrying  the  widow  of  Hallam,  became  the 
leading  shareholder  of  the  concern,  and  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morris,  and  its  other 
members,  came  to  New  York  in  1759.  Bernard  gives  Mr.  Morris  as  his  authority 
for  this  statement,  and  it  is  no  doubt  a  reliable  one. 


DAVID  GARRICK 

F rom  an  original  painting  by  Robert  Edge  Pine 


CHAPTER  II. 


NASSAU  STREET  THEATRE,  A.  D.  1753.  HALLAM's  COMPANY. 

FO  R  more  than  a  year  the  Dramatic  Throne  of  New 
York  appears  to  have  been  unoccupied  ;  but  in 
June,  1753,  Hallam's  company,  which  had  played 
with  great  success  in  Virginia,  arrived  here,  and  on  the  mana- 
ger attempting  to  sway  the  sceptre,  met  with  an  opposition 
as  strong  as  unexpected,  and  was  denied  permission  to  per- 
form. 

Mr.  Lewis  Hallam  and  his  coadjutors  tell  their  own  story 

so  plainly  in  Gaine's  New  York  Mercury  of  July  2d,  1753, 

that  we  extract  it  bodily. 

44  The  Cafe  of  the  London  Company  of  Comedians,  lately 
arrived  from  Virginia,  humbly  fubmitted  to  the  Confideration  of 
the  Publick  ;  whole  fervants  they  are,  and  whole  protection  they 
intreat. 

"  As  our  Expedition  to  New  York  feems  likely  to  be  attended 
with  a  very  fatal  Confequence,  and  ourfelves  haplv  cenfured  for 
undertaking  it  without  aflurance  of  fuccefs, — We  beg  leave 
humbly  to  lav  a  true  ftate  of  our  cafe  before  the  worthy  inhabit- 
ants of  this  city  ;  if  poffible  endeavour  to  remove  thofe  great 
obftacles  which  at  prefent  lie  before  us,  and  give  very  fufficient 
reafons  for  our  appearance  in  this  part  of  the  world  where  we  all 
had  the  molt  fanguine  hopes  of  meeting  a  very  different  recep- 
tion ;  little  imagining  that  in  a  City — to  all  appearance  fo  polite 
as  this,  the  Mules  would  be  banilhed,  the  works  of  the  immortal 
Shakefpeare  and  others,  the  greatelt  geniufes  England  ever  pro- 
duced, deny'd  admittance  among  them,  and  the  inltructive  and 
elegant  entertainment  of  the  Stage  utterly  protefted  againit  : 
when  without  boaltino-  we  may  venture  to  affirm  that  we  are 
capable  of  fupporting  its  dignity  with  proper  decorum  and  regu- 
larity. 

44  In  the  infancy  of  this  fcheme  it  was  propofed   to  Mr. 


14 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


William  Hallam,  now  of  London,  to  collect  a  Company  of 
Comedians  and  fend  them  to  New  York  and  other  colonies 
of  America.  Accordingly  he  aflented  and  was  at  vaft  ex- 
pence  to  procure  Scenes,  Cloaths,  People,  &c,  &c,  and 
in  October,  1750,  fent  out  to  this  place  Mr.  Robert  Upton 
in  order  to  obtain  permiflion  to  perform,  erect  a  building  and 
fettle  everything  againft  our  arrival  ;  for  which  fervice  Mr. 
Hallam  advanced  no  inconfiderable  fum.  But  Mr.  Upton 
on  his  arrival  found  here  that  fett  of  pretenders  with  whom 
he  joined,  and  unhappily  for  us  quite  neglected  the  bufinefs 
he  was  fent  about  from  England ;  for  we  never  heard  from 
him  after. 

"  Being  thus  deceived  by  him,  the  company  was  at  a  ftand 
till  April,  1752,  when  by  the  perfuafion  of  feveral  gentlemen 
in  London,  and  Virginia  Captains,  we  fet  fail  on  board  of  Mr. 
William  Lee  (Mafter  of  the  fhip  '  Charming  Sallv')  and  ar- 
rived after  a  very  expenfive  and  tedious  voyage  at  York 
River,  on  the  28th  of  June  following,  where  we  obtained 
leave  of  his  Excellency  the  Governor,  and  performed  with 
univerfal  applaufe  and  met  with  the  greater!:  encouragement ; 
for  which  we  are  bound  by  the  ftrongeft  obligations  to  ac- 
knowledge the  many  and  repeated  inftances  of  their  fpirit 
and  generofity. 

"  We  were  there  Eleven  Months  before  we  thought  of  re- 
moving, and  then  alking  advice  we  were  again  perfuaded  to  come 
to  New  York,  by  feveral  gentlemen  whole  names  we  can  men- 
tion, but  do  not  think  proper  to  publifh.  They  told  us  we 
mould  not  fail  of  a  genteel  and  favourable  reception — that  the 
Inhabitants  were  generous  and  polite — naturally  fond  of  Diver- 
fions  rational,  particularly  thofe  of  the  Theatre  :  nay  they  even 
told  us  that  there  was  a  very  fine  Play  Houfe  building  and  that 
we  were  really  expected. 

"  This  was  encouragement  fumcient  for  us  as  we  thought, 
and  we  came  firmly  allured  of  fuccefs  :  but  how  far  our  expecta- 
tions are  anfwered,  we  mall  leave  to  the  Candid  to  determine, 
and  only  beg  leave  to  add,  That  as  we  are  People  of  no  Eftates, 
it  cannot  be  fuppofed  we  have  a  Fund  fumcient  to  bear  up 
againft  fuch  unexpected  Repulfes.  A  Journey  by  Sea  and 
Land,  Five  Hundred  Miles  is  not  undertaken  without  money. 
Therefore  if  the  worthy  Magiftrates  would  confider  this  in 
our  Favour,  that  it  would  rather  turn  out  a  Publick  Ad- 
vantage and  Pleafure,  than  a  Private  Injury,  They  would, 
we  make  no  doubt  grant  us  permiflion  and  give  us  an  op- 
portunity to  convince  them  'that  we  were  not  caft  in  the 
fame  mould  with  our  Theatrical"  PredecefTors  ;  or  that  in 
Private  Life  or  Publick  Occupation  we  have  the  leaft  affinity 
to  them." 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


15 


The  company  brought  with  them  a  certificate  from  Gov- 
ernor Dinwiddie,  of  Virginia,  recommending  them  as  come- 
dians, and  testifying  to  the  propriety  of  their  behavior  as 
men.  This  testimonial  was  probably  well  deserved,  for  no 
printed  document  or  traditional  report  has  ever  impeached 
their  personal  characters ;  and  in  professional  skill  they  no 
doubt  could  be  classed  with  the  best  provincial  companies  of 
England.  Several  of  the  corps  had  occupied  respectable 
positions  on  the  London  stage. 

Edward  Holland  was  still  Mayor  of  New  York,  and  Ad- 
miral Clinton  still  nominally  Governor,  although  he  had 
sent  in  his  resignation.  The  Cit}>-  Council  had  strenuously 
opposed  the  licensing  of  the  new  company,  but  Governor 
Clinton  probably  yielded  to  the  solicitation  of  Hallam, 
backed  by  some  gentlemen  of  influence,  and  accorded 
him  the  necessary  permission  to  perform;  for  we  can  hardly 
suppose  it  was  the  act  of  his  unfortunate  successor,  Sir  Dan- 
vers  Osborn,  who  arrived  from  England  on  the  7th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1753,  took  the  oath  of  office  on  the  12th,  and  was 
found  lifeless  by  his  own  hand  on  the  13th ;  or  that  of  Lieut. 
Gov.  De  Lancey,  on  whom  the  duties  of  the  office  thereafter 
devolved.  Be  this  as  it  may — in  the  Mercury  of  the  17th 
September  appeared  the  following  notice : 

"  The  Company  of  Comedians  who  arrived  here  the  paft 
Summer,  having  obtained  permiffion  from  proper  authority  to 
act,  have  built  a  very  fine,  large  and  commodious  New  Theatre 
in  the  place  where  the  old  one  flood,  and  having  got  it  in  good 
order  delign  to  begin  this  evening.  As  they  propofe  to  tarry 
here  but  a  ihort  time,  we  hear  they  delign  to  perform  three 
times  a  week." 

The  new  theatre  was  not  only  a  far  more  commodious  and 
convenient  structure  than  the  preceding,  but  was  furnished  in 
a  manner  every  way  superior  to  it,  in  scenery,  dresses,  and 
decorations.  It  is  greatly  to  be  regretted  that  no  drawing  or 
printed  description  exists  of  this  the  first  building  in  New 
York  erected  expressly  for  dramatic  representations.  The 
following  is  the  opening  bill : 


16 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


"  By  his  Excellency's  Authority. 

u  By  a  Company  of  Comedians  from  London,  at  the  New 
Theatre  in  Naflau  Street.  The  prefent  evening,  being  the 
17th  of  September  (1753)  will  be  prefented  a  Comedy,  by  Sir 
Richard  Steele,  called 

THE  CONSCIOUS  LOWERS. 
The  part  of  Young  Bevil  to  be  performed  by  Mr.  Rigby. 
The  part  of  Mr.  Sealand  to  be  performed  by  Mr.  Malone. 

Myrtle   by  Mr.  Clarkson. 

Sir  John  Bevil  Mr.  Bell. 

Cimberton  Mr.  Miller. 

Humphrey   ..........         Mr.  Adcock. 

Daniel   Mafter  Lewis  Hallam. 

And,  The  part  of  Tom  to  be  performed  by  Mr.  Singleton. 

The  part  of  Phillis  to  be  performed  by  Mrs.  Becceley. 

Mrs.  Sealand       .        .       .       .        .     '  .       by  Mrs.  Clarkson. 

Ifabella  Mrs.  Rigby. 

Lucinda       ........     Mifs  Hallam. 

And,  the  part  of  Indiana  to  be  performed  by  Mrs.  Hallam. 

To  which  will  be  added  the  Ballad  Farce,  called 
DAMON  AND  P  HILL  ID  A. 

Aegon    ...         .by  Mr.  Rigby. 

Corydon   Mr.  Clarkson. 

Cymon   Mr.  Miller. 

And,  the  part  of  Phillida  to  be  performed  by  Mrs.  Becceley. 

A  new  occafional  Prologue,  to  be  fpoken  by  Mr.  Rigby. 
An  Epilogue  (addreffed  to  the  Ladies),  by  Mrs.  Hallam. 

Prices. — Box,  8  millings.  Pit,  6  millings.  Gallery,  3  millings. 

No  perfon  whatever  to  be  admitted  behind  the  fcenes. 

N.  B. — Gentlemen  and  Ladies  that  choofe  tickets,  may  have 
them  at  the  new  Printing  Office  in  Beaver  Street.1 
To  begin  at  6  o'clock." 

William  Hallam,  the  originator  of  this  company,  had  been 
the  manager  of  the  theatre  in  Goodman's  Fields,  London, 
where,  in  17-A2,  he  succeeded  Giffard,  who  the  year  before 
had  there  introduced  Garrick  to  the  London  stage.  The  re- 
jected of  the  Theatres  Royal  created  an  excitement  so  in- 
tense, that  Fleetwood  (of  Drury  Lane)  was  glad  to  give  both 
Garrick  and  Giffard  an  engagement  for  the  next  season.  The 
loss  of  such  attraction  proved  fatal  to  the  new  manager  of 
Goodman's  Fields,  who,  in  1750,  found  himself  a  bankrupt. 


Damon  by  Mr.  Adcock. 

Areas   Mr.  Bell. 

Mopfus   Mr.  Hallam 


1  Office  of  the  Postboy.  Tickets  were  likewise  sold  by  Hugh  Gaine,  at  the  office  of  the 
Mercury,  in  Hanover  square. 


Garrick's  Birthplace 
Hereford 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


17 


The  winding  up  of  his  affairs,  however,  proved  so  satisfactory 
to  his  creditors,  that  they  not  only  released  a  portion  of  their 
claims  against  him,  but  presented  him  with  the  wardrobe 
and  other  theatrical  properties  of  the  establishment.  With 
this  capital  he  conceived  the  idea  of  sending  a  company  of 
players  to  the  colonies,  and  engaging  his  brother  Lewis  in 
the  scheme,  he  confided  its  entire  management  to  his  care, 
after  dispatching  the  heretofore  mentioned  Mr.  Upton  to 
prepare  the  way  for  their  reception. 

The  company  was  formed  on  the  sharing  plan,  and  con- 
sisted of  twelve  adult  individuals  and  the  three  children  of 
Lewis  Hallam.  The  shares  were  eighteen — each  adult  per- 
former being  entitled  to  one,  and  the  manager  one  in  addi- 
tion for  his  services  in  that  capacity,  and  one  for  his  three 
children,  and  each  shareholder  being  entitled  to  a  benefit 
night.  Four  shares  were  assigned  to  the  property,  from 
which  the  profits  of  the  speculation  were  to  be  realized  by 
the  originator  and  his  brother,  who  were  made  equal  partners 
in  the  scheme.  The  business  is  supposed  to  have  resulted 
very  favorably,  for,  in  1754,  William  Hallam  arrived  from 
England,  where  he  soon  returned  with  his  proportion  of  the 
profits  and  the  value  of  his  two  shares,  which  he  sold  to  his 
brother  Lewis  for  a  handsome  premium.  Thenceforward  his 
name  is  unconnected  with  the  American  stage.  Lewis  Hal- 
lam's  family  are  said  to  have  cleared  by  the  business  more 
than  £10,000,  all  of  which  was  lost  to  them  during  the  re- 
verses of  the  Revolution. 

William  and  Lewis  Hallam  were  brothers  of  Admiral  Hal- 
lam, R.  N.,  and  (with  another  brother,  George,  an  actor)  sons 
probably  of  Adam  Hallam,  an  old  and  well-known  performer, 
and  nephews  of  Thomas  Hallam,  of  Lincoln's  Inn  Fields,  who 
was  accidentally  killed  by  Macklin,  in  1735. 

Lewis  Hallam  and  wife  had  both  been  performers  at  Good- 
man's Fields — the  former  as  principal  low  comedian,  the  lat- 
ter as  a  leading  actress.  On  coming  to  America  they  brought 
with  them  a  daughter  of  fifteen,  and  two  sons — lads  of  twelve 
and  ten,  Lewis  and  Adam,  the  former  of  whom  was  after- 

3 


18 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


wards,  for  many  years,  the  most  prominent  and  favorite  actor 
in  America.  A  daughter,  six  years  old,  afterwards  the  cele- 
brated Mrs.  Mattocks,  was  left  in  London  in  care  of  her  aunt 
Barrington. 

Among  the  male  performers,  Mr.  Rigbywas  undoubtedly 
the  first  in  consequence.  He  led  the  company  in  tragedy 
and  high  comedy,  and  was  excellent  in  several  characters  of 
farce.  His  performance  of  the  French  Doctor,  in  "  The  Anato- 
mist," rendered  that  farce  the  most  attractive  one  on  their 
list  for  many  years,  and  the  younger  Lewis  Hallam  ascribed 
to  his  instructions  most  of  the  skill  which,  in  after  years,  ren- 
dered him  so  great  a  favorite.  Mr.  Rigby's  name  stands  to 
the  following  characters,  of  which  he  was  the  first  known 
representative  in  America,  viz. :  Romeo,  Lord  Hastings,  Earl 
of  Essex,  Beverly,  Horatio,  (Fair  Penitent)  Valentine,  (Love  for 
Love)  Lord  Morelove,  (Careless  Husband)  Colonel  Stand- 
ard, (Constant  Couple)  Lord  Grizzle,  &c.  He  also  played 
Richard  3d,  in  which  he  had  been  preceded  by  Kean 
and  Upton. 

Mr.  Hallam,  although  principal  comedian,  played  many 
serious  as  well  as  comic  old  men.  His  list  of  parts  included 
King-  Henry  6th,  Kent,  (Lear)  Gloster,  (Jane  Shore)  Ben,  (Love 
for  Love)  Sir  Amorous  Vainwit,  Launcelot  Gobbo,  Peachum, 
and  others. 

Mr.  Malone  was  probably  next  in  importance.  He  person- 
ated many  first-class  characters,  serious  and  comic,  including 
King  Lear,  Shylock,  Sciolto,  Sir  Sampson  Legend,  Alderman 
Smuggler,  Job  son,  &c. 

Mr.  Singleton  was  a  man  of  some  literary  talent,  being 
the  poet  as  well  as  the  light  comedian  of  the  corps.  To 
him  were  assigned  the  characters  of  Mercutio,  Lothario, 
Gratiano,  Lord  Foppington,  Sir  Harry  Wildair,  Colonel 
Careless,  Sharp,  Fribble,  Tattle,  Edgar,  Pyrrhus,  Stukely, 
Dumont,  &c. 

The  prologue  spoken  at  £he  opening  of  the  new  Theatre 
was  written  by  Mr.  Singleton  for  the  company's  debut  in 
Virginia,  and  was  thus  published  in  the  newspapers  of  1758: 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


19 


'*  To  this  New  World,  from  famed  Britannia's  shore, 
Through  boisterous  seas,  where  foaming  billows  roar, 
The  Muse,  who  Britons  charm'd  for  many  an  age, 
Now  sends  her  servants  forth  to  tread  your  stage ; 
Britain's  own  race,  though  far  removed,  to  show 
Patterns  of  every  virtue  they  should  know. 
Though  gloomy  minds  through  ignorance  may  rail, 
Yet  bold  examples  strike  where  languid  precepts  fail. 
The  world's  a  stage,  where  mankind  act  their  parts — 
The  stage  a  world,  to  show  their  various  arts  ; 
While  the  soul,  touched  by  Nature's  tenderest  laws. 
Has  all  her  passions  roused  in  Virtue's  cause. 
Reason  we  hear,  and  coolly  may  approve, 
But  all's  inactive  till  the  passions  move. 
Such  is  the  human  mind,  so  weak,  so  frail, 
"  Reason's  her  chart,  but  passion  is  her  gale." 
Then  raise  the  gale  to  waft  fair  Virtue  o'er 
The  sea  of  life,  where  Reason  points  the  shore. 
But  ah !  let  Reason  guide  the  course  along. 
Lest  Passion,  list'ning  to  some  siren's  song, 
Rush  on  the  rocks  of  Vice,  where  all  is  lost, 
And  shipwreck'd  Virtue  renders  up  the  ghost. 

"Too  oft,  we  own,  the  Stage,  with  dangerous  art, 
In  wanton  scenes  has  played  the  siren's  part. 
Yet  if  the  muse,  unfaithful  to  her  trust, 
Has  sometimes  stray'd  from  what  is  pure  and  just. 
Has  she  not  oft,  with  awful,  virtuous  rage. 
Struck  home  at  vice,  and  nobly  trod  the  stage  ? 
Made  tyrants  weep,  the  conscious  murderer  stand 
And  drop  the  dagger  from  his  trembling  hand  ? 
Then,  as  you  treat  a  favorite  fair's  mistake, 
Pray  spare  her  foibles  for  her  virtues'  sake, 
And  while  her  chastest  scenes  are  made  appear. 
(For  none  but  such  will  find  admittance  here.) 
The  Muse's  friends  we  hope  will  join  our  cause, 
And  crown  our  best  endeavors  with  applause." 

Mr.  Adcock  was  the  principal  vocalist;  he  played  the  sing- 
ing characters  of  Macheath,  Mercury,  Quaver,  Sir  John  Love- 
rule,  Damon,  &c,  and  was  made  generally  useful  in  other 
parts ;  indeed,  it  will  be  remarked  by  looking  over  the  casts 
of  the  pieces  performed,  how  every  individual  sunk  his  special 
claim  to  characters  for  the  general  good — the  leading  mem- 


20  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

bers  of  the  company  not  disdaining  to  assume  the  most  trivial 
when  necessary. 

Master  Lewis  Hallam,  who  performed  the  trifling  part 
of  Daniel  in  the  comedy,  was  the  eldest  son  of  the  manager, 
and  now  about  thirteen  years  of  age.  He  had  made  his  first 
appearance  on  the  stage  at  Williamsburg,  Va.,  on  the  occasion 
of  his  father's  opening  the  theatre  there,  Sept.  5th,  1752,  in 
the  character  of  Portia's  servant,  in  the  "  Merchant  of  Venice." 
He  was  unable  to  utter  the  single  line  he  had  to  speak,  but, 
bursting  into  tears,  walked  ingloriously  from  the  stage.  As 
he  acquired  confidence,  he  developed  great  versatility  of  talent, 
and  during  his  long  connection  with  the  American  stage, 
played  almost  every  character  of  importance,  in  all  the  plays 
of  that  period,  to  the  fullest  satisfaction  of  his  audience. 
Young  Hallam,  on  the  return  of  peace,  after  the  war  of  the 
Revolution,  was  the  first  to  wield  the  sceptre  of  theatrical 
management  in  this  city.  He  continued  an  interest  in  the 
direction  until  1797,  when  he  sold  out  to  Mr.  Dunlap,  and 
remained  thereafter  a  salaried  actor  only,  until  the  2d  of 
June,  1806,  when  he  made  his  last  appearance  in  New 
York. 

In  the  prime  of  life  he  was  slightly  above  the  middle  height, 
erect  and  thin,  but  strong,  vigorous  and  graceful— being  an 
accomplished  fencer  and  dancer.  A  slight  cast  in  one  eye, 
resulting  from  an  injury  in  his  youth,  although  scarcely  per- 
ceptible in  characters  of  tragedy  and  high  comedy,  materially 
heightened  the  expression  and  effect  of  his  features  in  hu- 
morous parts.  He  was  twice  married — once  in  early  life  to  a 
lady  in  the  West  Indies,  and  afterwards  to  Miss  Tuke,  a  young 
and  beautiful  girl,  whom  he  introduced  to  the  stage,  and  who 
became  well  known  in  New  York  as  Mrs.  Hallam.  He  died 
in  Philadelphia,  November  1st,  1808,  aged,  according  to  the 
date  of  his  birth,  as  given  by  himself  to  Mr.  Dunlap  68 — 
according  to  the  newspaper  notice  at  the  time,  72.  Although 
a  favorite  in  both  tragedy  and  comedy,  his  abilities  were  more 
conspicuously  shown  in  the  latter  department,  in  many  char- 
acters of  which  he  excelled  all  competitors — Mungo,  in  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


21 


"  Padlock,"  being  instanced  as  one  in  which  he  was  unrivaled 
till  death. 

Mrs.  Hallam,  his  mother,  who  afterwards  became  Mrs. 
Douglass,  is  described  as  a  woman  of  great  beauty  and  ele- 
gance, still  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  enabled  to  play  the 
youthful  heroines  of  tragedy  and  comedy  with  due  effect 
Far  superior  to  any  actress  who  had  preceded  her,  she  retained 
for  many  years  all  the  kind  feelings  of  the  public,  who  re- 
garded her  with  an  admiration  reaching  almost  to  idolatry. 
She  was  the  original  actress  in  New  York,  as  far  as  any 
printed  records  show,  of  Juliet,  Cordelia,  Portia,  Jane  Shore, 
Calista,  Mrs.  Beverly,  Lady  Betty  Modish,  Mrs.  Sullen,  Bisarre, 
and  many  other  leading  parts.  In  after  life  she  declined  into 
the  Duchess  of  York,  Mrs.  Heidleberg  and  Deborah  Woodcock. 
Mrs.  Douglass  died  in  Philadelphia,  in  1773. 

Mrs.  Becceley  was  the  singing  actress  and  soubrette  of  the 
company. 

Miss  Hallam  was  very  young,  so  the  juvenile  walking  ladies 
fell  to  her  share,  and  in  a  few  years  she  became  a  favorite 
songstress.  Her  progress  as  an  actress  was  slow,  for  though 
under  the  management  of  her  father  and  brother,  it  was  not 
until  1772  that  she  reached  the  dignity  of  leading  lady.  Miss 
Hallam  returned  to  England  in  1774,  and  is  thereafter  un- 
known to  the  American  stage. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clarkson,  Mrs.  Rigby,  Mr.  Bell,  and  Mr. 
Miller,  appear  to  have  had  no  distinguishing  merit. 

The  next  announcement  that  we  find,  is  for 

Sept.  24,  with  "  Tunbrido;e  Walks,"  a  comedv,  by  Thomas 
Baker  : 

Woodcock   Mr.  If  alone.  llillaria   Mrs.  Hallam. 

Reynard  Rigby  Hflinda   44  Beccelet. 

Capt.  Squib   44    Hallam.  Lucy   Miss  Hallam. 

Maideu   44    Sin<;leton.       Penelope   Mrs.  Clarkson. 

Loveworth   "    Miller.  |    Mrs.  Goodfellow  ...       44  Right. 

SiDging  and  Dancing,  by  Mrs.  Love  and  Mr.  BjDUR. 

Prices  reduced.  Boxes,  6  {hillings.  Pit,  5  millings.  Gallery, 
3  (hillings.  Money  will  likewife  be  taken  at  the  doors.  The 
Company  intend  to  play  on  Mondays,  Wednefdays,  and  Fri- 
days. 

(Signed)  Lewis  Hallam. 


22 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mr.  Hulett  had  been  an  apprentice  to  William  Hallam,  and 
belonged  to  the  Company  as  dancer  and  violinist.  He  was  for 
many  years  after  a  teacher  of  dancing  in  this  city. 

Oct.  ift,  The  Conftant  Couple; 


Sir  Harry  Wildair 
Col.  Standard. 
Alderman  Smuggler 
Clincher.  Sr.  .  . 
Clincher,  Jr.  . 
Vizara  .... 
Tom  Errand    .  . 


Singleton. 

Rigbt. 

Malone. 

Hallam. 

Clarkson. 

Miller. 

Bell. 


Constable    .  . 
Dickey  . 
Lady  Lurewell . 
Lady  Darling  . 
Angelica. 
Parley 
Porter's  Wife 


Mr.  Adcock. 
Mast  L.  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Rigbt. 

"  Beccelet. 
Miss  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Clarkson. 


and 


The  Anatomift. 


Mons.  Le  Medecin 
Old  Gerald.    .  . 
Young  Gerald 
Crispin.     .     .  . 


Mr.  Rigbt. 
Clarkson. 
M  Adcock. 
"  Hallam 


Doctor's  Wife 
Angelica. 
Beatrice  . 
Maid .      .  . 


Oct.  8th, 
and 


The  Confcious  Lovers  ; 
The   Virgin  Unrhafked. 


Love  for  Love  ; 


Goodwill  Mr.  Clarkson.     i     Quaver  . 

Blister  "    Malone.  Wormwood 

Coupee  "    Singleton.    |     Lucy  .  . 

OcT:  22d, 

Sir  Sampson  Legend 
Valentine  . 

Tattle  

Scandal  

Ben  

Foresight  .... 


Mr. 


Malone. 

Rigbt. 

Singleton 

Bell. 

Hallam. 

Clarkson. 


Jeremy  . 
Nurse      .  . 
Angelica 
Mrs.  Frail 
Mrs.  Foresight 
\l  iss  Prue  . 


Mrs.  Rigbt. 

"  Beccelet. 

"  Hallam. 
Miss  Hallam. 


Mr.  Adcock. 

"  Miller. 
Miss  Hallam. 


Mr.  Miller. 

"  Adcock  ! 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Adcock. 

"  Riobt. 
Miss  Hallam. 


and   Tom    Thumb  ;  the  Tragedy  of   Tragedies,  by  Field- 


ing. 


Tom  Thumb 


King  Arthur  . 
Lord  Grizzle  . 
Noodle  .  .  . 
Doodle  . 


Mr.  Singleton. 
"  Rigbt. 
"  Miller 
"  Bell 


Bailiff  

Follower  .... 
Queen  Dollalolla  . 
Princess  Huncamunca 


Master  Adam  Hallam. 

.  .  .  Mr.  Clarkson. 
.    .    .  Malone. 

Hallam  ! 
Adcock  ! 


Mrs.  Adcock,  who  on  this  occasion  made  her  first  appear- 
ance as  Mrs.  Frail,  is  probably  entitled  to  rank  as  the  Second 
Lady  in  the  company.  She  played  heavy  tragedy,  second 
comedy  parts,  and  the  first  line  of  old  women. 

Master  Adam  Hallam  was  the  younger  son  of  the  manager. 
He  played  juvenile  parts  for  some  years,  and  in  1762  his  name 
stands  to  Scrub,  Benvolio,  Slango,  and  a  few  other  adult  char- 
acters, after  which  it  is  not  found  in  any  bill  that  we  have 
discovered. 


Oct.  29th, 

George  Barnwell  . 
Trueman  .... 
Thoroughgood  .  . 
Uncle  .... 


George  Barnwell ; 


Mr.  Bell. 

"  Rigbt. 

"  Malone. 

"  Adcock. 


Blunt    .  . 

Millwood  . 

Maria    .  . 

Lucy     .  . 


Mr.  Miller. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Beccelet. 

"  Adcock. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


23 


and 

Sharp     .  . 
Gayless  .  . 
Justice  Guttle 
Beau  Trippett 


Nov.  5th, 


The  Lying  Valet. 

Mr.  Singleton.  Mel>ssa  . 

M    Adcock.  Mrs.  Gadabout 

"    M alone.  Mrs.  Trippett 

"    Bell.  I     Kitty  Pry  .  . 

The  Diftreft  Mother; 


Mrs.  Adcock. 

44  Rioby. 

M  Clahkson. 
Miss  Hallam. 


Pyrrhus 
Orestes 
Pylades 
Phoenix 

and 


Hob   .  . 
Old  H..b  . 
Sir  Th-mas 
Friendly.  . 


Mr.  Singleton. 

'*  RlGBY. 

"  Bell. 

"  Clarkson. 


Hermione   Mrs.  Adcock. 

Andromache   ....  44  Hallam. 

Ceplii^a   "  Rigby. 

Cleone   Miss  Hallam. 


Flora,  or  Hob  in  the  Well. 


Hallam. 
Miller. 

Ckbkson. 
Adcock. 


!  Dick  .  .  . 
Flora  .  .  . 
Betty  .  .  . 
Hob's  Mother. 


Mast.  L.  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Becceley. 
Miss  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Clarkson. 


Nov.  1 2th,  by  particular  defire,  King  Richard  3d 


Richard 
Henry  6th 
Prince  of  Wales 
Duke  of  York 
Richmond 
Buckingham  . 
Norfolk    .  • 


Mr.  Rigby. 

'*  Hallam. 
Master  L.  Hallam. 

*'  A.  Hallam. 
Mr.  Clarkson. 

"  Malone. 

"  Miller. 


Lord  Stanley 
Catesby         .  . 
Lieutenant 
Queen  Elizabeth 
Lady  Anne  . 
Duchess  of  York 


and 


The  Devil  to  Pay. 


Sir  John  Loverule 
Jobson  .... 
Footman 
Coachman 


Mr.  Adcock. 
"  Malone. 

"  Singleton. 
'*  Rigby. 


Lady  Loverule 
Nell   .     .  . 
Lucy      .  . 
Lettice    .  . 


Nov.  19th, 


The  Beggars'  Opera. 


Macheath  .  . 
Peachum  . 

Lockit  .    .  . 

Filch  .  .  . 
Mat  0'  the  Mint 

Wat  Dreary  . 

Nov' 


Colonel  Careless 
Colonel  Blunt 
Mr.  Dav    .  . 
Abel  Day  .  . 
Obadiah 
Teague .    .  . 


Adcock. 
Hallam. 
Malone. 
Miller. 
Bell. 

Singleton. 


Nimming  Ned 
Moll  Brazen  . 
Polly  .  .  . 
Lucy  .  . 
Mrs  Peachum 
Jenny  Diver  ; 


26th, 


The  Committee. 


Mr. 


singleton. 

Bell. 

Malone. 

Clarkson. 

Miller. 

Hallam. 


Bailiff 
Mrs.  Day 
Ruth  . 
Arabella 
Mrs.  Chat 


Mr.  Singleton. 

"  Adcock. 

u  Bell. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Adcock. 

*'  Rigby. 


Mrs.  Adcock. 
"  Becceley. 
"  Love. 
"  Clarkson. 


Mr.  Hulett 

"  Clarkson. 
Mrs.  Becceley. 

44  Clarkson. 

"  Adcock. 

"  Love. 


Mr.  Adcock. 
Mrs.  Adcock. 

u  Hallam. 

"  Becceley. 

44  Clarkson. 


To  this  bill  was  appended  the  following : 

N.  B. — "  Gentlemen  and  Ladies  that  intend  to  favour  us 
with  their  company,  are  defired  to  come  by  Six  o'Clock, 
being  determined  to  keep  to  our  hour,  as  it  would  be  a  great 
inconvenience  to  them  to  be  kept  out  late,  and  as  a  means 
to  prevent  difappointment." 


Dec.  3d, 

Lord  Morelove  . 
Lord  Foppington 
Sir  Charlea  Easy 

and 

Mercury  .  .  . 
Charon  .... 
JEiop  .... 
Fine  Gentleman  . 
Old  Man   .    .  . 


The  Carelefs  Hufband  ; 


Mr.  Rigby. 
"  Singleton. 
"  Miller. 


Lady  K;;>y    .    .  . 
Lady  Graveairs 
Lady  Betty  Modish 
F.dging  .... 


Lethe. 


Mr. 


Adcock. 

Bell. 

1  larkson. 

Singleton. 

Malone. 


Frenchman  . 
Drunken  Man 
Tattoo     .  . 
Mrs.  Tattoo  . 
Fine  Lady  . 


Mrs.  Adcock. 

M  Becceley. 

"  Hallam. 
Miss  Hallam. 


Mr.  Rigby. 

44  Hallam. 

44  Miller. 
Mrs.  Adcock. 

44  Becceley. 


24 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Dec.  5th, 
and 


The  Committee ; 
Mifs  in  her  teens. 


Captain  Loveit. 
Captain  Flash  . 
Fribble  .  .  . 
Puff   .    .    .  . 


Mr.  Adcock. 

"  Clarkson. 

"  Singleton. 

"  Miller. 


Jasper  .... 
Miss  Biddy  Bellair 

Taj?  .    .    .    .  . 


Mr.  Rigby. 
Miss  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Adcock. 


Dec.  20th, 

Elder  Wouldbe. 
Younger  Wouldbe 
Richmore 
Trueman . 
Subtleman  . 
Balderdash  . 
Clearaccount 


The  Twin  Rivals. 


Rigby. 

Clarkson. 

Bell. 

Singleton. 

Miller. 

Malone. 

Adcock. 


Teague   Mr.  Hallam. 

Frizure   Mast.  L.  Hallam. 

Constance   Mrs.  Hallam. 

Aurelia   *'  Becceley. 

Mrs.  Midnight    ...       "  Adcock. 
Mrs.  Clearaccount  .  '*  Rigby. 

Maid  "  Clarkson. 


"  N.  B. — Nothing  under  full  price  will  be  taken  during  the 
whole  performance." 

It  had  probably  hitherto  been  the  custom  here,  as  it  had 
been  in  London,  and  still  continues  there,  to  receive  half- 
price  for  admission  at  a  certain  hour  of  the  evening,  com- 
mencing always  before  the  performance  of  the  afterpiece, 
and  sometimes  at  the  third  act  of  the  play. 


Jan.  7th,  1754,       The  Drummer. 


Sir  George  Trueman  . 

Tinsel  

Fantome  

Vellum  

Gardener  .... 


Mr.  Bell. 

"  Miller. 

u  Adcock. 

"  Malone. 

"  Hallam. 


Jan.  14th, 


King  Lear. 


Coachman  . 
Lutler  . 
Lady  Trueman 
Abigail  .    .  . 


Mr.  Singleton. 

"  Clarkson. 
Mrs.  Becceley. 

"  Adcock. 


Lear  Mr.  Malone. 


Kent .  . 
Gloster  . 
Edgar 
Edmund. 
Cornwall 
Albany  . 


Hallam. 
Bell. 

Singleton. 
Clarkson. 
Miller. 
Adcock. 


Burgundy  .         .    .    .  Mr.  Hulett. 

Usher  "  Rigby. 

Attendants   Masters  Hallam. 

Cordelia   Mrs.  Hallam. 

Regan  "  Adcock. 

Goneril  "  Becceley. 

Aranthe  "  Rigby. 


Jan.  2 1  ft, 

Colonel  Manly  .  .  . 
Courtwell  .  .  .  . 
Sir  Amorous  Vainwit 

Vulture  

Aspen   


Woman's  a  Riddle. 


Mr.  Bell. 


Singleton. 
Hallam. 
Rigby. 
Miller. 


Lady  Outside  ....  Mrs.  Hallam. 

Miranda   "  Adcock. 

Clarinda   "  Clarkson. 

Betty   "  Rigby. 

Necessary   Miss  Hallam. 


Jan.  28th, 


xMr.  Clarkfon's  Benefit. 
Romeo  and  Juliet. 


Romeo  . 
Mercutio 
Paris . 
Tibalt  . 
Capulet  . 
Montague 


Mr.  Rigby. 

Singleton. 
"  Adcock. 
"  Malone. 
"  Bell. 
"  Hallam. 


Friar  Lawrence            .  Mr.  Clarkson. 

Balthazar   Master  L.  Hallam. 

Peter   [omitted.] 

Juliet   Mrs.  Hallam. 

Lady  Capu'et  ....  "  Rigby. 

Nurse   "  Adcock. 


Feb.  4th, 


Mr.  Rigby's  Benefit. 
The  -  Gamefter. 


Beverly   Mr.  Rigby. 

Stukely   "  Singleton. 

Lewson   "  Miller. 

Jarvis   "  Hallam. 

Dawson  ....  "  Clarkson. 


Bates  . 
Mrs.  Beverly 
Charlotte 
Lucy    .  . 


Mr.  Bell. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Becceley. 

•'  Clarkson. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


25 


Feb.  nth, 


Essex     .  . 
Southampton 
Burleigh 
Raleigh .  . 


Feb.  i 8th, 


Mrs.  Becceley's  benefit. 
The  Earl  of  Eflex. 

Mr.  Riobt.            I     Lieutenant    ....  Mr.  Adcock. 

«•    Bra.                  Queen  Elisabeth.    .    .  Mrs.  Adcock. 

"   Singleton.          Countess  of  Rutland  M  Hallam. 

M    Miller.               Countess  of  Nottingham  "  Beocelet. 

Mr.  Miller's  benefit. 
The  Sufpicious  Hufband  ; 


Ranger  . 
StricUand  . 
Frankly 
Bellamy 
Jack  Meggott 
Tester  .  . 


Mr.  Miller. 

"  RlGBY. 

"  Singleton. 
M  Bell. 
"  Clarkson. 
Mast.  L.  Hallam. 


Buckle.    .  . 
Mrs.  Strictland 
Clarinda  . 
Lucetta 


Milliner 


Jacinths  Mrs.  Adcock 


Mr.  Adcock. 
Mrs.  Beccelet. 
M  Hallam. 
Miss  Hallam. 


Clarkson. 


ind. 


Harlequin 

Feb.  25th, 


Harlequin  Skeleton. 

Mrs.  Hallam's  benefit. 
The  Albion  Queens. 


Mr.  Rigbt. 


Norfolk  . 
Davison 
Morton 
Cecil.  . 


and, 


Mr.  Singleton. 
Rigbt. 
"  Miller. 
"  Bell. 


Gyfford  .  .  . 
Douglas 

Queen  Elizabeth. 
Marv  of  Scotland 


Mr.  Clarkson. 
Mast.  L.  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Adcock. 
"  Hallam. 


Hippifley's  Celebrated  Scene  of  the  Drunken  Man, 

By  Mr.  Hallam, 

The  Virgin  Unmafked. 


Lucy 


Miss  Hallam. 


March  4th,         Mrs.  Rigby's  benefit. 


Jane  Shore. 


Gloster. 
Hastings 
Dumont 
Belmour 


Mr. 


Hallam. 

Rigbt. 

Singleton. 

Bell. 


Catesby  . 
Katcliff 
Jane  Shore 
Alicia  . 


Mr.  Adcock. 

"  Miller. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Adcock. 


March  nth, 


and, 


Benefit  of  Mifs  Hallam  and  her  two  Brothers. 
Romeo  and  Juliet  ; 

The  Stage  Coach. 


Torlouph  Rawer  Macahone   Mr.  Hallam. 

Br  Nicodemus  Somebody   u  Miller. 

Captain  Basil.        .    .    Mr.  Bell.  i     Landlord   "  Singleton. 

Uncle  Michar  ....     "    Clarkson.  Isabella   Mrs.  Clarkson. 

Fetch  "    Rigby.  Dolly   Miss  Hallam. 

Jolt  "  Adcock. 

March  18th.       Laft  Night  of  the  Seafon. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Love's  benefit. 
The  Beggars'  Opera ;  and  Devil  to  pay. 

M  N.  B.  Lewis  Hallam,  comedian,  intending  for  Philadelphia, 
begs  the  favour  of  thofe  having  any  demands  upon  him  to  bring 
in  their  accounts  and  receive  their  money." 

The  benefits  of  Mr.  Hallam,  Mr.  Singleton,  Mr.  Malone,  Mrs. 

4 


26 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Adcock,  and  others,  probably  occurred  on  Wednesdays  or 
Fridays,  as  they  are  not  announced  in  the  Postboy,  which 
was  published  on  Mondays  only,  and  the  plays  for  that  even- 
ing are  alone  advertised.  The  comedy  of  "  Love  for  Love " 
was  given  one  night  for  the  benefit  of  the  Poor. 

We  have  given  the  casts  of  the  foregoing  plays  in  full,  not 
only  because  they  are  the  earliest  on  record  in  our  dramatic 
history,  but  for  the  purpose  of  clearly  showing  the  "  business  " 
assigned  to  the  different  members  of  the  company. 

After  the  conclusion  of  the  New  York  season,  which  lasted 
six  months,  Mr.  Hallam  visited  Philadelphia,  where,  as  in  New 
York,  his  speculation  resulted  most  prosperously.  He  went 
thence  with  his  company  to  the  West  Indies,  where  he  died 
in  the  Island  of  Jamaica,  about  1756.  His  widow  there  mar- 
ried David  Douglass,  "and  placed  him  on  the  theatrical 
throne  of  the  Western  hemisphere."  Mr.  Douglass  is  repre- 
sented to  have  been  by  birth  and  education  a  gentleman. 
He  continued  to  manage  the  company  until  the.  troubles 
preceding  the  Revolution,  and  last  visited  New  York  in 
1773.  He  finally  became  one  of  his  Majesty's  judges  in 
Jamaica,  where  he  died  universally  respected. 


CHAPTER  III. 


Cruger's  Wharf  Theatre,  A.  D.  1758 — Chapel,  or  Beekman  Street  Theatre, 

1761-6. 

H  E  Nassau  Street  Theatre  remained  unoccupied  for 
several  years,  and  on  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Douglass  in 
New  York,  in  1758,  was  found  converted  into  a 
place  of  worship.  Selecting  a  new  site  on  Cruger's  Wharf,  a 
block  of  buildings  projecting  into  the  East  River,  between 
what  are  now  known  as  Coenties  Slip  and  Old  Slip,  on  a  line 
with  the.present  Front  Street,  he  caused  a  building  suitable 
for  his  purpose  to  be  erected  thereon.  The  situation  was 
probably  not  an  eligible  one,  although  the  larger  part  of  the 
population,  which  did  not  yet  exceed  twelve  thousand  white 
inhabitants,  resided  east  of  Broadway  and  below  Beekman 
Street.  Saint  Paul's  Church  was  not  yet  built,  and  where 
is  now  the  Park  was  an  open  common. 

New  York  in  1756  had  but  one  Latin  school,  one  book- 
seller, and  but  two  houses  of  three  stories  in  height. 

Sir  Charles  Hardy  was  governor  at  this  time, — De  Lancey, 
lieutenant-governor, — and  John  Cruger,  Jr.,  mayor  of  the  city. 
Douglass  had  built  his  theatre  without  previously  obtaining 
the  sanction  of  the  gentlemen  in  power,  and  on  his  com- 
pany's arrival,  like  his  predecessor  Hallam,  was  at  first  re- 
fused a  license  to  act.  On  the  6th  of  November,  1758,  he 
published  a  statement  in  Gaine's  Mercury,  in  which  he  says, 
that  u  when  he  applied  for  permission  to  play,  he  had  met 
with  a  positive  and  absolute  denial ;  and  although  in  the 
humblest  manner  he  begged  to  be  indulged  in  acting  as 
many  plays  as  would  barely  defray  the  expense  of  coming  to 


28 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


the  city,  and  enable  them  to  proceed  to  another,  he  had  been 
peremptorily  refused.  Having  given  over  all  thoughts  of 
acting,  he  begs  leave  to  inform  the  public  that  in  a  few  days 
he  will  open  a  Histrionic  Academy,  of  which  notice  will  be 
given." 

This  being  considered  an  attempt  to  evade  the  prohibition 
of  the  magistrates  gave  so  much  offense  that,  on  the  11th  of 
December,  he  deemed  it  necessary  to  publish  the  following 
explanatory  statement: 

"  Whereas,  I  am  informed  that  an  advertifement  of  mine, 
which  appeared  fome  time  ago  in  this  paper,  giving  notice  that  I 
would  open  an  Hiftrionic  Academy,  has  been  underftood  by 
many  as  a  declaration  that  I  had  propofed  under  that  colour  to 
acl:  plays  without  the  confent  of  the  Magiftracy  ; 

"  This  is,  therefore,  to  inform  the  publick  that  fuch  a  conftruc- 
tion  was  quite  foreign  to  my  intent  and  meaning — that  fo  vain, 
fo  infolent  a  project  never  once  entered  my  head  ;  it  is  an  impu- 
tation on  my  underftanding  to  imagine  that  I  would  dare,  in  a 
publick  manner,  to  aim  an  affront  on  gentlemen  on  whom  I  am 
dependent  for  the  only  means  that  can  fave  us  from  utter  ruin. 

"  All  that  I  propofed  to  do  was  to  deliver  Diflertations  on 
Subjects,  Moral,  Instructive,  and  Entertaining,  and  to 
endeavour  to  qualify  fuch  as  would  favour  me  with  their  atr 
tendance — To  Speak  in  Publick  with  Propriety.  But  as 
fuch  an  undertaking  might  have  occafioned  an  Enquiry  into  my 
Capacity,  I  thought  the  Publick  would  treat  me  with  greater 
Eavour — when  they  were  informed  I  was  deprived  of  any  other 
means  of  getting  my  Bread,  nor  would  that  have  done  more 
than  barely  fupplied  our  prefent  Neceffities. 

"  The  expenfes  of  our  coming  here — Our  Living  fince  our  ar- 
rival, with  the  charge  of  Building,  &c.  (which,  let  me  obferve, 
we  had  engaged  for  before  we  had  any  Reafon  to  apprehend  a 
Denial),  amounted  to  a  fum  that  would  fwallow  up  the  profits 
of  a  great  many  nights  acting,  had  we  permiffion. 

"  I  (hall  conclude  with  humbly  hoping  that  thofe  Gentlemen 
who  have  entertained  an  ill  opinion  of  me  from  my  fuppofed 
Prefumption,  will  do  me  the  favour  to  believe  that  I  have  truly 
explained  the  advertifement,  and  that  I  am  to  them  and  the  Pub- 
lick 

"  A  very  humble  and  very  Devoted  Servant, 

"  David  Douglass." 

"Dec.  8th,  1758." 

Whether  this  tended  to  soften  the  hearts  or  change  the 
opinion  of  the  city  magistrates  or  not,  Mr.  Douglass  was 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


29 


finally  accorded  the  necessary  permission,  and  on  the  28th  of 
December,  1758,  the  first  performance  took  place  in  the 
Theatre  on  Cruger's  Wharf.  The  play  was  "Jane  Shore," 
with  Mrs.  Douglass  (formerly  Mrs.  Hallam)  as  the  unhappy 
heroine.  Gaine's  Mercury,  of  January  1st,  states  that  it  was 
"  acted  with  great  applause,  to  a  most  crowded  audience." 

We  have  not  been  able  to  procure  the  casts  of  the  plays 
during  this  season,  but  the  following  is  from  the  Mercury  of 
January  1st,  1759 : 

"  At  the  Theatre, 
On  Mr.  Cruger's  Wharf, 
This  prefent  Monday,  will  be  prefented  a  Comedy  written  by 
Captain  Farquhar,  called 

The  Inconstant,  or  the  Way  to  win  him  ; 
and  the  farce  of  the  Mock  Doctor. 

On  Wednefday,  3d  Inft.,  a  Tragedy,  called 

The  Orphan,  or  the  Unhappy  Marriage. 

On  P  riday,  the  5th,  the  Comic  Scenes  of 
The  Spanish  Fryar  ; 
With  entertainments  as  will  be  exprefied  in  the  bills.  Tickets 
to  be  had  at  the  Printing  Office  in  Hanover  Square,  at  the 
Coffee  Houfe,  and  at  the  Fountain  Tavern,  and  nowhere  elle. 

"  The  Doors  for  the  Gallery  will  be  opened  at  Four  O'clock, 
but  the  Pit  and  the  Boxes,  that  Ladies  may  be  well  accommo- 
dated with  feats — not  till  Five — and  the  Play  begins  precifely  at 
Six. 

"  Box,  8  millings.    Pit,  5  millings.    Gallery,  2  millings. 
"  N.  B. — No  more  tickets  will  be  given  out  than  the  Houle 
will  hold.    And  politively  no  money  taken  at  the  door." 

The  plays  that  followed  in  succession  were  the  "  Recruiting 
Officer,"  and  "  Lovers'  Quarrels  ;"  "  Othello ;"  "  Beaux  Strata- 
gem;" "Venice  Preserved,"  and  "  Stage  Coach;"  "Douglas," 
and  "Lethe;"  "Tamerlane;"  "the  Drummer;"  and  "Richard 
3d"  and  "Damon  and  Phillida  ;"  the  two  latter  on  the  evening 
of  February  7th, — "  being  positively  the  last  time  of  acting 
in  this  city  at  the  Theatre  on  Mr.  Cruger's  Wharf." 

We  have  no  knowledge  of  the  changes  that  had  occurred 
in  the  company  since  their  previous  visit,  save  that  Lewis 
Hallam,  Sr.,  was  dead;  and  that  Mr.  Douglass  and  young 
Lewis  Hallam,  now  eighteen  years  of  age,  each  took  a  prom- 
inent part  in  the  performances,  Mrs.  Douglass  being  still 


30 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


the  leading  lady.  Probably  Rigby  and  Singleton  were  no 
longer  connected  with  it,  as  young  Hallam  spoke  the  Pro- 
logue on  the  opening  night,  referring  to  which  Mr.  Doug- 
lass published  the  following  letter  to  the  editor  of  the  Mer- 
cury, of  January  8th : 

"  Sir, 

"  Be  pleafed  to  give  the  enclofed  Prologue  and  Epilogue 
fpoken  at  the  Opening  of  the  New  Theatre  in  this  City  a  place 
in  your  columns.  They  were  both  written  in  North  America, 
and  generoufly  fent  us  by  the  ingenious  author,  to  whom  we 
acknowledge  ourfelves  greatly  obliged,  and  as  we  cannot  im- 
agine the  difficulty  we  met  with  in  obtaining  liberty  to  acl:  here 
proceeded  from  any  ill  opinion  thofe  in  authority  had  of  a  well 
regulated  ftage,  but  rather  from  a  tender  regard  to  the  miftaken 
notions  of  others — we  humbly  beg  leave  to  embrace  this  oppor- 
tunity of  recommending  this  performance  to  the  candid  perufal 
of  fuch  unprejudiced  though,  we  doubt  not,  well-meaning  minds. 

"  They  will  be  found  we  imagine  on  examination,  to  contain 
a  fenfible,  elegant,  and  impartial  ftate  (ment)  of  the  true  nature 
and  ufe  of  Theatrical  Entertainments  which,  as  the  famous  Mr. 
Addifion  exprefles  it,  '  were  invented  for  the  accomplifhment 
and  refining  of  human  nature.' 

u  It  would  be  ungrateful  likewife  on  this  occafion  to  omit 
making  our  Thankful  acknowledgments  to  the  Town  for  the 
generous  Encouragement  given  much  beyond  our  merit  by  the 
crowded  Houfes  fince  we  began  to  perform  ;  but  if  the  alfidu- 
ous  endeavours  to  the  utmoft  of  our  abilities  to  pleafe,  can  make 
any  amends  for  our  deficiencies,  we  flatter  ourfelves  with  the 
kind  continuance  of  their  favours,  which  mail  ever  be  gratefully 
acknowledged,  by  Sir,  (in  the  name  of  the  Company) 
"  The  Town's  molt  obedient  Servant, 

"  D.  Douglass." 

The  prologue  was  the  one  originally  written  by  Mr.  Single- 
ton, and  spoken  by  Mr.  Rigby  at  the  opening  of  the  Nassau 
Street  Theatre,  in  1753.  The  epilogue,  Dunlap  supposes  to 
have  been  written  by  the  same  author,  and  was  delivered  on 
this  occasion  by  Mrs.  Douglass.  It  is  worthy  of  preservation, 
and  we  here  transcribe  it  as  printed  at  the  time : 

"  Much  has  been  said, -at  this  unlucky  time. 
To  prove  the  treading  of  the  stage  a  crime  ; 
Mistaken  zeal,  in  terms  oft  not  so  civil, 
Consigns  both  plays  and  players  to  the  devil ; 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Yet  wise  men  own  a  play,  well  chose,  may  teach 
Such  useful  morals  as  the  parsons  preach  ; — 
May  teach  the  heart  another's  grief  to  know, 
And  melt  the  soul  in  tears  of  generous  woe. 

So  when  the  unhappy  virtuous  fair  complains, 
In  Shakspeare,  Lee,  or  Otway's  dying  strains, 
The  narrowest  hearts  expanded  wide  appear. 
And  soft  Compassion  drops  the  pitying  tear. 

Or  would  you  warn  the  thoughtless  youth  to  shun 
Such  dangerous  arts,  which  numbers  have  undone, 
A  Barnwell's  fate  can  never  fail  to  move, 
And  strike  with  shame  and  terror  lawless  love. 
Then  plunged  in  ruin,  with  a  virtuous  wife, 
The  Gamester  weeps,  despairs,  and  ends  his  life. 
"When  Cato  bleeds  he  spends  his  latest  breath 
To  teach  the  love  of  country  strong  in  death. 
With  such  examples,  and  a  thousaDd  more, 
Of  god-like  men  who  lived  in  times  before. 
The  tragic  muse,  renewing  every  age, 
Makes  the  dead  heroes  tread  the  living  stage. 

But  when  to  social  gayety  inclined, 
Our  comic  muse  shall  feast  the  cheerful  mind, 
Fools  of  all  sorts,  and  fops,  a  brainless  crew, 
To  raise  your  mirth  we'll  summon  to  your  view  ; 
Make  each  pert  coxcomb  merry  with  his  brother, 
Whilst  knaves  concealed  shall  grin  at  one  another. 
'Tis  magic  ground  we  tread,  for  at  our  call 
Those  knights  appear  that  represent  you  all. 
Yet,  hold !  methinks  I  hear  some  snarler  cry, 
'  Pray,  madam,  why  so  partial — rat  me — why 
Don't  you  do  justice  on  your  own  sweet  sex — 
Are  there  no  prudes,  coquettes,  or  jilts  to  vex  ?' 
'Tis  granted  ;  vice  and  folly's  not  confined 
To  man  alone,  but  spreads  to  womankind. 
We  frankly  own — we  may  indeed  as  well — 
For  every  fluttering  beau  we've  an  affected  belle. 
Nor  has  dramatic  Satire's  candid  page 
Failed  to  chastise  them  justly  on  the  stage. 

Thus  human  life's  our  theme,  a  spacious  field, 
Which  the  soul's  noblest  entertainments  yield. 
By  men  of  worth  admired  from  ancient  time, 
Who  Nature's  picture  never  judged  a  crime  ; 


32 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


And  if  the  soul  in  Nature's  cause  we  move, 

Why  should  the  friends  of  Nature  disapprove  ? 

We  trust  they  do  not,  by  the  splendid  sight 

Of  sparkling  eyes  that  grace  our  scenes  to-night. 

Then  bravely  dare  to  assert  the  taste  you've  shown, 

Nor  be  ashamed  so  just  a  cause  to  own ; 

And  tell  our  foes  what  Shakspeare  said  of  old, 

(Our  Latin  motto  speaks  it,  I  am  told,) 

That  here  the  world  in  miniature  you  see, 

And  all  mankind  are  players  as  well  as  we." 

The  motto  on  the  proscenium  of  the  theatre  was  "  Totus 
Mundus  aget  Histrionem." 

After  the  Thespians  vacated  the  Cruger's  Wharf  Theatre, 
the  building,  which  was  probably  slight,  and  intended  only 
for  temporary  occupation,  was  taken  down,  and  its  site  oc- 
cupied for  other  purposes. 

In  the  beginning  of  August,  1761,  his  Honor  Lieutenant- 
Governor  Colden  was  pleased  to  give  Mr.  Douglass  permis- 
sion to  build  a  Theatre  to  perform  in  the  ensuing  winter. 
This  was  in  opposition  to  the  wishes  of  the  Assembty,  and  of 
the  Mayor,  (Cruger)  who  endeavored,  but  in  vain,  to  prevent 
theatrical  entertainments,  which  they  looked  upon  as  detri- 
mental to  good  morals.  The  new  Theatre  was  erected  on  the 
south-westerly  side  of  Beekman  Street,  then  called  Chappel 
Street,  (from  St.  George's  Chapel,  which  had  been  erected 
in  1752)  just  below  Nassau  Street,  at  a  cost  of  $1,625,  and 
was  calculated  to  hold  an  audience  of  $450.  The  value  of 
scenery  and  wardrobe  was  set  down  at  $1,000.  The  opposi- 
tion at  the  period  of  opening  was  so  great,  that  Mr.  Douglass 
was  at  first  allowed  a  season  of  only  two  months,  of  two 
nights  per  week,  or  sixteen  nights  in  all,  but  subsequently 
the  time  was  extended  and  covered  a  term  of  more  than  five 
months.  The  opening  took  place  on  Thursday,  the  19th  of 
November,  1761,  with  the  tragedy  of  the  "Fair  Penitent," 
and  the  farce  of  "  Lethe  and  was  followed  on  Monday,  the 
23d,  with  the  performance  of  the  comedy  of  the  "  Provoked 
Husband,"  which  drew  an  overflowing  audience.  For  the 
26th,  we  copy  the  original  bill,  one  of  which  is  yet  in  exist- 


HAMLET 

(Act  5,  Sc.  /) 
What  is  he  whose  grief 

Bears  such  an  emphasis?  Whose  phrase  of  sorrow 
Conjures  the  wandering  stars  and  makes  them  stand 
Like  wonder-wounded  hearers?  ' 


JOHN  LOW  IS 

The  first  actor  of  Hamlet 
(From  an  original  in  Ashmole  Museum,  Oxford 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


33 


ence,  and  carefully  preserved  at  Windust's  Restaurant  in 
Ann  Street.  At  this  period,  and  for  a  long  time  after,  bills 
of  the  play  were  printed  a  day  or  two  previous  to  the  time  of 
performance,  and  distributed  throughout  the  town,  not  only 
at  stores  and  public  houses,  but  at  private  residences. 

"  By  Permillion  of  his  Honour,  the  Lieutenant  Governor, 

By  a  Company  of  Comedians, 
At  the  NEW  THEATRE  in  Chapel  Street,  on  Thurfday 
next,  being  the  26th  day  of  November  inftant,  will  be 
prefented  a  tragedy,  written  by  Shakfpeare,  called 
Hamlet,  Prince  of  Denmark. 

Hamlet   Mr.  Hallam.  I     Lucianus  Mr.  Tomlinson. 

King   "  Douglass.  Francisco  "  Tremain. 

Horatio   "  Read.  Gravcdiggers.    ..."  Quelch 

Ghost   "  Quelch.  and    "  Tomlinson. 

Polonius   "  Morris.  Queen  Gertrude  .  Mrs.  Douglass. 

Laertes   "  Allyn.  Ophelia  "  Morris. 

Marcellus   '*  A.  Hallam.  |     Pla>er  Queen.    ..."  Hallam. 

Guildenstern  ....  "  Sturt. 

To  which  will  be  added  a  ballad  farce,  called 
A  Wonder  !  an  Honest*  Yorkshireman. 

(iaylove   Mr.  Quelch.  Sapscull   Mr.  Sturt. 

Blunder   "  Allyn  Arabella   Mrs.  Morris. 

Slan'/o   "  A.  Hallam.  Combrush  "  Douglass. 

Muckworm    .        ...  "  Morris. 

44  Mr.  Douglais  will  be  obliged  to  thofe  ladies  and  gentlemen 
who  had  not  an  opportunity  of  delivering  their  tickets  at  the 
44  Provoked  Hulband"  to  fend  them  to  his  lodgings,  at  Mr. 
Keen's,  confectioner,  on  Hunter's  Quay.  Thofe  ladies  who 
would  have  places  kept  in  the  boxes  will  pleafe  to  fend  a  fenfible 
fervant  to  the  theatre  at  three  o'clock  every  play-day. 

"  No  money  will  be  taken  at  the  door,  nor  any  perfon  ad- 
mitted without  tickets,  which  are  to  be  fold  by  H.  Gaine, 
Printer,  Bookfeller,  and  Stationer,  at  the  Bible  and  Crown,  in 
Hanover  Square. 

44  Boxes,  8  millings.  Pit,  5  (hillings.  Gallery,  3  millings. 
The  doors  to  be  opened  at  four,  and  the  plav  to  begin  precifely 
at  fix  o'clock. 

44  No  perfon  can  be  admitted  behind  the  fcenes. 

New  York,  November  24th,  1761." 

This  is  the  first  intimation  that  we  have  of  the  performance 
of  Shakspeare's  masterpiece  in  the  City  of  New  York. 

The  company  now  retained  none  of  its  original  members, 
save  the  Hallam  family,  and  if  Mr.  Tremain,  whose  name 
stands  to  Francisco  in  the  tragedy,  be  the  same  person  who 
was  connected  with  Murray  and  Kean,  and  Upton's  company, 
hiB  position  had  become  wonderfully  changed.    The  Mrs. 

5 


34 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Hallam  of  this  season,  was  undoubtedly  the  Miss  Hallam  of 
previous  and  succeeding  ones,  judging  by  the  characters  she 
played,  in  connection  with  the  fact  that  it  was  not  unusual  at 
this  period  for  ladies  somewhat  out  of  their  teens  to  be  so  des- 
ignated, and  that  it  has  been  the  conceded  privilege  of  theat- 
rical ladies,  at  all  times,  to  call  themselves  whatever  fancy 
suggests  or  circumstances  demand. 

Mr.  Hallam  (the  Master  Lewis  Hallam  of  1753)  was  now 
the  favorite  hero  of  the  stage,  and  probably  exercised  a  great 
influence  in  its  management.  He  seems  to  have  enjoyed  a 
monopoly  of  the  leading  parts  in  tragedy  and  comedy,  with  a 
few  exceptional  ones,  which  probably,  from  choice,  he  con- 
ceded to  Mr.  Douglass.  The  latter  is  described  as  a  sensible 
though  not  an  eminent  performer. 

Adam  Hallam  was  still  young,  and  did  not  develop  the 
marked  ability  of  his  brother. 

Owen  Morris,1  who  made  his  first  appearance  in  Polonius, 
was  long  after  attached  to  the  corps  as  the  "  comic  old  man," 
and  continued  playing  as  long  as  age  permitted,  and  until  he 
had  become  shriveled  with  years,  and  palsied  in  voice  and 
action.  He  died  in  New  York,  November  1809,  aged  90,  ac- 
cording to  Dunlap — or  84,  according  to  W.  B.  Wood.  His  pres- 
ent wife  was  an  actress  of  great  and  varied  usefulness.  Her 
line  of  characters  ranged  from  Ophelia,  to  the  Nurse  in 
"  Romeo  and  Juliet,"  and  from  Nell  in  "  the  Devil  to  Pay," 
to  Hermione  in  "  the  Distrest  Mother." 

She  was  attached  to  the  company  for  several  years,  and  was 
accidentally  drowned  (together  with  her  maid-servant)  while 
crossing  the  ferry  at  Kill  Van  Keel,  in  December,  1767.  The 
second  Mrs.  Morris  will  be  noticed  hereafter. 

Of  the  other  members  of  the  corps,  no  information  can  be 
gained  by  which  their  merit  may  be  judged. 

Dec.    4th,    1 761,  Tamerlane;   and  never  performed  here, 
The  Toy  Shop. 

Dec.  1 8th,  King  Henry  4th  ; 

Sir  John  Falstaff  Mr.  Douglass. 

Henry  4th  Mr.  Qlelch.     |     Hotspur  "  Hallam. 

1  Mr.  Morris  had  probably  appeared  with  Doughss  atCrugers'  Wharf,  in  1759. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


35 


and  Flora,  or  Hob  in  the  Well. 

Hob  Mr.  Qoelch.     |     Flora  Mrs.  Hallam. 

Dec.  26th,  George  Barnwell ;  (for  many  years  the  standard 
Christmas  dish)  and  Lethe. 

Monday,  January  4th,  1762,  Venice  Preferved. 

By  particular  defire,  a  Prologue  and  Epilogue,  in  vindication 
of  Dramatic  Entertainments,  to  be  fpoken  by  Mr.  Hallam  and 
Mrs.  Douglafs  ;  and  The  Lying  Valet. 

Places  in  the  Boxes  to  be  taken  of  Mr.  Douglafs,  at  Mr. 
Hampton's,  near  the  Theatre. 

This  is  the  first  notice  that  we  have  of  securing  seats  in 

advance,  except  by  sending  a  deputy  in  person. 

"  A  complaint  having  been  feveral  times  made  that  a  number 
of  Gentlemen  crowd  the  Stage,  and  very  much  interrupt  the  per- 
formance, and  as  it  is  impollible  the  actors,  when  thus  obftru&ed, 
can  do  that  juftice  to  their  parts  they  otherwife  would,  it  will  be 
taken  as  a  particular  favour  if  no  gentleman  will  be  offended  that 
he  is  abfolutely  refufed  admittance  at  the  Stage  Door,  unlefs  he  has 
previoufly  fecured  himfelf  a  place  in  either  the  Stage  or  Upper 
Boxes." 

This  now  seemingly  singular  custom  prevailed  at  the  time 
throughout  England,  and  was  the  fruitful  source  of  great  in- 
convenience and  frequent  disturbance,  the  stage  itself,  before 
as  well  as  behind  the  scenes,  being  often  so  crowded  as  to  in- 
terrupt the  business  of  the  play,  and  prevent  the  entrance  and 
exit  of  the  performers.  The  determination  of  the  managers, 
and  the  good  sense  of  the  public,  a  few  years  later,  caused 
a  reformaticn  in  the  matter. 

The  prologue  and  epilogue  referred  to  above,  were  the  old 
ones  spoken  in  1758,  adapted  to  the  present  occasion. 

We  give  the  Epilogue,  as  delivered  at  this  time,  with  its 
amendments  and  additions : 

"  Much  has  been  said  at  this  censorious  time 
To  prove  the  treading  of  the  stage  a  crime. 
Mistaken  zeal  in  terms  not  quite  so  civil 
Consigns  both  plays  and  players  to  the  devil. 
Yet  wise  men  own  a  play  well  chose  may  teach 
Such  useful  morals  as  in  church  the}-  preach 
May  teach  the  heart  another's  grief  to  know 
And  melt  the  soul  in  salutary  woe. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


"  So  when  the  unhappy  virtuous  fair  complains 
In  Shakspeare,  Lee,  or  Otway's  moving  strains, 
The  narrowest  hearts  expanded  wide  appear 
And  soft  compassion  drops  the  pitying  tear. 
Or  would  you  warn  the  thoughtless  youth  to  shun 
Such  dangerous  arts  as  numbers  have  undone 
A  Barnwell's  fate  can  never  fail  to  move 
And  strike  with  shame  and  terror,  lawless  love. 
See  plunged  in  ruin  with  a  virtuous  wife 
The  Gamester  weeps,  despairs,  and  ends  his  life. 
When  Cato  bleeds,  he  spends  his  latest  breath 
To  teach  the  love  of  country  strong  in  death. 
With  these  examples  and  a  thousand  more 
Of  godlike  men  who  lived  in  days  of  yore, 
The  tragic  muse  recalls  the  long  past  age 
And  brings  heroic  Virtue  living  on  the  stage. 

But  when  to  social  gayety  inclined, — 
Our  comic  muse  shall  feast  the  cheerful  mind, — 
Fools  of  all  sorts  and  fops  a  brainless  crew. 
To  raise  your  mirth  we'll  summon  to  your  view  ; 
Make  e'en  the  coxcomb  laugh  to  see  his  brother 
And  one  knave  blush  with  shame  to  view  another. 
'Tis  magic  ground  we  tread,  for  at  our  call, 
Those  sprites  appear  that  represent  you  all. 

Yet  hold — methinks  I  hear  some  snarler  cry 

'  Pray  madam,  why  so  partial — rat  me — why 

Don't  you  do  justice  on  your  own  sweet  sex — 

Are  there  no  prudes,  coquettes,  or  jilts  to  vex?' 

Granted — there  are.    For  folly's  not  confined 

To  sex  ;  it  sways  despotic  all  of  human  kind. 

We  frankly  own,  indeed  we  may  as  well 

For  every  fluttering  beau — a  simpering  belle. 

But  oft  above  the  dull,  the  pert,  the  vain, 

The  comic  muse  exalts  her  moral  strain  ; 

To  laugh  at  folly  will  not  be  confined 

But  tries  to  instruct  as  well  as  please  mankind. 

So  when  vile  custom  by  false  honour's  breath, 

For  one  rash  word  would  doom  two  friends  to  death, 

Steele's  moral  muse  though  dressed  in  humble  sock 

Aimed  at  the  monster  a  decisive  stroke  ! 

And  showed  a  Bevil  generous  as  brave 

Who  scorned  the  slavish  dread  of  death  and  grave, 

Yet  feared  to  meet  his  God  from  such  an  end 

And  nobly  shunned  a  duel  with  his  friend. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


37 


"  Thus  human  life's  our  theme,  a  fruitful  field 
Of  moral  themes  a  fruitful  store  to  yield  ; 
Sages  upheld  our  art  in  ancient  time 
When  to  paint  Xature  was  not  thought  a  crime, 
For  if  the  soul  in  virtue's  cause  we  move, 
The  friends  of  virtue  cannot  disapprove. 
We  trust  they  do  not  by  the  splendid  sight 
Of  sparkling  eyes  that  grace  our  scenes  to  night ; 
Then  bravely  dare  to  assert  the  taste  you've  shown, 
Nor  be  ashamed  so  just  a  cause  to  own  ; 
And  tell  our  foes  what  iSkakspeare  said  of  old, 
(Our  former  motto  spoke  it,  I  am  told,) 
That  here  the  world  in  miniature  you  see 
And  all  mankind  are  players  as  well  as  we." 

Dunlap  publishes  the  foregoing,  with  some  other  slight 
alterations. 

Jan.  nth,  1762,     Romeo  and  Juliet. 

Romeo  Mr.  Hallam.  Uapulet    .....    Mr.  Morris. 

Mercutio  "    Douglass.  Juliet  Mrs  Douglass. 

Benvolio  "A.  Hallam.  Lady  Capulet    ..."  Allyn. 

Friar  Lawrence  ..."    Allyn.  Nurse  "  Morris. 

In  the  Malquerade  Scene,  a  Comic  Dance  by  Mr.  A.  Hallam, 
and  a  Minuet  by  Mr.  A.  Hallam  and  Mrs.  Allyn  ;  and  in  the 
Burial  Scene  a  Solemn  Dirge,  by  Mrs.  Morris,  Mrs.  Hallam, 
Mrs.  Allyn,  Melirs.  Quelch,  Tremain,  Sturt,  &c. 

On  several  occasions  hereafter  we  find,  a  father  playing 
Romeo  to  the  Juliet  of  his  daughter,  but  we  believe  this  is  the 
only  one  on  record  where  a  mother  plays  Juliet  to  the  Romeo 
of  her  son. 

Jan.  20th,     The  Recruiting  Officer ;  and  Harlequin 
Collector. 

Harlequin  Mr.  Hallam.     |     Clowu  Mr.  Douglass. 

Jan.  25th,  "  Othello;"  and  "  The  Lying  Valet."  "  For  the 
benefit  of  such  poor  families  as  are  not  provided  for  by  the 
public,"  resulting  in  a  net  profit  of  two  hundred  and  eighty- 
six  dollars,  which  sum  was  received  by  Mr.  John  Vande- 
spiegle  and  George  Harrison,  Esq.,  for  distribution.  The  ac- 
count rendered  by  the  manager  on  the  occasion  will  show  the 
nightly  expenses  of  the  house,  exclusive  of  the  actors'  salaries, 
who  threw  them  up  on  the  present  evening : 


38 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


£.  S.  d. 

"Box  Tickets  fold,  116,  at  8s.    .    46  8  o 

Pit         "        "     146  "  5s.    .    36  10  o 

Gallery  "         "       90   cc  3s.     .     13  10  o 

Caih  received  at  the  doors  .     .    .    36  12  6 

£133    o  6 

Charges. 

"  To  Candles.    26  lbs.  of  Spermaceti,  at  3s.  6d. 

"         14  lbs.  "  Tallow  .     tc  is.  od.  . 
To  Mufic.     Meffrs.  Harrifon  &  Van  Dienval 
cc  Front  Door-keeper,  16s.  Stage  door-keeper,  8s. 
"  the  Affirmants,  13s.     Bill  Sticker,  4s.    .     .  . 
"  the  Men's  drefTer,  4s.    Stage  keeper,  32s. 

Drummer,  4s  

"  Wine  in  the  Second  Act,  2s.  6d  

"  Hugh  Gaine,  for  two  Sets  of  Bills,  Advertife- 


£. 

s. 

d. 

\* 

5 

0 

3 

12 

0 

1 

4 

0 

0 

17 

0 

V 

0 

0 

0 

2 

6 

5 

10 

0 

£18  10  6" 

Balance,  £114  10s.,  or  §286^-. 

The  above  receipt  was  probably  a  full  average  one,  but  the 
house  would  have  held  nearly  fifty  pounds  more. 

February  ift,  "For  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Douglafs,  the  tragi- 
cal hiftory  of  King  Richard  the  Third,  containing  the  dif- 
trefs  and  death  of  King  Henry  the  Sixth  in  the  Tower  ;  the 
Ufurpation  of  the  Crown  by  Richard  ;  the  inhuman  murder  of 
the  young  King  Edward  the  fifth,  and  his  brother  the  Duke  of 
York  ;  the  fall  of  the  Duke  of  Buckingham  ;  the  landing  of  the 
Earl  of  Richmond,  (afterwards  King  Henry  the  Seventh)  at 
Milford  ;  the  battle  of  Bofworth  Field,  and  death  of  Richard, 
which  put  an  end  to  the  contention  between  the  houfes  of  York 
and  Lancafter  ;  with  many  other  hiftorical  paftages." 

King  Richard     ....    Mr.  Douglass.     |     Richmond    .....  Mr.  Hallam. 

Kins  Edward  the  Fifth  [Prince  of  Wales]  "A.  Hallam. 

Duke  of  York,  by  a  Young  Master,  for  his  diversion. 

King  Henry  Mr.  Allyx.  Lieutenant   Mr.  Sturt. 

Buckingham  "   Tomlinsox.  j     Queen  Elizabeth  .    .    .  Mrs.  Douglass. 

Lord  Stanley  "   Morris.  Lady  Anne   "  Morris. 

Gatesby  "    Reed.  Duchess  of  York   ..."  Craxe. 

To  which  will  be  added  a  dramatic  fatire  called  Lethe,  with 
the  additional  character  of  Lord  Chalkftone. 


Mercury  Mr.  Stcrt. 

Esop  "  Docglass. 

Lord  Chalkstone. 


Frenchman  . 
Fine  Gentleman 
Drunken  Man 


Allyx. 
Hallam. 


Charon  . 
Old  Man  . 
Tattoo 
Bowman . 
Mrs.  Riot 


Mr.  Tomlixson. 

44  Morris. 

"  Reed. 

"  Tomlixson. 
Mrs.  Douglass. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


39 


"  Tickets  as  ufual,  and  of  Mrs.  Douglafs,  at  her  lodgings  near 
the  theatre. 

"  The  ceremony  of  waiting  on  ladies  and  gentlemen  at  their 
houfes  with  bills  has  been  for  lbme  time  left  off  in  this  Company, 
the  frequent  folicitations  on  thefe  occafions  having  been  found 
rather  an  inconvenience  to  the  perlbn  lb  waited  on,  than  a  com- 
pliment." 

Mrs.  Crane,  who  played  the  Duchess  of  York,  has  not  been 
before  noticed.  She  performed  characters  old  and  young,  as 
the  necessities  of  the  Theatre  required. 

Messrs.  Adam  Hallam,  Allyn,  and  Quelch's  benefits  followed 
successively,  and  on  the  15th  Mr.  Lewis  Hallam  solicited  the 
patronage  of  the  public  with  "Love  for  Love;"  wherein  he 
played  Ben,  and  Mr.  Douglass  Valentine. 


March  22d, 

Mr.   Morris's  night. 

The  Beaux 

Stratagem ; 

.    .    Mr.  Hallam. 

Ainiwell  

.    .     "  Douglass. 

Mrs.  Sullen  .  . 

.    .    Mrs.  Douglass. 

with 

Flora,  or  Hob  in  the  Well. 

Hob  

Mr.  Allyn.  | 

March  29th, 

Mrs.  Hallam's  night. 

The  Inconftant ; 

Young  Mirabel  . 

.    .    Mr.  Hallam. 

Bisarre  ....  * 

.    Mrs.  Douglass. 

Old  Mirabel.    .    .  . 

.    .     ,4  Morris. 

and 

Mils  in  her  teens. 

Captaiu  Flash  . 

Mr.  Hallam. 

Miss  Biddy    .  . 

Mrs.  Hallam. 

April  1 2th, 

Mr.  Tomlinfon's  night. 

Hamlet  ;  and  the  Devil  to  pay. 

Jobson   

Mr.  Tomlinson. 

1  Nell  

.    Mrs.  Morris. 

April  19th, 

Mr.  Reed's  night. 

The  Diftreft  Mother; 

Pyrihus  

.    .     ,4  Douglass. 

Audruruache  . 

.    .      ,4  Douglass. 

and 

The  Mock  Dodor. 

Gregory  

Mr.  Douglass. 

Hellebore  .     .     .  . 

.     Mr.  T REMAIN!. 

Sir  Jasper  .... 

'  Morris. 

Harry  

.      .       M  TOMLINSON. 

Leander   

.    .     14  Sturt. 

James  

.    .     '•  Reed. 

Robert  

.    .     "  A.  Hallam. 

Charlotte  .    .    .  . 

.    Mrs.  u ran e. 

Davy  

.    .     "  Allyn. 

Dorcas  

.    .     "  Morris. 

The  season 

ended  on  the  26th  of  April 

with  the  per- 

formance  of  the  "  Committee  f  and  the  "  Honest  Yorkshire 
man,"  for  the  benefit  of  the  Charity  School,  when  the  news- 


40 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


paper  states  that  "  a  handsome  sum  was  raised  by  Mr.  Doug- 
lass and  presented  to  the  churchwardens." 

The  establishment,  however,  was  not  without  enemies, 
and  occasional  demonstrations  of  ill-will  were  publicly 
made,  as  we  gather  from  the  following  notice  in  Gaine's 
Mercury : 

"  Theatre  in  New  York,  May  3d,  1762. 
A  Pistole  Reward  will  be  given  to  whoever  can  difcover  the 
perfon  who  was  fo  very  rude  as  to  throw  Eggs  from  the  Gallery 
upon  the  Stage,  laft  Monday,  by  which  the  Cloaths  of  fome 
Ladies  and  Gentlemen  were  fpoiled,  and  the  performance  in  fome 
meafure  interrupted." 

"  D.  Douglass." 

The  name  of  Adam  Hallam  occurs  for  the  last  time  in  the 
bills  during  this  season.  It  is  found  some  thirty  years  after 
in  the  New  York  Directory  as  belonging  to  a  shoemaker  in 
Queen  Street — could  it  have  been  that  of  the  same  indi- 
vidual? Dunlap  states  that  the  troubles  which  agitated  the 
colonies  in  consequence  of  the  Stamp  Act  occasioned  the 
destruction  of  the  Chapel,  or  Beekman  Street  Theatre,  by  a 
mob  in  1764,  and  that  a  gentleman  who  was  engaged  in  the 
work,  when  a  boy,  told  him  that  a  number  of  persons  assem- 
bled in  the  open  space  opposite  the  theatre,  and  set  on  the 
boys  to  commence  the  business,  which  once  begun,  found 
hands  enough  to  aid  it.  But  the  Stamp  Act  was  not  passed 
until  March,  1765,  and  as  mob  violence  became  rampant  after 
the  reception  of  the  news,  causing  the  destruction  of  the  seat 
of  Sir  Peter  Warren,  then  known  as  Vauxhall,  at  the  corner 
of  Warren  and  Greenwich  Streets,  and  of  Ranelagh,  the  resi- 
dence of  Major  James,  R.  A.,  near  the  corner  of  Anthony 
Street  and  West  Broadway,  as  well  as  the  hanging  in  effigy  of 
Governor  Colden,  and  the  destruction  of  his  fine  coach  and 
other  valuable  property,  it  is  probable  that  the  Play  House 
(whose  tenants  were  not  popular  with  the  republican  portion 
of  the  community,  and  were  looked  upon  as  special  adherents 
of  the  crown,  and  proteges  of  the  governor)  was  damaged  by 
the  rioters  at  the  latter  period,  but  that  it  was  not  totally  de- 
stroyed is  conclusively  proven  by  the  following  advertise- 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


41 


ments  which  are  extracted  from  newspapers  of  the  dates  pre- 
fixed thereto  : 

April  ioth,  1765.  For  the  benefit  of  the  Prifoners  in  the 
New  Goal,  Wednefday  April  ioth.  At  the  Theatre  in  Chapel 
Street,  will  be  prefented  a  Tragedy  called  "  George  Barnwell, 
or  the  London  Merchant  j"  and  "  Captain  O'Blunder,  or  the 
Brave  Irifhman."     O'Blunder,  Mr.  Walfh. 

April  9th,  1766.  At  the  Theatre  in  Chapel  Street,  the 
"Twin  Rivals;"  and  the  "King,  and  Miller  of  Mansfield." 
Doors  to  be  opened  at  3  o'clock,  and  Play  to  begin  at  6. 

Tickets  to  be  had  of  Hugh  Gaine,  Bookfeller,  John  Keating, 
Merchant,  and  of  Philip  Miller,  Watchmaker  in  the  Fly. 

The  Fly,  or  Vlaie,  was  the  name  given  by  the  old  Dutch  in- 
habitants to  the  valley  or  meadows  at  the  east  end  of  Maiden 
Lane,  lying  between  Pearl  Street  and  the  river,  and  was  the 
site  of  the  afterwards  famous  Fly  Market,  so  called. 

May  5th,  1766.  At  the  Theatre  in  Chapel  St.,  a  Comedy 
called  the  "  Twin  Rivals,"  with  a  long  in  praife  of  liberty, — and 
the  "  King,  and  Miller  of  Mansfield." 

N.  B.  As  the  Packet  is  arrived  and  has  been  the  Mellenger 
of  good  news  relative  to  the  Repeal,  it  is  hoped  that  the  public 
has  no  objection  to  the  above  performance. 

The  repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act  is  of  course  referred  to  here, 
but  the  Royal  Government  had  too  long  insisted  on  its  en- 
forcement, for  the  concession  now  to  be  of  any  service  to 
them.  We  find  no  other  advertisement  relative  to  the  Chapel 
Street  Theatre,  save  one  offering  it  to  rent  for  storage. 

We  conclude  our  chapter  with  the  record  of  an  event 
which,  though  having  nothing  to  do  with  the  subject  of 
which  we  are  treating,  may  serve  to  mark  the  size  and  growth 
of  the  city,  for  "  St.  Paul's"  was  then  the  most  northerly 
church  on  the  west  of  Broadway,  and  the  grounds  by  which 
it  was  surrounded  were  known  as  the  fields,  or  commons. 

"  On  Thurfday,  Oct.  31ft,  1766 — The  new  Epifcopal  Church 
called  St.  Paul's,  efteemed  one  of  the  molt  elegant  edifices  on 
the  continent,  was  opened  and  dedicated  to  Almightv  God.  The 
concourle  of  people  of  all  ranks  and  denominations,  (who  at- 
tended on  the  occaiion)  was  very  great." 


6 


CHAPTER  IV. 


John  Street  Theatre,  1767. 

IWP  N  the  summer  of  1767,  a  new  Theatre  was  built  on  the 
J|I  northerly  side  of  John  Street,  near  Broadway.  It  stood 
Jjfjl  much  longer  than  any  of  its  predecessors,  and  was 
&mt)  used  for  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  erected  for  more 
than  thirty  years.  Long  after,  its  site,  and  perhaps  the 
original  building,  was  occupied  by  a  carriage  factory,  and  is 
now  covered  with  storehouses  adjoining  Thorburn's  seed 
and  agricultural  establishment,  and  in  the  rear  of  lots  Nos. 
17,  19,  and  21.  By  a  renumbering  of  the  street,  the  entrance 
lot,  which  is  but  a  wide  alley-way  leading  to  the  rear,  is  now 
known  as  No.  17,  but  a  half  century  ago  it  was  No.  15.  The 
building  was  an  unsightly  object,  principally  of  wood  painted 
red,  and  stood  about  sixty  feet  back  from  the  street,  having  a 
covered  way  of  rough  wooden  material  from  the  pavement 
to  the  doors.  The  stage  was  of  good  dimensions,  and  the 
dressing  room  and  green  room  were  originally  under  it,  but 
after  the  Revolution,  they  were  removed  to  a  wing  added  for 
the  purpose,  on  the  west  side.  The  auditorium  was  fitted  up 
with  a  pit,  two  rows  of  boxes,  and  a  gallery,  and  when  full  at 
usual  prices  would  contain  S800.  The  John  Street  Theatre 
was  first  opened  by  Mr.  Douglass,  on  the  7th  of  December, 
1767.    We  here  transcribe  the  opening  bill : 

"  By  Permillion  of  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,1 
by  the  American  Company 
at  the  Theatre  in  John  Street,  this  prefent  evening 
a  comedy  called 


1  Sir  Henry  Moore. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


43 


The  Stratagem. 


Archer    .  . 
Aimwell  . 
Sir  C.  Freeman 

Sullen      .  . 
Foigard  . 

Gibbet     .  . 

Scrub  .    .  . 


Mr.  Hallam 

«  Henry.j 

"  MALONE.f 

"  tomlinson. 

"  Allyn. 

«  WoOLLS.f 

"  WALL.f 


Boniface 
Lady  Bountiful 
Mrs.  Sullen 
Dorinda  . 
Cherry   .  . 
Gipfy     .  . 


Mr.  Douglais. 

Mrs  HARMAN.f 

Mils  Cheer. "j" 
M  Hallam. 

"       AVAIN  WRIGHT,  j" 

Mrs.  Wall. 


An  Occasional  Epilogue,  by  Mrs.  Douglass. 

To  conclude  with  the  dramatic  Satire,  entitled 

Lethe. 


iEfop  .  . 
Mercury  . 
Tattoo 
Frenchman 


Mr. 


Douglass. 
Woolls. 
Malone. 
Allyn. 


Fine  Gentleman 
Drunken  Man 
Mrs.  Tattoo  . 
Mrs.  Riot  .  . 


Mr.  Wall. 

"  Hallam. 

Mils  Hallam. 

"  Wainwright. 


To  begin  exactly  at  Six  o'clock. 

Vivant  Rex  et  Regina. 

"  No  perfon  under  any  pretext  whatever  can  be  admitted  be- 
hind the  fcenes.  Tickets,  without  which  no  perfon  can  be  ad- 
mitted, to  be  had  at  the  Bible  and  Crown  in  Hanover  Square, 
and  of  Mr.  Hayes  at  the  Area  of  the  Theatre.  Places  in  the 
boxes  may  be  taken  of  Mr.  Broadbelt  at  the  Stage  door.  Ladies 
will  pleafe  fend  their  fervants  to  keep  their  places  at  four  o'clock. 
Boxes,  8s.     Pit,  5s.     Gallery,  3s." 

The  performers  whose  names  are  marked  thus  f  made  on 
this  occasion  their  first  appearance  in  New  York.  Young 
Hallam  had  been  and  was  still  the  paramount  favorite  of  the 
public,  but  there  was  now  introduced  to  their  notice  a  rival 
who  was  destined  soon  to  share  their  applauses  in  an  equal 
degree.  This  was  Mr.  John  Henry,  who  enacted  the  charac- 
ter of  Aimwell,  and  whom  Dunlap  imagines  to  have  been  as 
handsome  an  Aimwell  as  ever  trod  the  Stage,  and  whom  all 
writers  describe  as  a  man  of  extraordinarily  fine  personal  ap- 
pearance. He  was  born  in  Dublin,  had  received  a  liberal 
education,  and  made  his  debut  on  the  stage  at  Drury  Lane, 
London,  1762,  with  little  success,  and  probably  appeared 
there  again  in  1780.  He  had  joined  Douglass's  Company  in 
the  West  Indies,  and  there  married  a  Miss  Storer,  the  eldest 
of  four  sisters,  who  accompanied  him  on  his  voyage  to  Amer- 
ica, and  who  was  unhappily  burned  to  death  in  the  vessel, 
which  was  destroyed  by  fire  on  our  eastern  coast,  the  captain, 
crew,  and  other  passengers  escaping.  In  1773  he  gave  his 
name  to  Miss  Ann  Storer  (afterwards  Mrs.  Hogg,  a  sister  of 


44 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


the  preceding,)  and  in  1786,  while  she  was  still  living,  trans- 
ferred it  to  a  still  younger  sister,  Miss  Maria  Storer,  who  hore 
it  until  his  and  her  own  death  in  1795.  W.  B.  Wood,  who  in 
early  life  saw  Mr.  Henry,  says  he  was  the  first  male  performer 
who  made  any  lasting  impression  on  him,  and  that  his  John 
Dory  in  "  Wild  Oats"  was  so  excellent,  that  it  drove  Hoclgkin- 
son's  Rover,  in  the  same  piece,  entirely  from  his  mind.  He 
thinks  that  he  was  more  than  a  good  actor,  and  that  his  im- 
personations of  Eustace  St.  Pierre,  Major  0' Flaherty,  Dumont, 
and  many  other  characters  were  never  eclipsed  by  any  later 
representative  in  America.  With  regard  to  " John  Dory" 
however,  the  part  assigned  to  Mr.  Henry  by  Mr.  Wood,  we 
think  that  his  memory  deceived  him,  for  we  have  before 
us  three  original  John  Street  play  bills,  announcing  the 
comedy  of  "Wild  Oats/'  in  each  of  which  Mr.  King  figures 
as  John  Dory,  and  Mr.  Henry  is  cast  for  Ephraim  Smooth. 
The  bills  are  for  1793-4,  and  the  earliest  one  gives  the  first 
performance  in  America  of  the  comedy,  and  1794  is  the  last 
season  that  Mr.  Henry  played.  It  is  recorded  that  for  many 
years  after  the  Revolution,  Mr.  Henry  was  the  only  actor  in 
New  York  who  kept  a  coach,  and  that  in  his  case  frequent 
attacks  of  the  gout  rendered  it  a  necessity.  The  panels  were 
decorated  with  a  representation  of  two  crutches  crossed,  with 
motto  "  This  or  these."  He  retired  from  the  New  York  stage 
at  the  end  of  the  season  in  1794,  and  died  about  a  year  after, 
while  on  board  of  a  vessel  bound  to  Newport. 

Mr.  Stephen  Woolls  was  the  principal  singer  of  the  com- 
pany, and  was  listened  to  with  pleasure  for  many  years.  He 
continued  in  the  same  line  long  after  his  abilities  failed  him, 
and  when  "  snuff  and  snuffle"  alone  characterized  his  efforts. 
He  was  a  native  of  Bath,  England,  gentlemanly  in  his  man- 
ners, and  amiable  in  disposition,  and  died  in  New  York,  June 
14th,  1799,  aged  70.  He  was  buried  in  the  Catholic  church- 
yard of  St.  Peter's,  Barclay  Street. 

Mr.  Wall  was  the  fine  gentleman  of  the  company,  with  a 
turn  for  eccentric  comedy  that  rendered  his  valets  and  other 
humorous  parts  acceptable  for  more  than  seven  years. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


45 


Miss  Cheer,  who  made  her  appearance  as  Mrs,  Sullen,  di- 
vided the  leading  business  with  Mrs.  Douglass,  or  rather  took 
most  of  it,  for  the  latter  retained  but  few  prominent  charac- 
ters, save  those  of  a  matronly  cast.  Miss  Cheer  was  a  favorite 
member  of  the  company  until  its  last  season  before  the  Revo- 
lution. In  1794,  when  Mrs.  Long,  she  reappeared  in  the 
character  of  Mrs.  Oakley,  in  the  "Jealous  Wife."  Dunlap 
says  that  "  Mrs.  Long  was  received  in  silence  and  never  heard 
of  more,  time  having  deprived  her  of  all  that  could  attract 
attention  to  the  moving  pictures  of  the  stage."  But  Dun- 
lap  again  erred,  for  she  also  appeared  that  season  as  Almeria, 
in  the  "  Mourning  Bride  f  Catharine,  in  "  Catharine  and  Pe- 
truchio ;"  Mrs.  Grub,  in  "  Cross  Purposes,"  and  other  inferior 
parts. 

The  representative  of  Lady  Bountiful,  Mrs.  Catharine  Maria 
Harman,  was  a  granddaughter  of  Colley  Cibber,  and  to  her 
care  were  confided  the  principal  old  ladies,  and  certain  shrew- 
ish Abigails.  She  died  in  1773,  and  is  stated  to  have  been 
"a  just  actress  and  an  exemplary  woman — sensible,  humane 
and  benevolent." 

Miss  Wainwright  was  the  principal  female  vocalist,  and 
played  rustics,  singing  chambermaids,  and  gay,  youthful 
comedy  of  all  descriptions.  We  do  not  find  her  name  after 
1769. 

After  the  lapse  of  several  years  the  name  of  Malone  again 
appears  in  the  bills,  but  standing  to  characters  of  so  different 
a  grade  that  we  cannot  imagine  it  to  be  the  Malone  of  1753, 
who  was  then  one  of  the  most  important  members  of  the 
company. 

Dec.  nth,  1767.  "A  comedy  written  by  the  prefent  poet 
laureat,"  (W.  Whitehead)  called, ' 

The  School  for  Lovers. 

Sir  John  Dorilant  .    .    Mr.  Douglass.        Lady  Beverly  .    .    Mrs.  Harman. 

Modely  "    Hallam.         Araminta  .    .    .    Mils  Cheer. 

Belmour   "    Wall.  Celia    ....      «<  Hallam. 

The  Epilogue  between  Mr.  Hallam  and  Mil's  Cheer. 
Singing  by  Mr.  Woolls  and  Mils  Wainwright. 


46 


RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE 


and  The  Mayor  of  Garratt. 

Major  Sturgeon  and  Matthew  Mug  By  Mr.  Hallam. 


Jerry  Sneak  and  Lint 

Sir  Jacob  Jollup  .  .  Mr.  Tomlinson.  I  Mrs.  Sneak 
Heeltap   "  Henry.  Mrs.  Bruin 


Dec.  14th,  1767, 


Richard 
Henry  6th  . 
Richmond  . 
Buckingham 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Morris. 
l<  Henry. 
"  Douglass 


Richard  3d. 

Prince  of  Wales 


"  Wall. 

Mifs  Wainwright. 
Mrs.  Harman. 


Mr.  Wall. 


Queen  Mrs.  Douglass. 

Lady  Anne  Miss  Cheer. 

Duchess  Mrs.  Harman. 


Oberon  Mr. 


The  Oracle. 

Wall.          |   Fairy  Queen    ....    Mrs.  Douglass. 
Cynthia  Miss  Hallam. 

And  by  Command  of  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  for  the  En- 
tertainment of  Ten  Indian  Warriors  that  arrived  here  laft  Friday 
from  South  Carolina,  a  Pantomime  Ballet,  called 

Harlequin's  Vagaries. 
Characters  principally  by  Hallam,  Morris,  and  Mifs  Cheer. 

Mrs.  Morris  met  an  accidental  death  by  drowning  on  the 
16th. 

Dec.  1 8th,  The  Clandeftine  Marriage. 

[Probably  its  first  performance  in  America.] 


Lord  Ogleby  .  . 

Sterling  .  .  . 
Sir  John  Melville. 

Lovewell    .  .  . 

Canton       .  . 

Brush    .    .  .  . 

Traverse    .  .  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Morris. 

"  Douglass. 

"  Henry. 

"  Alltn. 

"  Wall. 

4'  M  alone. 


Sergt.  Flower 
Mrs.  Heidleberg. 
Miss  Sterling 
Fanny. 

Betty  .    .    .  . 
Chambermaid 
Trusty     .     .  . 


and, 


The  Old  Maid. 


Mr.  Harlow 
Clerimont  . 
Capt.  Cape 


Mr.  Alltn. 
"  Wall. 
"  Douglass. 


Hearty 
Mrs.  Harlow 
Miss  Harlow 


Mr.  Tomlinson. 
Mrs.  Douglass. 
Miss  Cheer. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Storer. 

"  Wainwright.' 
Mrs.  Tomlinson. 


Mr.  Morris. 
Miss  Cheer. 
Mrs.  Harman. 


To  this  bill  was  appended  the  following  notice : 

"  To  prevent  accidents  by  carriages  meeting,  it  is  requefted 
that  thofe  coming  to  the  Houfe  may  enter  John  Street  from  the 
Broad- Way,  and  returning  drive  from  thence  down  John  St., 
into  Naflau  St.,  or  forward  to  that  known  by  the  name  of  Cart 
and  Horfe  Street,  as  may  be  moft  convenient." 

Cart  and  Horse  Street  is  the  present  William  Street,  and 
was  so  called  from  a  noted  tavern  of  that  name  which  ex- 
isted therein  in  1730.  Miss  Ann  Storer,  who  made  her  first 
appearance  as  Betty,  was  the  sister  of  Henry's  first  wife,  and 
bore  his  name  during  the  season  of  1773.  She,  with  her 
sisters  and  mother,  (who  was  probably  the  Mrs.  Storer  of 
Covent  Garden  Theatre,  1761-2,  described  by  Chetwood  as — 

"  Recommending  herfelf  by  her  amiable  perfon,  good  nature, 


"MY  LADY  SWEET,  ARISE " 

A  Cymbclfne,  Act  2,  Sc.  3 

y   


Hark  !  Hark  !   The  lark  at  Heaven's  gate  sings, 

And  Phoebus  'gins  arise, 
His  steeds  to  water  at  those  springs 

On  chalic'd  flowers  that  lies  ; 
And  winking  mary-buds  begin 

To  ope  their  golden  eyes  ; 
With  every  thing  that  pretty  bin : 

My  lady  sweet,  arise ; 

Arise,  arise. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


47 


and  excellent  fweet  harmonious  manner  in  Tinging  ;  therefore 
too  much  defired  to  (how  her  excellence  that  way,  to  perform 
many  fpeaking  parts,  but  where  her  exalted  talent  is  required  : 
and  then,  whatever  me  lays  or  fings,  Ihe  doubly  charms  in,") 

had  joined  the  company  in  Jamaica.  The  mother's  name  we 
do  not  find  in  any  of  the  bills,  but  she  probably  superin- 
tended her  daughters'  acting,  and  instructed  them  in  music ; 
two  of  them — Fanny,  afterwards  Mrs.  Mechler,  and  Maria,  the 
final  Mrs.  Henry,  both  being  highly  accomplished  vocalists. 
Ann  does  not  appear  to  have  been  a  singer,  but  at  this  early 
age  gave  indications  of  comic  talent,  which  afterward,  in  the 
line  of  old  women,  rendered  her  superior  to  all  contempo- 
raries or  predecessors.  She  disappeared  from  the  New  York 
stage  in  1773,  and  after  more  than  twenty  years'  absence, 
again  came  forward  as  Mrs.  Hogg,  continuing  a  member  of 
the  company  until  her  death,  which  occurred  in  New  York, 
on  the  6th  of  February,  1816,  at  the  age  of  sixty-seven,  in  the 
following  singular  and  sudden  manner.  She  had  retired  to 
her  room  for  the  night,  and  shortly  after  smoke  was  dis- 
covered issuing  from  the  door  On  its  being  opened  she  was 
found  lying  dead  on  the  floor,  the  candle  which  she  had  car- 
ried having  fallen  from  her  hand  and  ignited  the  boards  by 
her  side.  She  had  expired  in  a  fit.  Whatever  may  have  been 
the  failings  of  her  youth,  her  latter  years  were  irreproachable, 
and  her  unexpected  decease  cast  a  gloom  over  players  and 
public,  by  both  of  whom  she  was  sincerely  regretted. 

In  Lord  Ogleby  Mr.  Hallam  made  a  great  hit,  and  for  forty 
years  after  it  continued  to  be.  one  of  his  most  favorite  parts. 

Dec.  2 1 ft,  Hamlet  ; 


King  

Douglass. 

Gravediggers  . 

.      .      .       "      MORR  S 

Polonius  

"  Morris. 

and     M  Tomlixson. 

"  Wall. 

Ophelia .    .  . 

.    .    .    Miss  Cheer. 

"  Henry. 

Queen    .    .  . 

.    .    .   Mrs.  Douglass. 

Osrick  

"  Allyn. 

riayer- Queen  . 

.    .    .    Miss  Storer. 

and  the  mufical  farce 

of  Thomas  and  Sally. 

Sally     .    .    .  . 

.    .    Miss  Cheer. 

Thomas  

11  Wall. 

Porcas  . 

.    .    Mrs.  Harman. 

Dec.  28th,  firft  time,  Cvmbeline. 

Cymheliue  

Mr.  Allyn. 

Arviragug. 

.    .    Mr.  Woolls. 

Posthumus  

"  Hallam. 

.    .     "  Greyillk. 

"  Dodglass. 

Caius  Lucius.  . 

.      .        1  ToULINSON. 

M  Henry. 

Imogen     .    .  . 

.    .    Miss  Chee:  . 

Cloten  

"  Wall. 

Queen  . 

.    .    Mrs.  Douglass. 

Pisanio  

"  Morris. 

Helen  .    .    .  . 

.      .  ToMUNauN. 

48 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Dec.  30th,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Debtors  in  the  New  York 
City  Gaol  : 

The  Mourning  Bride  ;  and 
The  Upholfterer,  or  What  news  ? 


Quidnunc   Mr.  Douglass. 

Razor   "  Wall. 

Pamphlet   "  Hallam. 

Belmour   "  Henry. 


Rovewell   Mr.  Woolls. 

Feeble  "  Morris. 

Harriet   Miss  Wainwright. 

Termagant  ....  Mrs.  Harman. 


January  ift,  1768,  By  Command  of  Lady  Moore  (the  Gov- 
ernor's wife),  The   Bufy  Body. 


Marplot 

Sir  George  Airey 
Sir  Francis  Gripe 
Sir  Jealous  Traffic 
Charles     .    .  . 


and 

Col.  Tamper  . 
Major  Belford 
Prattle  .    .  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Henry. 

"  Morris. 

"  Douglass. 

"  Wall. 

The  Deuce 


Whisper  . 
Miranda  . 
Isabinda  . 
Scent  well 
Patch .  . 


Mr.  Allyn. 
Miss  Cheer. 

"  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Tomlinson. 

"  Harman. 


is  in 


Him. 


Mr. 


Hallam. 

Douglass. 

Wall. 


Emily  Miss  Hallam. 

Bell  '  "  Wainwright. 

M'dlle  Florival  .    .    .    Mrs.  Harman. 


Jan.  4th, 


Romeo  and  Juliet. 


Romeo  . 
Mercutio 
Tybalt 

and 


Capt.  Flash 
Capt.  Loveit 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Douglass. 
"  Henry. 


Juliet  Miss  Cheer. 


Lady  Capulet 
Nurse. 


Mifs 


in 


Her 


Mr.  Henry. 
"  Wall. 


teens. 

Miss  Biddy 
Tag    .  . 


Jan.  nth,  Firft  time,  Love  in  a  Village. 


Hawthorn  . 
Sir  W.  Meadows  . 
Young  Meadows  . 
Justice  Woodcock 
Eustace.    .    .  . 


Mr.  Woolls. 

"  Morris. 

"  Wall. 

"  Douglass. 

"  Henry. 


Hodge 
Rosetta  . 
Lucinda  .  . 
Mrs.  Deborah 
Margery  . 


Mrs.  Douglass. 
"  Harman. 


Miss  Hallam. 
"  Wainwright. 


Mr.  Hallam. 
Miss  Wainwright. 

"  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Douglass. 

"  Harman. 


and 


Cont 


nvances. 


Rovewell  Mr. 

Argus  ;< 

Hearty  " 


Jan.  1 8th, 


Don  Felix   Mr. 

Col.  Britton   " 

Don  Pedro   " 

Don  Lopez   " 

Lissardo   " 


Woolls. 
Morris. 
Allyn. 


Robin 
Arethusa 
Betty.  . 


The  Wonder. 


Hallam. 

Wall. 

Tomlinson. 

Morris. 

Allyn. 


Gibby  . 
Violante 
Isabella 
Flora 
Inis  •  • 


and  a  Pantomime,  called  The  Witches. 

Harlequin  Mr.  Hallam.      I  Necromancer 

Pantaloon  '     Morris.  Petit  Maitre 

Pierrot  "    Tomlinson.  I     Columbine  . 


Jan.  25th, 


King  Lear. 


Lear  Mr.  Hallam.  ' 

Gloster  "  Morris. 

Edgar      ...        .    .     "  Douglass. 

Edmund  "  Henry. 

Kent  By  a  Gentleman, 

[First  appearance  on  Stage.] 


Albany  . 
Usher  . 
Cordelia 
Regan  . 
Goneril  . 


Mr.  Tomlinson. 
Miss  Wainwright. 
Mrs.  Harman. 


Mr.  Douglass. 
Miss  Cheer. 

"  Hallam. 

y  Wainwright. 
Mrs.  Harman. 


Mr.  Woolls. 
"  Allyn. 
Miss  Cheer. 


Mr.  Allyn. 

"  Wall. 
Miss  Cheer. 

"  Storer. 

"  Wainwright. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


49 


and 

Hob 

Friendly 


Flora,  or  Hob  in  the  Well. 


Mr.  Allyn. 

M  WOOLLS. 


Flora  .  . 
Hob's  Mother 


Feb.  ift, 


The  Sufpicious  Hufband. 


Ranger   Mr.  Hallam. 

Strictland   Douglass. 

Frankly   "  Wall. 

Jack  Meggot   "  Alltn. 


Mrs.  Strictland. 
Clarinda.    .  . 
Jacintha. 
IiUcetta  .    .  . 


Miss  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Habman. 


Miss  Storkr. 
"  Cheer. 
"    F.  Stobeb. 
"  Wainwbight. 


and 


The  Devil  to  Pay. 


Sir  John  Loverule 
Jobson 


Mr.  Woolls. 
"  ToMLINSOIi. 


Lady  Loverule         .    Mrs.  Habman. 
Nell  Miss  Wainwbight. 


This  is  the  first  time  we  notice  the  name  of  Miss  Fanny 
Storer,  who,  in  1773,  occupied  a  prominent  position  as  a 
singing  actress,  and  after  many  years'  absence  reappeared,  in 
1792,  as  Mrs.  Mechler. 


Feb.  8th, 


Love 


in  a 


Vil 


lage 


and  Townly's-farce  of  High  Life  Below  Stairs. 


Lovell  .... 
Freeman  .... 
Lord  Duke's  Servant 
Sir  Harry's  Servant 
Philip  .... 
Kingston  .... 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Heney. 
"  Wall. 
u  Alltn. 
11  Morris. 

"  TOMLTNSON. 


Cook  

Miss  Kitty  .    .    .  . 
Lady  Bab's  Servant  . 
Lady  Charlotte's  Ser- 
vant ...... 


Feb.  15th, 


Capt.  Plume. 
Capt.  Brazen 
Sergeant  Kite 
Justice  Balance 
Worthy  .  . 
Bullock   .  . 

and 


The  Recruiting  Officer. 

Mr.  Hallam. 


Henry. 

Douglass. 

Morris. 

Woolls. 

Tomli.vsox. 


Recruits 

Melinda 
Sylvia  . 
Rose 
Lucy  . 


The  Citizen. 


Old  Phil  pot  .    .  . 

Young  Philpot  ....  " 

Sir  Jasper  Wilding     .    .  " 

Young  Wilding.    ...  " 

Feb.  22d, 

Pierre   Mr. 

Jaffier   " 

Priuli   " 


Mr.  Douglass. 
Hallam. 
"  tomlinson. 
"  Henry. 


Beaufort 
Quilldrive 
Maria  . 

Corinna 


Mrs.  Harman. 
Miss  Storer. 
"  Wainwright. 

"  Hallam. 


Mr.  Wall. 

"  Rawobth. 
Miss  Storeb. 

"  Cheeb 

"  Wainweight. 
Mrs.  Habman. 


Mr.  Woolls. 
"  Malone. 
Miss  Wainwright. 
Mrs.  Tomlinson. 


Venice  Preferved. 


Hallam. 

Henry. 

Douglass. 


Renault 
Bedamar 

Bel  videra 


Feb.  29th, 


Teague  .  . 
Col.  Careless 
Col.  Blunt  . 
Mr.  Day  .  . 


March  3d, 


The  Committee. 

Mr.  Henby.  I  Obadiah 

"   Douglass.  Mrs.  Day 

"    Hallam.  Ruth  . 

"  Mobbis.  Arabella 

Macbeth. 


Macbeth   Mr.  Hallam.  Banquo    .  . 

Duncan   •*   Gbeville.      j  Hecate.    .  . 

Macduff   "    Douglass.  Lady  Macbeth 

Malcolm   11    Henry.  Ladv  Macduff 

March  7th,  The  School  for  Lovers 

and  Murphy's  farce  of  The  Apprentice. 

Dick  

Win  gate.  .  .  . 
Gargle  .... 


Mr.  Wall. 

"  Mobris. 
"  Henry. 


President 
Simon  . 
Charlotte 


Mr.  Mobbis. 

"  Wall. 
Miss  Cheer. 


Mr.  Tomlinson. 
Mrs.  Douglass. 
Miss  Cheer. 
14  Hallam. 


Mr.  Morris. 
"  Woolls. 
Miss  Cheer. 
Mrs.  Douglass. 


Mr.  Woolls. 

M  TOMLINSON. 

Miss  Wainwbight. 


50 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


March  14th, 

Lovegold  [1st  time]  . 
Frederick  .... 
Clerimont  .... 
Ramillie  .... 

James  

List  

Decoy  

Satin  


The  Mifer. 


Mr. 


Hallam. 

Douglass. 

Wall. 

Morris. 

Tomlinson. 

Henry. 

Raworth. 

Greville. 


Sparkle  . 
Furnish 
Charles 
Mrs.  Wisely 
Mariana  . 
Harriet 
Wheedle  . 
Lappet 


Mr.  Woolls. 

"  Malone. 

"  Roberts. 
Mrs.  Douglass. 
Miss  Cheer. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Storer. 
Mrs.  Harman. 


and,  firft  time,  the  mufical  piece  of  The  Chaplet. 


Damon  Mr. 

Palemon  " 


Woolls. 
Wall. 


Pastora 
Laura 


March  19th, 


Cato. 


Cato  . 

Semphronius 
Pore i us  . 
Juba.    .    . • 


Mr. 


Douglass. 
Hallam. 
Henry. 
Wall. 


Syphax. 
Lucius 
Lucia  . 
Marcia 


March  24th,         The  Fair  Penitent. 


Miss  Hallam. 
"    F.  Storer. 


Mr.  Morris. 

"  Tomlinson. 
Miss  Hallam. 

"  Cheer. 


Sciolto  Mr. 

Horatio  .  " 
Lothario  " 


and,  firft  time, 


Slip  

Sir  Harry  Harlow 
Bel  ford  .... 
Martin  .... 


Henry. 

Douglass. 

Hallam. 


AHamont 
Calista  . 
Lavinia  . 


Neck  or  Nothing. 


Mr. 


Hallam. 
Henry. 
Wall. 
Morris. 


Mrs.  Stock  well 
Nancy    .  . 
Jenny     .  . 


By  a  Gentleman. 
Miss  Cheer. 
Mrs.  Douglass. 


Mrs.  Douglass. 
Miss  Hallam. 
"  Storer. 


April  4th, 

Sir  Harry  Wildair 
Col.  Standard 
Beau  Clincher 
Young  Clincher  . 
Aid.  Smuggler  . 


The  Conftant  Couple. 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Douglass 
"  Henry. 
"  Wall. 
"  Morris. 


Vizard  . 
Lady  Lurewell 
Lady  Darling 
Angelica. 
Parley  . 


Mr.  Tomlinson. 
Mrs.  Harman. 

"  Tomlinson. 
Miss  Cheer. 

"    F.  Storer. 


April  6th,  By  Command  of  Lady  Moore,  a  new  comedy  by 
Murphy,  never  a&ed  here,  called 

All  in  the  Wrong. 

The  cast  is  not  in  the  newspaper,  but  probably  Mr.  Henry 
personated  Sir  John  Restless ;  Mr.  Hallam,  Beverly  ;  and  Miss 
Cheer,  Lady  Restless. 


April  nth. 


Othello. 


Othello 
lago  . 
Cassio  . 
Brabantio 
Roderigo 


Mr. 


Douglass. 

Hallam. 

Henry. 

Morris. 

Wall. 


Duke  .  . 
Ludovico  . 
Montano  . 
Desdemona 
Emelia  . 


Mr.  Greville. 

"  Tomlinson. 

"  Malone. 
Miss  Cheer. 
Mrs.  Harman. 


April  14th, 
and 


Romeo  and  Juliet  ; 
Catharine  and  Petruchio. 


Petruchio 
Baptista 
Hortensio 
Biondello 


[r.  Hallam.  1  Grumio     ....  Mr.  Morris. 

"  Tomlinson.  I  Catharine  ....  Miss  Cheer. 

"  Douglass.  |  Bianca   "  Storer. 

"  Wall.  I  Curtis   Mrs.  Harman. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


51 


April  18th, 
Firft  time, 


Mifs  Wainwright's  benefit. 
Country  Lalles. 


Heartwell   Mr.  Docqlass. 

Modely   "  Hallam. 

Sir  John  English     .    .  "  Tomlinson. 

Freehold   "  Morris. 

Lurcher   "  Wall. 


c  urbuaole 
Longhottom 
Shacklefigure 
Flora  . 
Aura 


Mr.  Henry. 

"  Woolls. 
"  Roberts. 
Miss  Waixwriqht. 
"  Cheer. 


Songs  and  Recitations,  by  Woolls,  Wall,  and  Miss  Wainwright. 

and  The  Citizen. 

Maria  Miss  Wainwright. 

April  21ft,  Benefit  of  Mr.  Morris. 

The  Confcious  Lovers. 

Young  Bevil  .  . 
Sir  John  Bevil 
Seal  and    .    .  . 
Tom  .... 

and 

Honeycomb  . 
Scribble 

Ledger      .    .  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Henry. 
"  Douglass. 
"  Morris. 


Indiana 
Isabella 
Lucinda 
Mrs.  Seal  and 


Miss  Cheer. 
"  Storer. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Wainwright. 


Polly  Honeycomb. 


Mr.  Morris. 
"  Wall. 
"  Tomlinson. 


Mrs.  Houe.vcomb         Mrs.  Harman. 
Polly  Honeycomb    .    Miss  Wainwright. 
Nurse  Mrs.  Tomlinson. 


April  25th, 


Posthumus 

and 


Mr.  Hallam's  benefit. 
Cymbeline. 

Mr.  Hallam.         |     Queen  Miss  Storer. 


High  Life  Below  Stairs. 


Lovell  Mr.  Hallam. 

Freeman  "  Douglass. 


l.ord  Duke 
Miss  Kitty 


Mr.  Henry. 
Miss  Storer. 


Mr.  Allyn's  name  is  no  longer  found  in  the  bills,  and  Mrs. 

Douglass  was  probably  ill,  as  her  characters  for  many  weeks 

are  given  to  substitutes. 

April  28th,         Benefit  of  Mr.  Douglafs. 
Firft  time,  Dryden's  tragedy  of  All  for  Love. 


Marc  Antony 
Ventidius  . 
Dolabdla  . 
Alexas  . 
Serapion 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Douglass. 
"  Wall. 
u  Morris. 
"  Tomlinson. 


Cleopatra  ....  Miss  Cheer. 

Octavia     ....  "  Storer. 

Charmian  ....  "  Wainwright. 

Iras   Mrs.  Wall. 


Antony's  children 


and 


.    .    .    Miss  Tomlinson  and  Miss  Maria  Storer. 

The  Upholfterer. 

Quidnunc  Mr.  DouotAss. 

For  the  first  the  name  of  Miss  Maria  Storer  is  found  in  the 
bills,  and,  from  the  character  assigned  her,  she  must  have 
been  a  mere  child  at  this  period.  She  gradually  developed 
talent  both,  in  singing  and  acting,  and,  after  she  became  Mrs. 
Henry,  was  an  immense  favorite  with  the  public.  Dunlap 
says  that  "she  possessed  both  beauty  and  talent,  and  until 
the  year  1792  was  the  best  public  singer  America  had  known. 
She  played  tragedy  and  comedy  with  spirit  and  propriety, 
although  her  figure  was  rather  petite  for  the  first,  or  for  the 


52 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


elegant  females  of  Congreve  and  Cibber."  Wood  says  that 
"  she  was  a  perfect  fairy  in  figure,  and  that  her  singing  and 
acting  rendered  her  a  prodigious  favorite."  He  adds,  that 
"  she  well  needed  a  strong  hold  on  public  favor  to  protect 
her  from  the  occasional  disgust  and  resentment  excited  by 
her  frequent  silly  and  cajDricious  conduct.  Scarcely  a  week 
passed  but  a  change  in  the  performances  was  rendered  neces- 
sary by  some  captious  objection  to  a  character,  a  slender  box 
sheet,  or  a  stinted  proportion  of  applause."  The  relation  that 
she  occupied  to  Henry,  first  publicly  announced  in  1786,  was 
a  most  extraordinary  one,  for  whether  she  was  the  successor 
of  a  deserting  or  a  deserted  sister  in  his  regard,  that  sister 
was  still  living,  and  decency  alone  should  have  prevented  so 
unnatural  a  union.  Dunlap  truly  says  that  "  such  instances, 
if  rare,  account  for  that  repelling  principle  which  keeps  the 
cautious  and  the  pure  in  private  society  aloof  from  those  who 
delight  them  in  public.  Those  who  attract  public  attention 
should  be  able  to  bear  the  scrutiny  of  the  public."  Mrs. 
Henry  retired  with  her  husband  from  the  New  York  stage 
in  1794,  and  was  his  companion  on  his  voyage  to  Rhode 
Island  when  his  death  occurred,  a  shock  from  which  she 
never  recovered,  and  which  preyed  upon  her  mind  till  reason 
was  destroyed.  She  died  a  lunatic,  at  Philadelphia,  April 
25th,  1795,  aged  probably  not  over  forty  years. 

May  2d,  1768.  For  the  benefit  of  the  three  Misses  Storer, 
"  Richard  3d "  was  performed,  with  Hallam  as  Richard,  Miss 
F.  Storer  as  the  Prince  of  Wales,  Miss  Maria  Storer  as  the 
Duke  of  York,  and  Miss  Ann  Storer  as  Lady  Anne,  in  which 
character  she  succeeded  Miss  Cheer,  who  was  promoted  to 
that  of  the  Queen,  vice  Mrs.  Douglass.  Between  the  2d  and 
3d  acts  of  the  tragedy,  Foot e's  Interlude,  entitled  "Taste,"  was 
performed,  with  Mr.  Wall  as  Carmine,  and  Mr.  Henry  as  Lady 
Pentweazle,  and  between  the  3d  and  4th  acts  Miss  Maria 
Storer  sang  the  celebrated  song  "  Sweet  Echo."  The  enter- 
tainments concluded  with  "  Miss  in  her  teens" — Miss  F. 
Storer  as  Capt.  Flash,  Miss  M.  Storer  as  Fribble,  and  Miss 
A.  Storer  as  Tag-. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


53 


May  9th,  Mr.  Hallam's  benefit.  "  Mr.  H.  in  a  moft  re- 
fpeclful  manner  begs  leave  to  acquaint  the  public,  that  his 
friends  and  patrons  being  of  the  opinion,  that  the.  failure  of  the 
play  of  "  Cymbeline"  acl:ed  on  the  25th  of  April  was  entirely 
owing  to  a  prepolfeflion  which  prevailed  that  the  Houfe  would 
be  crowded  and  thereby  prevented  many  from  exerting  their  in- 
fluence in  his  favor,  have  advifed  him  to  take  another  benefit — 
but  as  that  could  not  be  done,  without  contravening  the  eftab- 
lifhed  rules  of  the  company  and  fixing  a  precedent  which  might 
be  attended  with  very  troublefome  confequences  in  the  future  ; 
He  in  order  to  obviate  any  objection  of  that  nature,  but  more 
particularly  to  convince  the  town  that  he  has  no  thought  of  im- 
pofing  a  fecond  Benefit  on  them,  has  relinquifhed  the  profits  of 
"Cymbeline"  to  Mr.  Woolls  and  taken  his  night  in  return." 

This  indicates  that  the  previous  benefit  was  not  an  entire 

failure,  as  it  yielded  enough  to  satisfy  the  claims  of  Mr. 

Woolls,  who  would  not  expect  as  profitable  a  result  as  one  so 

eminently  a  favorite  as  Mr.  Hallam.    The  entertainments  on 

this  occasion  were — 

The  Orphan  of  China. 


Zamti  Mr.  Douglass. 


Zaphimri 
Timurkan 
Hamet  . 


Hallam. 

Henry. 

Wall. 


Mirvan. 
Morat  . 
Octar  . 
MandaDe 


and 

Captain  O'Blunder 
Doctor  Clyster 
Doctor  Gallipot  . 
Cheatwell  . 


The  Brave  Irifhman. 


Mr.  Henry. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Douglass. 
"  Wall. 


Tradewell 
Marquis 
Lucy 
Betty  . 


May  23d, 


Benefit  of  Mrs.  Douglafs. 
Jane  Shore. 


Hastings 
Gloster  . 
Dumout 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Morris. 
"  Wall 


Delmour  . 
Jane  Shore 
Alicia  . 


Mr.  Morris. 

"  Tomlinson. 

"  Greville. 
Miss  Cheer. 


Mr.  Morris. 

"  Roberts. 
Miss  Hallam. 

"  Wainwright. 


Mr.  Wall. 
Mrs.  Douglass. 
Miss  Cheer. 


A  Cantata  from  Sappho,  by  Mr.  Woolls. 
Song,  "  'Twas  when  the  seas  were  roaring  "  Miss  Hallam. 

and  Mifs  in  her  teens,      with  call:  of  May  2d. 

May  26th,       Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wall's  benefit. 

The  Provoked  Hufhand. 


LordTownly  .  . 
Sir  F.  Wronghead 
Manly  .  .  .  . 
Squire  Richard  . 
Count  Bassett 


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Morris. 
"  Douglass. 
"  Woolls. 
"  Wall. 


John  Moody  . 
Lady  Townly  . 
Lady  Grace  . 
Lady  Wronghead 
Miss  Jenny 


May  30th,  Mr. 


Tomlinfon's  benefit. 
The  Gamefter. 


Beverly   Mr.  Hallam. 

Stukely  "  Douglass. 

Lewson  "  Wall. 

Dawson  14  Woolls. 


Dates    .  . 
Mrs.  Beverly 
Charlotte  . 
Lucy    .  . 


Mr.  Tomlinson. 
Miss  Cheer. 
Mrs.  Harman. 
Miss  Wainwright. 
"  Hallam. 


Mr.  Tomlinson. 
Miss  Cheer. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Wainwright. 


54:  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


and  The  Devil  to  Pay. 

Jobson  Mr.  Tomlinson.    |    Nell  Miss  Wainwbiqht. 

Doctor    ....    Mr.  Robbins,  his  first  appearance  on  the  stage. 

June  2d,  laft  night  of  the  feafon.    Benefit  of  Mr.  Douglafs. 
The  Earl  of  EfTex. 

Essex  Mr.  Hallam.        ,     Queen  Elizabeth  .    .    Mrs.  Harman. 

Southampton  ....     "  Douglass.  Rutland    ....    Miss  Cheer. 

Burleigh  "  Morris.  Nottingham   ...      "  Hallam. 

Fanny,  the  Phantom  ;  or  the  Cock-Lane  Ghoft. 

The  Orator  and  Peter  Paragraph  Mr.  Wall. 

Justice  Mr.  Wools.  I     Shadrach  ....    Mr.  Morris. 

Counsellor     ....     "  Tomlinson.     |     Irish  Sergeant    .    .     "  Douglass. 

and  Catharine  and  Petruchio. 

A  recess  of  several  months  was  followed  by  the  announce- 
ment that  the  "  American  Company,"  as  Douglass'  corps  had 
been  called  during  the  previous  season,  would  reappear  in 
the  John  Street  Theatre  on  the  9th  of  January,  1769,  in  a 
favorite  comedy,  and  other  entertainments. 

On  the  16th  of  January  "King  John"  was  acted  for  the  first 
time  in  New  York,  with  the  following  cast : 


King  John     ....    Mr.  Douglass.  Paudulph  ....  Mr.  Morris. 

Falconbridge  ....     "  Hallam.  Chatillon  ....     "  Raworth. 

Hubert  "  Henry.  Melun  "  Woolls. 

Earl  Pembroke   ..."  Tomlinson.  Prince  Arthur     .    .  Miss  M.  Storer. 

Earl  Salisbury    ..."  Parker.  Prince  Henry     .    .  Mrs  Harman. 

Robert  Falconbridge     .     "  Roberts.  Queen  Elinor  ...     41  Douglass. 

King  Philip   ....     "  Bterlt.  Lady  Constance  .    .  Miss  Cheer. 

Dauphin  "  Wall.  Lady  Falconbridge  .     "  Storer. 

Austria  "  Darby.  Blanche  of  Castile         "  Hallam. 

On  the  30th,   Aaron  Hill's  tragedy  of  "  Zara"  was  played 


for  the  first  time ;  and  February  3d,  the  "  English  Merchant,"  a 
play  by  Colman,  was  brought  out,  with  small  success. 

March  3d.  Miss  Wainwright  made  her  first  appearance  this 
season  as  Polly  in  the  "  Beggars'  Opera,"  with  Mr.  Hallam  for 
the  first  time  as  Capt.  Macheath. 

March  17th.  "  By  particular  desire  of  the  Grand  Knot  of 
the  friendly  Brothers  of  St.  Patrick;"  "The  Busy  Body,"  and 
the  "  Brave  Irishman    with  the  Charter  song,  by  Mr.  Woolls. 

March  28th.  For  the  entertainment  of  the  R.  W.  Grand 
Master,  the  M.  W.,  and  brethren  of  the  ancient  and  honorable 
Society  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons;  "The  Tender  Hus- 
band," and  the  "  Upholsterer." 

April  ioth.  "Othello."  "  The  charafter  of  Othello  to  be 
attempted  by  a  Gentleman,  affifted  by  other  gentlemen  in  the 
characters  of  the  Duke  and  Senators  of  Venice,  from  a  benevo- 
lent and  generous  defign  of  encouraging  the  Theatre,  and  re- 
lieving the  performers  from  fome  embaraflments  in  which  they 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


55 


are  involved.  With  a  new  fet  of  Scenes.  To  this  was  added 
a  fong  by  Miss  Maria  Storer;  an  Italian  Song,  by  Miss  Hallam  ; 
and  the  farce  of"  Flora,  or  Hob  in  the  Well." 

"The  Boxes  and  Pit  to  be  laid  together,  at  8  millings." 

There  is  good  reason  to  suppose  that  the  gentleman  who 
enacted  Othello  on  this  occasion,  was  Major  MoncriefF  of  the 
British  army,  as  he  played  the  character  on  the  27th  of 
March,  1778,  in  the  then  so-called  "  Theatre  Royal"  in  New 
York,  when  allusion  was  made  to  his  having  played  it  to  a 
crowded  audience,  some  years  ago  in  this  city. 

What  the  difficulties  were  under  which  the  performers 
were  laboring,  is  not  mentioned,  but  Dunlap  supposes  that 
the  season  was  not  a  prosperous  one. 

May  1st.  Benefit  of  Miss  Storer  and  Miss  M.  Storer ;  "  Jane 
Shore"  and  the  "Devil  to  Pay."  "Tickets  as  usual,  and  of 
Miss  Storers,  in  Horse  and  Cart  Street,  facing  the  Church," 
probably  the  Dutch  Reformed,  corner  of  William  and  Fulton 
Streets. 

May  25th.  Benefit  of  Mrs.  Douglass;  "Richard  3d."— "A 
Lecture  on  Heads,"  by  Mr.  Douglass — Songs,  "  Thro'  the 
Wood,  laddie,"  by  Miss  Wainwright;  and  "Vain  is  beauty's 
gaudy  flower,"  by  Miss  Hallam  ;  with  the  farce  of  "  Love  a  la 
mode."  "As  Mrs.  Douglass's  ill  state  of  health  prevents  her 
waiting  on  the  ladies,  she  humbly  hopes  they  will  excuse  her 
personal  application,  and  favour  her  with  their  company.' 
This  does  not  correspond  with  the  announcement  made  by 
Mrs.  Douglass,  February  1st,  1762. 

May  29th.  Mr.  Hallam's  benefit ;  "  The  Constant  Couple," 
and  first  time,  Dibdin's  farce  of  "  The  Padlock,"  in  which  the 
beneficiary  made  a  tremendous  hit  as  Mung-o. 

June  loth.  Benefit  of  Messrs.  Parker  and  Byerly,  and,  ad- 
vertised as  the  last  night  of  the  season.  Not  acted  in  sixteen 
years,  the  "Drummer;"  "Alexander's  Feast,"  recited  by  Mr. 
Byerly  ;  and  the  "  Padlock."  One  night  more  was  added,  and 
the  season  terminated,  on  the  17th  of  June,  with  "  Love  for 
Love,"  and  (sixth  time)  the  "  Padlock." 

The  company  does  not  appear  to  have  again  played  in  New 
York  until  1773. 


CHAPTER  V. 


John  Street  Theatre,  1773— Military  Thespians,  1777-1781. 

H  E  last  theatrical  season  anterior  to  the  Revolu- 
tion, and  the  last  of  Mr.  Douglass's  management  in 
New  York,  was  thus  announced  in  the  newspaper  of 
April  12th,  1773 : 

"  Theatre. 

By  permiflion  of  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  (Tryon) 
By  the  American  Company, 
On  Wednefday  next,  being  the  14th  of  April,  1773, 
The  Theatre  in  John  St.  will  be  opened  with 
A  Comedy, 
An  Occafional  Prologue, 
A  Farce, 

and  Entertainments  which  will  be  expreffed  in  the  Bills  of  the 
day. 

Doors  open  at  5  o'clock.  Play  to  begin  precifely  at  J  paft  6. 
Places  in  the  Boxes  may  be  taken  at  the  Theatre,  and  it  is  re- 
quefted  that  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  who  fend  to  engage  Boxes, 
would  be  pleafed  to  afcertain  the  number  of  feats  they  would 
have  referved  for  them.  Tickets  to  be  had  of  Mr.  Gaine,  in 
Hanover  Square,  and  at  the  Theatre.  Boxes,  8s.  Pit,  5s. 
Gallery,  3s.  It  may  be  neceflary  to  inform  the  public,  that  as 
the  feafon  is  fo  very  far  advanced,  it  will  not  be  poffible  to  keep 
the  houfe  open  longer  than  the  end  of  May." 

The  entertainments  for  the  opening  night  have  not  been 

ascertained. 

The  company  had  undergone  some  changes  since  its  last 
visit — the  names  of  Mrs.  Harman,  Miss  Wainwright,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Tomlinson,  and  Mr.  Kaworth  are  no  longer  in  the  bills, 
and  in  their  stead  we  find  Mr.  Goodman,  Mr.  Blackler,  Mr. 
Francis,  Miss  Richardson,  and  the  second  Mrs.  Morris.  Mrs. 
Douglass  (formerly  Mrs.  Hallam,  and  wife  of  the  original 


RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK   STAGE.  57 

manager  of  the  company)  must  now  have  become  quite  ad- 
vanced in  years,  her  name  appears  but  twice  during  the  sea- 
son— once  on  the  occasion  of  the  joint  benefit  of  her  husband 
and  self,  and  once  for  her  son's  benefit.  The  name  of  Miss 
Cheer,  hitherto  so  prominent,  is  also  rarely  found.  Cumber- 
land's comedy  of  the  "  West  Indian"  was  played  for  the  first 
time  in  New  York,  on  the  16th  of  April.  The  cast  is  not 
given,  but  we  know  that  Henry  played  Major  OP  Flaherty, 
wherein  he  was  eminently  successful,  and  that  Hallam  shared 
the  applauses  of  the  town  in  Belcour. 

April  19th.  "The  Clandestine  Marriage,"  cast  as  before, 
with  the  exception  of  the  ladies — Mrs.  Morris  being  now  the 
Mrs.  Heidi  eber  g  ;  Miss  Hallam,  Miss  Sterling;  Miss  Storer, 
Fanny  ;  and  Mrs.  Henry,  Betty.  Dancing  by  Mr.  Francis  suc- 
ceeded, and  the  farce  of  the  "  Padlock"  concluded  the  enter- 
tainments— Mr.  Wall  being  the  Leander  ;  Mr.  Woolls,  Don 
Diego  ;  Mr.  Hallam,  Mungo ;  Miss  Hallam,  Leonora ;  and  Mrs. 
Morris,  Ursula. 

Mrs.  Henry  was  the  Miss  Storer  of  the  preceding  season, 
(afterwards  Mrs.  Hogg)  and  the  present  Miss  Storer  had 
hitherto  been  designated  Miss  F.  Storer.  The  present  Mrs. 
Morris  (her  first  season  in  New  York)  was  eminent  for  beauty, 
if  not  for  talent,  and  though  she  appears  to  have  been  en- 
gaged for  general  usefulness,  playing  old  women  and  other 
undesirable  parts,  finally  obtained  the  position  of  leading 
lady,  and  enjoyed  an  unmeasured  share  of  public  estimation. 
Dunlap  describes  her  as  "  a  tall,  elegant  woman,  the  favorite 
comedy  lady,  and  the  admiration  of  the  public,  her  acting 
very  spirited."  W.  B.  Wood  says  that,  in  1786,  "  Mrs.  Morris 
was  generally  considered  the  greatest  object  of  attraction. 
This  she  owed  perhaps  to  a  tall,  imposing,  well-formed  per- 
son, and  a  very  mysterious  manner."  He  adds,  that  at  a  later 
period  he  "  became  satisfied  that  she  had  been  greatly  over- 
valued— her  enunciation  was  wretchedly  imperfect,  and  her 
education  still  worse.  She  was  one  of  the  numerous  instances 
of  personal  attraction  being  accepted  as  a  substitute  for 
mental  qualifications."    The  mysterious  manner  alluded  to 

8 


58 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


in  Mrs.  Morris  was  not  confined  to  the  stage.  She  so  disliked 
being  seen  in  daylight,  that  her  husband  obtained  permission 
from  a  neighbor  to  put  up  a  gate  in  his  garden  by  which  she 
could  pass  from  her  lodgings  in  Maiden  Lane  to  the  theatre 
without  a  circuit  of  Broadway.  On  her  occasionally  appear- 
ing in  the  public  streets,  more  curiosity  and  bustle  were  ex- 
cited than  in  later  days  by  a  Fanny  Kemble,  or  Jenny  Lind. 
Mrs.  Morris  seceded  from  the  American  Company  with  Wig- 
nell  in  1792,  while  still  in  the  height  of  her  popularity.  She 
was  on  the  Philadelphia  stage  until  1800,  when  she  visited 
England.  She  returnd  to  America,  played  as  lately  as  1806, 
and  died  in  Philadelphia  in  1824,  aged  72.  A  portrait  of 
Mrs.  Morris,  taken  in  advanced  life,  graces  an  edition  of 
dramas  published  by  Lopez  &  Wemyss,  in  Philadelphia. 

April  26th,  "KiDg  Lear,"  as  before,  excepting  Mr.  Good- 
man as  Kent ;  Miss  Hallam  as  Cordelia ;  Mrs.  Morris,  Gone- 
fil; — and  the  "Citizen;"  Maria,  Miss  Hallam.  Miss  Hallam, 
after  a  service  of  twenty  years  in  the  company,  was  at  last  the 
leading  lady. 

April  30th.  "  The  Earl  of  Essex and  first  time,  a  comedy 
by  Foote,  called  "the  Buck;  or,  Englishman  returned  from 
Paris." 


May  3d, 


The  Stratagem. 


Archer   Mr.  Hallam. 

Foigard  "  Goodman. 

Boniface  "  Byerly. 

Aimwell  "  Douglass. 

Sullen  "  Henry. 


Scrub  . 
Lady  Bountiful 
Mrs.  Sullen  . 
Dorinda 
Cherry  .    .  . 


Mr.  Morris. 
Mrs.  Wall. 
Miss  Hallam. 

"  Richardson. 
Mrs.  Henry. 


and  fecond  time,  Kane  O'Hara's  celebrated  burletta  of  Midas. 


Midas  Mr.  Goodman. 


Sileno  . 
Damaeteus 
Apollo  .  . 
Jupiter 
Mars 

Mercury  . 


Parker. 
Wall. 

WOOLLS. 

Morris. 

Douglass. 

Roberts. 


Pan 

Mysis  . 
Nysa  . 
Daphne 
Juno 
Venus  . 
Diana  . 


Mr.  Byerly. 
Miss  Richardson. 

"  Storer. 
Mrs.  Morris. 

"  Wall. 

"  Henry. 
Mies  Hallam. 


This  piece  is  still  occasionally  performed  with  applause. 
About  this  period  several  disturbances  occurred  in  the  gal- 
lery, and  the  performers  on  the  stage  and  in  the  orchestra 
were  repeatedly  insulted  therefrom.  Mr.  Douglass  gave 
notice  that  on  a  repetition  of  these  insults  the  gallery  would 
be  closed. 


MRS.  SIDDONS 

After  the  painting  by  Sir  Joshua  Reynolds 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


59 


May  14th,  Congreve's  tragedy  of  the  Mourning  Bride. 


Osmin   Mr.  Hallam. 

Manuel  "  Douglass. 

Garcia  "Henry. 

Gomales  "  Morris. 

Selim  "  Wall. 


Alonzo  . 

Heli 

Zara 

Almeria 

Leonora 


Mr.  Byerly. 

"  Parker. 
Mrs.  Morris. 
Miss  Hallam. 

"  Storer. 


It  seems  strange  now  that  this  play  could  ever  have  been 
popular,  yet  Zara  was  one  of  Mrs.  Siddons's  most  favorite  and 
attractive  characters. 

May  17th,  firft  time,  BickerftafPs  opera,  The  Maid  of  the  Mill. 


Lord  Aimworth  .  . 
Sir  Harry  Sycamore 

Giles  

Ralph  

Fairfield  .... 


Mr.  Hallam. 
**  Goodman. 

"  WOOLLS. 

"  Wall. 
44  Douglass. 


Mervin  .    .  . 
Lady  Sycamore 
Fanny  . 
Theodosia  . 
Patty    .    .  . 


Mr.  Parker. 
Mrs.  Morris. 
Miss  Storer. 

"  Richardson. 

"  Hallam. 


This  musical  drama  had  been  brought  out  at  Covent  Gar- 
den in  1765,  and  the  beauty  of  its  melodies  rendered  it  long 
a  favorite. 


May  24th,  Nat  Lee's  tragedy  of  Theodofius. 


Theodosius 
Varanes 
Marcian 
Leontine 
-  Atticus 
Lucius  ■ 


Mr.  Henry. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Douglass. 
"  Goodman. 
M  Woolls. 
"  Parker. 


Aranthes 

Pulcheria 

Athenais 

Flavilla 

Marina 

Julia 


and 


Sharp  . 

Justice  Guttle 


The  Lying  Valet. 


Mr.  Morris. 
"  Goodman. 


Melissa 
Kitty  Pry 


Mr.  Wall. 
Mrs.  Morris. 
Miss  Hallam. 

"  Storer. 

"  Richardson. 
Mrs.  Wall. 


Mrs.  Morris. 
"  Henry. 


Dunlap  says  that  for  many  years  "  Theodosius"  was  a  very 
popular  tragedy.  The  above  is  the  only  cast  in  New  York 
that  we  have  found.  Probably  it  has  never  been  performed 
during  the  nineteenth  century. 

June  1  ft,  firft  time,  Garrick's  celebrated  romance  of 
Cymon  and  Sylvia. 


Cymon  . 
Merlin  . 
Linco 
Dorus  . 
Dorilas  . 
Damon  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 
*'  Goodman. 
"  Woolls. 
"  Morris. 
"  Wall. 
"  Byerly. 


Cupid  . 
Sylvia 
Dorcas 
Fatima 
Urganda 


Miss  Storer. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Richardson. 
Mrs.  Henry. 

"  Morris. 


June  7th,  Cymon  and  Sylvia  ; 

and,  fecond  time,  O'Brien's  farce,  called  Crofs  Purpofes. 


Grub  .  .  . 
Francis  Bevil 
Harry  Bevil  . 
George  Bevil  . 
Chapeau 


Mr.  Goodman. 
"  Douglass. 
M  Henry. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Wall. 


Robin  . 
Consol  .  . 
Mrs.  Grub 
Kmily  . 
Maid    .  . 


Mr.  Morris. 

"  Byerly. 
Mrs.  Morris. 
Miss  Storer. 

"  Richardson. 


June  14th,        Benefit  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Douglafs. 

"  Richard  3rd," — Miss  Cheer  appearing  as  Queen  Elizabeth, 


60 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Miss  Hallam  as  Lady  Anne,  Mrs.  Douglass  as  the  Duchess  of 
York,  and  a  "  Gentleman/'  making  his  entree  on  the  Stage,  as 
the  Earl  of  Richmond, — Hallam,  of  course,  being  the  "  Crook- 
backed  Tyrant."  Mr. Douglass  delivered  a  prologue  "in  char- 
acter of  a  Master  Mason,"  and  Miss  Storer  sang  "Eileen 
Aroon."    "  Midas"  concluded  the  entertainments. 

June  21ft,    Benefit  of  Mifs  Cheer  and  Mr.  Woolls, 

Milton's  celebrated  Mafque  of  Comus. — (Probably  for  the  firft 
time  in  America.) 


Conius  .... 
Elder  Brother  . 
Younger  Brother 
First  Spirit  .  . 
Second  Spirit  . 


Mr.  Henry. 


Parker. 
Goodman. 
Byerly. 
Morris. 


Third  Spirit 
The  Lady  . 
Euphrosyne 
Sabrina  . 
Satyrs  . 


Mr.  Woolls. 
Miss  Cheer. 

"  Storer. 

"  Hallam. 
Mr.   Francis,  &c. 


Bacchanals  and  Bacchantes  by  the  whole  company. 

and  .  High  Life  Below  Stairs. 

Miss  Kitty  *.....    Miss  Cheer. 

The  last  time  that  "  Comus"  was  revived  in  New  York  was 
at  Burton's  Theatre  in  Chambers  Street,  in  1848,  with  a  very 
indifferent  cast. 

June  28th,    Benefit  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morris, 
Rowe's  tragedy  of  Tamerlane. 


Prince  of  Tanais  By  a  Gentleman,— His  first  appearance. 

Dervise   Mr.  Morris. 

Mirvan   "  Blackler: 

Zamor   "  Parker. 

Selima   Miss  Hallam. 

Arpasia   Mrs.  Morris. 


Tamerlane   Mr.  Douglass, 

Bajazet  M  Hallam. 

Moneses  '*  Goodman. 

Omar  "  Henry. 

Haly  "  Byerly. 


and,  never  played  in  America,  Garrick's  farce  of 
The  Irifh  Widow. 

Sir  Patrick  O'Neal  ...    Mr.  Goodman.      I     Whittle  Mr.  Byerly. 

Kecksy  "   Morris.  Bates  "  Blackler. 

Nephew  "    Wall.  Widow  Brady  ....    Mrs.  Morris. 

July  1  ft,    MefTrs.  Hallam  and  Goodman's  benefit, 
The  Conftant  Couple. 

Sir  Harry  Wildair  .    .    .    Mr.  Hallam.        I     Lady  Lurewell     .    .    .    Mrs.  Morris. 
Beau  Clincher    ....     t(    Goodman.  Lady  Darling  ....     "  Douglass. 


Vizard  "    Byerly.         |     Angelica    ...        .    Miss  Hallam. 

Recitation— "Bucks  have  at  ye  all"  Mr.  Hallam. 

and  Harlequin  Collector. 


First  Harlequin  ....  Mr.  Hallam. 
Second  Harlequin    ..."  Wall. 

Clown  "  Morris. 

Magician  "  Woolls. 


Anatomist   Mr.  Byerly. 

Statuary   "  Douglass. 

Miller   "  Goodman. 

Columbine   Miss  Hallam. 


No  report  of  Mr.  Goodman's  merits  has  reached  us,  but  it  is 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


61 


evident  that  he  ranked  as  high  as  any  gentleman  in  the  com- 
pany, Mr.  Hallam  alone  excepted, — his  list  of  characters  in- 
cluding Mercutio,  Lewson,  Kent,  Hardcastle,  Midas,  Sir  Harry 
Sycamore,  Sir  Patrick  O'Neal,  Beau  Clincher,  Foigard,  and 
others  of  importance. 

July  1 2th.    Benefit  of  Mr.  Roberts  and  Mifs  Richardfon, 

Jane  Shore. 

Jane  Shore  [first  time]        Mrs.  Morris.         |     Alicia  Miss  Hallam. 

July  19th.        Laft  Night  of  the  Seafon. 

Benefit  of  MefTrs.  Dermot  and  Francis. 


The  Merchant  of  Venice. 


Shylock 
Bassanio 
Gratiano 
Antonio 
Lorenzo 


Mr.  Hallam.  Tubal   Mr.  Dermot. 

"   Bterlt.  Launcelot  "  Morris. 

"   Hughes.  Portia   Mrs.  Morris. 

"   Henry.  Nerissa   Miss  Richardson. 

14   Woolls.        I     Jessica  "  Storer. 


Harlequin  Dance  Mr.  Francis. 

and  The  Miller  of  Mansfield. 

The  King  Mr.  Henry.  |    The  Miller  Mr.  Morris. 

July  26th.  The  season  being  extended,  a  benefit  was  an- 
nounced towards  the  support  of  the  Hospital  about  to  be 
erected  in  New  York. 

George  Barnwell. 

Barnwell    Mr.  Hallam.  Blunt   Mr.  Byerly. 

Trueman  "   Goodman.  Millwood   Mrs.  Morris. 

Thoroughgood    ....     "    Morris.  Maria   Miss  Storer. 

Uncle  "   Henry.         I     Lucy   "  Richardson. 

Occasional  Prologue  By  Mr.  Hallam. 

[Written  by  Rev.  Dr.  Cooper,  Provost  of  King's  College.] 

and  Edgar  and  Emmeline. 

Edgar  Mr.  Hallam.  Emmeline  Miss  Hallam. 

Florimond  "    Wall.  I     Spirits.    Miss  Storer  &  Mrs.  Morris. 

"  N.B.  It  is  hoped  that  all  who  are  charitably  difpofed,  or  wifh 
well  to  fo  laudable  and  ufeful  an  undertaking,  will  countenance 
this  play  with  their  prefence,  or  otherwife  contribute  their  mite 
to  fo  good  a  work  as  the  providing  a  receptacle  for  the  fick  and 
needy.  It  is  hoped  by  the  friends  of  the  Hofpital  that  the  moral 
of  the  Play  to  be  acted  will  have  fome  influence  with  thofe  who 
are  otherwife  no  friends  to  the  Theatre." 

The  hospital  was  erected  quite  out  of  town,  in  Broadway, 
between  what  are  now  known  as  Duane  and  Worth  (formerly 
Anthony)  Streets. 


62 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


The  following  is  Dr.  Cooper's  prologue: 

"  With  melting  breast,  the  wretch's  pangs  to  feel, 
His  cares  to  soften,  or  his  anguish  heal ; 
Wo  into  peace  by  pity  to  beguile, 
And  make  disease,  and  want,  and  sorrow  smile  ; 
Are  deeds  that  nobly  mark  the  generous  mind 
Which  swells  with  liberal  love  to  human  kind, 
And  triumphs  in  each  joy  to  others  known 
As  blissful  portions  added  to  his  own. 
Small  though  our  powers,  we  pant  with  honest  heart 
In  pity's  cause  to  bear  an  humble  part ; 
We  gladly  give  this  night  to  aid  a  plan 
Whose  object's  charity  and  good  to  man. 

"  Patrons  of  charity !    While  time  endures 
Be  every  bliss  of  conscious  virtue  yours ! 
The  hoary  father  snatched  from  want  and  pain, 
Oft  to  his  consort  and  his  youthful  train 
Shall  praise  the  hand  that  raised  his  drooping  head, 
When  every  hope,  when  every  friend  had  fled, 
That  raised  him,  cold  and  naked,  from  the  ground 
And  poured  the  healing  balsam  in  his  wound  ; 
With  kindly  art  detained  his  parting  breath 
And  back  repelled  the  threatening  dart  of  death. 
The  plaintive  widow  shedding  tears  of  joy, 
As  fondly  watching  o'er  her  darling  boy, 
Her  anxious  eyes  with  keen  discernment  trace 
The  dawn  of  health  relumining  his  face. 
Shall  clasp  him  to  her  breast  with  raptures  new, 
And  pour  the  prayer  of  gratitude  for  you. 
In  you,  the  long  lost  characters  shall  blend 
Of  guardian,  brother,  father,  husband,  friend ! 
And  sure  if  bliss  in  mortal  breast  can  shine 
That  purest  bliss,  humanity !  is  thine. 
Let  not  mistaken  avarice  deplore 
Each  mite  diminished  from  his  useless  store, — 
But  tell  the  wretch — that  liberal  acts  bestow 
Delights  which  hearis  like  his  can  never  know. 
Tell — for  you  feel — that  generous  love  receives 
A  double  portion  of  the  joy  it  gives, 
Beams  o'er  the  soul,  a  radiance  pure  and  even, 
And  antidates  on  earth,  the  bliss  of  Heaven. 
This  night,  to  youth,  our  moral  scene  displays 
How  false,  how  fatal,  are  the  wanton's  ways  ; 
Paints  her  alluring  looks,  fallacious  wiles, 
And  the  black  ruin  lurking  in  her  smiles  ; — 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


63 


Bids  us  the  first  approach  of  vice  to  shun, 
And  claims  a  tear  for  innocence  undone. 
While  scenes  like  this  employ  our  humble  stage, 
We  fondly  hope  your  favours  to  engage  ; 
No  ribald  page  shall  here  admittance  claim 
Which  decency  or  virtue  brands  with  shame ; 
No  artful  hint  that  wounds  the  virgin's  ear, 
No  thought  that  modesty  would  blush  to  hear  ; — 
We  ask  no  patronage — disclaim  applause — 
But  while  we  act  and  speak  in  Virtue's  cause  ; — 
This  is  our  aim — and  while  we  this  pursue, 
We  ne'er  can  fail  of  patronage  from  you." 


The  season  closed  on  the  2d  of  August  with  the  first  per- 
formance, in  New  York,  of  Goldsmith's  still  highly  popular 
comedy,  called  "  She  Stoops  to  Conquer,"  thus  cast : 


Mr.  Goodman. 
"  Morris. 
"  Henry. 
"  Bterly. 
14  Hallam. 


Hardcastle 
Sir  Charles  Marlow 
Young  Marlow  . 
Hastings  .    .  . 
Tony  Lumpkin  . 

and 


Mask  Mr.  Byerly. 

Old  Mask  4*  Morris. 

Freeman  "  Hughes. 


Landlord  . 
Diggory     .  . 
Mrs.  Hardcastle 
Miss  Hardcastle 
Miss  Neville  . 


Mr.  Woolls. 

"  Hughes. 
Mrs.  Morris. 
Miss  Hallam. 

"  Storer. 


The  Mufical  Lady. 


Rossini  Mr.  Roberts. 

Lady  Scrape  ....  Miss  Storer. 
Sophy  "  Hallam. 


The  company  proceeded  to  Annapolis  and  Philadelphia, 
(where  Mrs.  Douglass  died)  and  thence  to  Charleston,  where 
they  played  until  June,  1774.  Hallam,  Miss  Hallam,  and 
Woolls,  sailed  from  Charleston  for  London,  and  Douglass  re- 
turned to  New  York,  intending  to  open  in  John  Street  in  the 
fall ;  Hallam  sending  out,  either  as  a  substitute  for  himself,  or 
simply  as  a  desirable  recruit,  his  cousin,  Thomas  Wignell,  who 
arrived  here  in  October,  and  who  afterwards  became  celebrated 
as  actor  and  manager.  But  on  the  24th  of  October,  1774,  the 
Provincial  Congress  passed  a  resolution  recommending  the 
suspension  of  all  public  amusements,  and  this  recommenda- 
tion was  looked  upon  as  law  by  all  American  Patriots. 
Douglass,  knowing  that  it  would  be  in  vain  to  hope  for 
patronage  or  support  on  the  continent,  embarked  with  Wig- 
nell and  the  rest  of  the  company  for  the  West  Indies,  where 
he  finally  retired  from  the  management,  wherein  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  young  Hallam,  who  ultimately  associated  with  him- 
self his  popular  rival,  John  Henry. 


64 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Thus  ends  the  record  of  professional  performances  pre- 
ceding the  grand  Historical  Drama  of  the  American  Revo- 
lution. 

But  while  that  great  work  was  in  progress,  and  when  the 
British  army  occupied  the  City  of  New  York,  amateurs  were 
not  wanting  among  its  officers  to  keep  the  John  Street  Theatre 
open,  under  the  title  of  Theatre  Royal.  From  January,  1777, 
to  June,  1781,  performances  took  place,  during  stated  seasons, 
for  the  benefit  of  various  charities,  or  for  private  amusement, 
some  of  which  would  have  done  credit  to  a  regular  theatre. 
Surgeon-General  Beaumont  and  Captain  Delancy  were  the 
managers,  and  the  latter,  assisted  by  Major  Andre,  was  the 
principal  scene-painter.  Among  the  performers  were  Majors 
Williams,  Moncrieff,  and  Andre ;  Captains  Delancy,  Seix, 
Loftus,  Bradden,  Phipps,  Stanley,  Madden,  Adye,  Fawcet, 
Hardenbrook,  and  Shreve,  with  Lieutenants  Pennefeather, 
Legrange,  and  Butler,  and  Mr.  Hulett  and  Son,  of  Hallam's 
old  company.  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  was  also  at  one  time  as- 
sociated in  the  management  Dunlap  saw  several  perform- 
ances of  these  military  Thespians,  and  has  expressed  a  favor- 
able opinion  of  them,  but  as  we  do  not  consider  them  legiti- 
mate subjects  for  our  pen,  we  pass  them  over  without  notice. 
These  heroes  of  the  stage,  and  servants  of  his  most  stubborn 
Majesty,  George  the  Third,  wearied  of  their  labors,  and  aban- 
doned the  boards  long  before  they  were  compelled  to  evacuate 
the  city. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


John  Street  Theatre,  A.  D.  1785,  (Hallam  and  Henry,  Managers) — Preliminary 
Performances — Formal  Re-opening — William  Duniap,  1787-9 — Division  of  the 
Company — William  Street  Theatre,  1790 — Corre's  Garden,  1791. 

TH  E  records  of  the  New  York  Stage  for  the  first 
five  years  following  the  close  of  the  Revolution  are 
few  and  unsatisfactory.  The  people,  who  had  en- 
dured so  much  in  their  contest  with  the  mother  country,  were 
little  inclined  to  welcome  those  who  had  neither  shared  in 
their  sufferings  nor  hoped  for  their  success.  Nor  did  the 
players  themselves,  after  the  proclamation  of  peace,  hurriedly 
undertake  a  journey  into  the  land  that  (notwithstanding  the 
occasional  rebuffs  they  received)  had  flowed  for  them  as  with 
milk  and  honey.  They  undoubtedly  were  in  dread  of  a  cool 
reception.  At  length,  however,  as  if  to  try  the  temper  of  the 
town,  after  having  spent  a  few  unprofitable  months  at  Phila- 
delphia, Lewis  Hallam,  the  son  of  Lewis  Hallam,  Sen.,  of  1753, 
and  the  successor  of  David  Douglass,  arrived  in  New  York 
with  a  feeble  company,  and  opened  the  John  Street  Theatre 
on  the  24th  of  August,  1785.  The  entertainments  were  an- 
nounced as  a  course  of  lectures  by  Mr.  Hallam,  beginnng  with 
a  prologue  and  terminating  with  a  pantomime,  to  be  supported 
by  Messrs.  Hallam,  Moore,  Allen,  Lake,  Bentley,  Durang,  Miss 
Durang,  and  Mrs.  Allen.  John  Durang  was  a  native  of  Lan- 
caster, Pennsylvania,  and  the  first  native  American  who  ob- 
tained reputation  on  the  stage  as  a  dancer.  He  was  born 
January  6th,  1768,  made  his  first  appearance  in  the  profession 
during  the  company's  late  sojourn  in  Philadelphia,  and  died 


66 


RECORDS   OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


in  that  city,  March  1822,  leaving  a  numerous  family  of  de- 
scendants well  known  to  the  stage.  His  sister,  Miss  Catharine 
Durang,  became  the  wife  of  M.  Busselott,  a  French  officer, 
afterwards  an  artist  attached  to  the  American  stage.  Of  the 
remainder  of  the  corps  nothing  is  known,  save  that  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Allen  were  the  parents  of  the  since  eccentrically  dis- 
tinguished Andrew  Jackson  Allen.  The  first  benefit  was 
that  of  Mr.  Moore,  which  took  place  September  20th,  when  a 
regular  drama  was  performed  for  the  first  time  in  New  York 
after  the  Revolution,  being  the  petit  comedy  of  the  "  Citizen," 
with  Hallam  as  Young  Philpot,  Allen  as  Old  Philpot,  Moore 
as  Young-  Wilding,  and  Mrs.  Allen  as  Maria. 

Macklin's  farce  of  "  Love  a  la  Mode"  is  first  noticed  on  the 
New  York  stage  for  Mr.  Allen's,  benefit,  Sept.  23d,  with 
the  following  cast : 

Sir  Archy  McSarcasm     .    .    Mr.  Moore.  Beau  Mordecai     ....    Mr.  Lake. 

Sir  Callaghan  O'Rrallaghan      "  Hallam.  Squire  Groom  "  Allen. 

Sir  Theodore  Goodchild  .    .     "  Bentlet.    |     Charlotte  Mrs.  Allen. 

Mr.  Bentley,  on  the  27th,  offered  Foote's  farce  of  the  "Devil 
on  Two  Sticks,"  cast  as  follows : 

Asmodeus,  and  Doctor  Squib  Mr.  Hallam. 

Aposem,  and  Doctor  Last  "  Allen. 

Julep  Mr.  Bentlet.     I     Mrs.  Maxwell  Mrs.  Allen. 

Camphire  "  Durang.     |     Margaret  Miss  Durang. 

and,  for  the  firft  time,  The  Flitch  of  Bacon. 

Captain  Greville    ....    Mr.  Hallam.     I     Justice  Benbow   ....  Mr.  Lake. 

Captain  Wilson  "  Bentlet.         Major  Benbow     ....  "  Allen. 

Tipple  "  Moore.       |     Eliza   Mrs.  Allen. 

Oa.  4th,  Mrs.  Allen's  night. 

Thomas  and  Sally. 

Thomas  Mr.  Hallam.      I     Dorcas  Mr.  Bentlet. 

Squire  "  Moore.       |     Sally  Mrs.  Allen. 

and  Catharine  and  Patruchio. 

Petruchio   Mr.  Hallam. 

Baptista   "  Bentlet. 

Hortensio   "  Lake. 

Grumio   "  Allen. 


Biondello  \  VM1tv 
Tailor      \ Mr'  M<>ORE. 

Catharine   Mrs.  Allen. 

Bianca   Miss  Durang. 


0&.  7th,  Mr.  Lake's  night. 

Lethe. 


Lord  Chalkstone  ....  Mr.  Allen. 

Tailor   "  Durang. 

Charon   "  Lake. 

Mrs.  Riot   Mrs.  Allen. 


JSsop   Mr.  Bentlet. 

Mercury  >  „  MooRE 

Fine  Gentleman  |      •    •    •  moore. 

Drunken  Man   "  Hallam. 

0£t.  nth,  Damon  and  Phillida. 

Damon   Mr.  HallaTu.      I     Mopsus  Mr.  Bentlet. 

Corydon   "  Allen.  Cymon  "  Moore. 

Areas   "  Lake.         |     Phillida  Mrs.  Allen. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


67 


and 


Crofs  Purpofes. 


Grub  Mr.  Moore. 


Consol 

Chapeau  .  . 
George  Bevil 


Allen. 

Hallam. 

Bentlet. 


Harry  Bevil   Mr.  Lake. 

Francis  Bevil   "  Hallam. 

Mrs.  Grub   Mrs.  Allen. 

Emily   Miss  Dcrano. 


oa.  14th, 


The  Mock  Dodor. 


Gregory   Mr.  Allen. 

Leander  "  Hallam. 

Sir  Jasper  "  Bentley. 

Harry  "  Lake. 


Squire  Robert 
Hellebore  . 
Charlotte 
Dorcas  . 


Mr.  Moore. 
"  Lake. 
Miss  Duranq. 
Mrs.  Allen. 


The  performers  were  frequently  obliged  to  double  their 
characters,  and  in  some  instances  to  treble  them,  and  occa- 
sionally a  female  part  was  represented  by  one  of  the  opposite 
sex. 

Oct.  24th.    First  performance  noticed  of  Hartson's  tragedy, 
The  Countefs  of  Salifbury. 


Alwin  Mr.  Hallam. 

Raymond  "  Moore. 

Morton  "  Bextlet. 


Grey  Mr.  Allen. 

Countess  Mrs.  Allen. 

Eleanor  Miss  Dcrano. 


and  the  first  of  the  long-admired  farce  of 


The  Ghoft. 


Sir  Jeffrey  Constant 
Captain  Constant  . 
Roger  .... 
Clinch  .... 


Mr.  Moore. 
"  Lake. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Allen. 


Trusty  Mr.  Bentlet. 

Belinda  Miss  Duranq. 

Dorothy  Mrs.  Allen. 


The  season  closed  on  the  1st  of  November  with  the  "  Busy- 
body," and  "  The  Mock  Doctor." 

The  company  presented  Mr.  Lawrence  Embree,  one  of  the 
Commissioners  of  the  Alms-house,  with  £40,  for  the  use  of 
the  poor,  which,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Common  Council,  present 
James  Duane,  Mayor,  and  Richard  Varick,  Recorder,  held  Oct. 
14,  1785,  was  directed  to  be  returned  to  them,  "as  the  play- 
house was  opened  without  license  or  permission  of  the  civil 
authority,  and  the  acceptance  of  the  donation  might  authorize 
a  conclusion  that  the  Board  approved  of  the  opening  of  said 
Theatre." 

The  public,  however,  had  given  sufficient  encouragement  to 
induce  the  now  regularly  installed  managers,  Hallam  and 
Henry,  to  bring  on  the  main  body  of  their  performers,  and  on 
the  21st  of  November,  1785,  the  John  Street  Theatre,  newly 
painted  and  decorated,  was  opened  with  the  following  bill,  of 
which  we  present  a  fac-simile  of  the  original : 


68 


RECORDS  OP  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


New  York,  November  19th,  1785. 

THEATRE. 

By   the    Old    American  Company. 

On  Monday  Evening,  the  l\Ji  of  November,  will  be  performed, 
A  TRAGEDY, 

CALLED,  THE 

GAMESTER 

Beverly,  Mr.  Henry, 

Lewfon,  Mr.  Wignell, 

Jarvis,  Mr.  Morris, 

Dawfon,  Mr.  Woolh, 

Bates,  Mr.  Biddle, 

And,  Stukely,  Mr.  Harper, 

Charlotte,  Mrs.  Harper, 

Lucy,  Mrs.  Tuke, 

And,  Mrs.  Beverly,                      >            Mrs.  Morris. 

An  Occafional  PROLOGUE  by  Mr.  HARPER. 
End  of  the  PLAY, 

A     FLUTE  CONCERTO. 

To  which  will  be  Added, 
An  ENTERTAINMENT,  Called, 

LOVE  A-la-Mode. 


Sir  Callaghan  O'Brallaghan, 
Sir  Archy  Macfarcafm, 
Beau  Mordecai, 
Sir  Theodore, 
And,  Squire  Groom, 
The  Lady, 


Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 


Henry, 

Biddle, 

Morris, 

Woolh, 

Wignell. 


Mrs.  Morris. 

The  Doors  will  be  open  at  Half  after  Five,  and  the  Curtain 
drawn  up  precifely  at,  A  Quarter  after  Six  0'  Clock. 

Places  in  the  Boxes  may  be  taken  of  Mr.  Delamater,  at  the  Box 
Lobby,  every  Day,  from  Ten  to  Twelve  in  the  Forenoon,  and 
from  Four  to  Five  in  the  Evening ;  where  alfo  TICKETS 
may  be  had,  and  at  Mr.  Gaine's  Book-Store,  in  Hanover7 
Square. 

Ladies  and  Gentlemen  are  requefted  to  defire  their  Servants  to 
take  up  and  fet  down  with  their  Horfes  Heads  towards  the 
Eajl-River,  to  avoid  Confulion  ;  alfo  as  foon  as  they  are  feated, 
to  order  their  Servants  out  of  the  Boxes. 

BOX  8s.  PIT  6s.  and  GALLERY  4s. 
No  P erf  on  to  be  admitted  behind  the  Scenes,  on  any  Account 
whatever, 

Vivat  Refpublica. 


*  * 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


69 


The  performance  called  forth  the  following  notice  from 
McLean's  Independent  Journal : 

"  Laft  Monday  Evening,  the  Theatre  in  this  city  was  opened 
to  one  of  the  moft  brilliant  and  molt  numerous  audience  of  ladies 
and  gentlemen  that  ever  yet  graced  a  dramatic  performance  on 
this  continent. 

"The  play  was  the  'Gamefter' — the  farce  'Love  A-la-Mode.' 
All  the  parts  were  acted  with  great  ability  by  our  old  acquaint- 
ance, the  long  approved  and  very  refpeclable  American  Company, 
who  received  unremitted  plaudits  from  every  part  of  the  houfe, 
which  at  a  vaft  expenfe  is  now  repainted,  beautified,  and  illu- 
minated in  a  ftyle  to  vie  with  European  fplendour." 

The  motto  over  the  stage  was  "  Quicquid  agunt  homines" 
Of  the  company,  Hallam,  Henry,  Wignell,  Morris,  Woolls,  and 
Mrs.  Morris  were  sharers,  the  others  were  on  salary.  Thomas 
Wignell  was  the  most  important  stranger.  As  before  stated, 
he  arrived  in  New  York  and  joined  the  company  before  the 
war,  but  without  performing  here,  was  immediately  trans- 
ferred to  the  more  peaceful  and  profitable  circuit  in  the  West 
Indies.  He  now  made  his  first  appearance  in  the  characters 
of  Lewson,  and  Squire  Groom.  He  is  described  by  Dunlap 
as  an  athletic  man,  below  the  ordinary  height,  with  a 
slight  stoop  in  his  shoulders,  handsomely  formed  limbs,  and 
remarkably  small  feet.  His  large  blue  eyes  were  rich  in 
expression,  and  his  comedy  was  luxuriant  in  humor,  but  al- 
ways faithful  to  his  author.  W.  B.  Wood  adds,  that  he  was  a 
most  amiable  and  well-mannered  man,  and  that  he  found  in 

him  an  invaluable  friend  and  father.  Mr.  Wignell  grew  into 
great  favor  in  New  York,  and  remained  a  member  of  the 

American  company  until  1791,  when,  in  consequence  of  some 
ill-treatment  at  the  hands  of  Hallam  and  Henry  (principally, 
we  believe,  the  refusal  of  a  promised  furlough  to  visit  his 
European  friends),  he  left  the  concern  and  embarked  in  an 
opposition  enterprise,  for  which  he  secured  the  finest  theatri- 
cal carps  ever  then  seen  in  America,  and  probably  never 
surpassed  since.  Philadelphia  was  abandoned  to  his  undis- 
puted sway,  and  for  several  years  its  stage  took  precedence 
of  New  York  in  the  rank  of  its  performers  and  the  complete- 
ness and  elegance  of  its  appointments.    Mr.  Wignell  there 


?0  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

married  the  celebrated  Mrs.  Merry  (formerly  Miss  Brunton) 
on  the  1st  of  January,  1803,  and,  on  the  23d  of  February  fol- 
lowing, died  unexpectedly  from  the  inflammation  of  a  vein  in 
which  he  had  been  bled  a  few  days  previous,  for  a  determina- 
tion of  blood  to  the  head.  He  was  the  son  of  an  old  London 
actor  of  moderate  abilities,  contemporary  with  Garrick,  and 
was  about  fifty  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

Harper  was  next  in  point  of  value.  Although  marked  with 
the  small-pox,  he  was  a  handsome  man,  with  expressive  eyes 
and  fine  teeth.  He  became  a  favorite  in  light  comedy,  and 
was  the  original  personator  in  America  of  Charles  Surface. 
In  the  year  1800,  after  an  absence  of  eight  years,  he  returned 
to  New  York,  but  new  favorites  then  occupied  his  place,  and 
he  declined  into  a  lower  and  broader  range  of  parts.  He  was 
last  seen  here  in  1805. 

His  first  wife,  who  appeared  as  Charlotte,  was  a  very  useful 
actress,  and  filled  a  widely  diversified  range  of  characters 
very  respectably. 

Mr.  Henry  and  Mrs.  Morris  had  greatly  improved  during 
their  absence.  The  former  was  now  thoroughly  capable  of 
leading  in  either  department  of  the  drama,  and  the  -  latter 
soon  became  the  paramount  pet  of  the  public.  Biddle  was 
merely  passable,  and  Morris  and  Woolls  had  declined  in 
abilities  and  in  public  estimation.  Dunlap  says  that  Hallam 
introduced  to  the  stage  two  ladies  of  the  name  of  Tuke,  one 
after  the  death  of  the  other.  If  the  Mrs.  Tuke  in  the  bill 
was  the  first  named,  nothing  is  known  of  her  theatrical  re- 
pute— if  she  was  the  Miss  Tuke  who  a  few  years  later  became 
Mrs.  Hallam,  Dunlap  describes  her  at  present  as  young, 
comely  and  awkward,  but  as  afterwards  improving  in  beauty 
and  elegance,  and  ripening  into  an  actress  of  merit.  She 
was  the  first  American  actress  who  attained  celebrity,  and 
this  she  owed  to  the  assiduous  attentions  of  her  husband, 
whose  instructions  raised  her  from  comparative  worthlessness 
to  a  high  station  in  the  theatre.  She  was  first  known  as  Mrs. 
Hallam  in  1792,  and  remained  with  the  New  York  company 
until  1806,  when  she  retired  with  her  husband. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


71 


The  newspapers  of  the  day  furnish  us  with  few  casts.  On 
the  23d  of  November,  Thompson's  tragedy  of  "  Edward  and 
Eleonora,"  and  the  "  Deuce  is  in  him  ,"  were  performed ;  and 
on  the  24th,  "Venice  preserved,"  and  "  Catharine  and  Petru- 
chio." 

Dec.  7th,  "  The  Busy  Body,"  and,  for  the  first  time,  O'Keefe's 
musical  farce  of  "  The  Poor  Soldier,"  thus  cast : 

Patrick  Mr.  Henry.  Darby  Mr.  Wignell. 

Capt.  Fitzroy  "   Harper.  Norah  Miss  Tike. 

Derinot  "  Woolls.  Kathleen  Mrs.  Morris. 

Wignell's  Darby  was  considered  perfect,  and  for  many 
years  few  actors  were  willing  to  follow  him  in  it. 

Dec.  16th.  Probably  for  the  first  time  in  America,  Sheri- 
dan's brilliant  masterpiece — the  "School  for  Scandal,"  the 
cast  of  which  we  copy  from  the  first  American  edition. 


Sir  Peter  Teazle    ....  Mr.  Hexrt.        i     Rowley   Mr.  Woolls. 

Sir  Oliver  Surface     ...  Morris.            Moses   M  Ryax. 

Joseph  Surface     ....  "  Wignell.  \     Lady  Teazle  ....  Mrs.  Morris. 

Charles  Surface    ....  "  Harper.  Lady  Sneerwell  ...  "  Williamson. 

Sir  Benj.  Backbite    .    .    .  Biddle.  Mrs.  Caudour.        .    .  "  Harper. 

Crabtree   "  Heard.             Maria   Miss  Tuke. 


In  the  estimation  of  the  public,  nothing  could  be  finer  than 
the  general  performance  of  this  comedy, — Henry,  Harper,  Wig- 
nell,  and  Mrs.  Morris  of  course  taking  the  largest  share  of 
praise.  Its  popularity,  as  is  well  known,  has  never  abated  to 
the  present  moment. 

Dec.  26th.  Never  performed  here,  a  tragedy  by  Richard 
Savage,  called  "  Sir  Thomas  Overbury." 

January  11th,  1786.  "Jane  Shore,"  and  never  performed 
here,  a  pantomime  called  "  Robinson  Crusoe  and  Harlequin 
Friday."  Robinson  Crusoe,  Mr.  Hallam ;  Pantaloon,  Mr.  Wig- 
nell ;  Columbine,  Mrs.  Harper. 

Jan.  1 6th.  Hamlet. 

Hamlet  Mr.  Hallam.      I     Ophelia  Mrs.  Morris. 

Ghost  "  Henry.  Queen  il  Harper. 

The  Daily  Advertiser  of  January  21st  contained  the  follow- 
ing article  from  Mr.  Henry : 

u  A  report  having  prevailed  that  the  fubferiber  is  author  of 
feveral  pieces  which  have  latelv  appeared  in  favour  of  the  Theatre, 
he  begs  leave  thus  publicly  to  difavow  not  only  being  fo,  but  alfo 
every  knowledge  of  the  writers  ;  alluring  the  inhabitants  he  holds 
the  character  of  the  gentlemen  who  have  thought  proper  to 


72 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


forward  the  petition  for  difcountenancing  the  drama  in  too 
refpectable  a  light,  however  contrary  their  fentiments  to  his 
intereft,  to  publifh  anything  that  might  give  them  a  fhadow  of 
offence — on  this  fuppofition — they  are  acling  from  their  feelings. 

"  Yet  ftill  he  flatters  himfelf,  the  chaftity  and  morality  of  the 
entertainments  prefented  there,  the  truly  refpe&able  audiences 
that  nightly  give  fan&ion  to  them — the  promifes  made  the 
American  Company  when  they  left  the  city  in  1775 — their  known 
attachment  and  affection  for  their  gracious  patrons — the  number 
of  years  they  have  paffed  in  their  fervice,  and  the  painful  idea  of 
depriving  72  innocent  perfons  employed  about  the  Theatre  of 
their  daily  bread — will  at  length  remove  the  veil  of  prejudice,  and 
the  drama  appear  amply  capable  of  its  proper,  its  original  defig- 
nation,  Delectando  Pariterque  monendo. 

"  John  Henry." 

The  italics  and  capitals  are  as  in  the  original. 

At  this  period  some  of  the  city  clergy  attacked  the  stage 
and  procured  the  circulation  of  a  petition  for  the  purpose  of 
putting  it  down.  In  consequence,  its  friends  wrote  in  its  de- 
fence, and  some  of  their  productions,  it  appears,  were  errone- 
ously attributed  to  Henry.  A  petition,  signed  by  seven 
hundred  names,  was  finally  sent  to  the  Legislature  praying  for 
the  suppression  of  the  theatre,  and  was  there  opposed  by  a 
counter  petition  from  names  fourteen  hundred.  The  latter 
stated  that  the  institution  was  a  source  of  innocent  and  ra- 
tional amusement,  not  more  exceptionable  than  other  public 
amusements,  and  affording  advantages  to  which  no  other  can 
pretend.  If  the  exhibitions  are  contrary  to  good  morals,  they 
are  amenable  to  ordinary  law, — if  not  immoral,  the  inter- 
ference of  the  Legislature  would  deprive  the  citizens  of  that 
which  they  wished,  and  which  had  been  approved  of  by  great 
and  enlightened  minds.  The  Legislature  left  the  theatre  un- 
molested. 

The  following  notice  was  also  issued  about  this  time  : 
"  The  public  are  refpectfully  informed  that  on  account  of  a 
number  of  complaints  relative  to  unfair  preference  in  boxes,  many 
of  which  have  been  lately  taken  without  being  occupied,  the 
managers  ever  ready  to  fhow  their  attention  to  the  accommoda- 
tion of  their  friends  and  patrons,  have  adopted  a  mode  to  prevent 
any  fimilar  infringement  in-  future,  by  having  tickets  for  the 
night,  which  will  be  delivered  by  the  box-keeper,  on  payment, 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


73 


to  the  gentlemen  taking  boxes,  with  the  number  of  places  par- 
ticularized ;  a  meafure  which  they  flatter  themfelves  will  meet 
with  general  approbation.  Hallam  and  Henry." 

January  23d.  Never  performed  here,  the  "Orphan  of 
China."    (It  was  at  least  announced  in  1768.) 

February  13th.  "  The  Lyar  "  advertised  for  the  first  time, 
but  not  performed  on  account  of  illness.  This  drew  forth  the 
following  apology : 

"  The  public  are  refpeclfully  informed  on  account  of  fo  many 
performers  being  indifpofed,  the  theatre  will  not  be  opened  until 
Monday  next,  when  care  will  be  taken  to  prevent,  if  poilible,  a 
reiteration  of  the  difappointments  that  from  ficknefs  alone  have 
lately  prevailed.  Hallam  and  Henry." 

Re-opened  Monday,  February  20th,  with  the  "Fair  Peni- 
tent," and  the  "  Lyar." 

March  13th.  "  She  Stoops  to  Conquer ;  or,  Mistakes  of  a 
Night,"  and,  eleventh  time,  "The  Poor  Soldier." 

In  the  Daily  Advertiser  of  same  date  appeared  the  follow- 
ing: 

"  A  Hint  to  the  Managers  of  the  Theatre.  A  number  of 
your  fteady  frei-nds  who  have  the  profperity  of  the  Theatre  at 
heart,  are  full  in  opinion  for  the  benefit  of  the  Houfe,  that  the 
character  of  Tony  Lumpkin,  in  the  c  Miftakes  of  a  Night,'  be 
performed  by  Mr.  Wignell." 

The  part  was  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Hallam,  who  proba- 
bly did  not  resign  it. 

Again  illness  forced  a  closing  of  the  doors,  as  we  learn 
from  the  Advertiser  of  the  17th : 

"  Theatre.  The  indifpofition  of  feveral  performers,  with 
the  prefent  ftate  of  the  weather  fo  unfriendly  to  their  recovery, 
renders  it  impoflible  to  perform  the  comedy  of  c  She  Stoops  to 
Conquer,'  this  evening — the  indulgence  of  the  public  is  again 
folicited  until  Monday  next  20th,  when  it  will  pofitively  be 
prefented,  as  in  the  interim  every  meafure  will  be  taken  to  pre- 
vent a  repetition  of  difappointments  equally  unfortunate  as  un- 
avoidable. Hallam  and  Henry." 

April  6th.  Marinus  Willett,  sheriff  of  the  city,  acknowl- 
edges the  receipt  from  Mr.  John  Henry  of  "  $100  for  the  use 
of  distressed  prisoners  in  the  goal  of  the  city." 

10 


74 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


April  21st.  The  "Jealous  Wife,"  and,  second  time,  Mrs. 
Brooke's  beautiful  musical  drama  of  "  Rosina,"  with  the  aid 
of  Miss  F.  Storer. 

May  17th.  Mrs.  Kenna  made  her  first  appearance  in 
America  as  Isabella,  in  the  tragedy  of  that  name.  She  was 
an  actress  of  respectable  ability,  whose  talents  were  neutral- 
ized by  the  companionship  of  a  husband  and  son  who  proved 
to  be  greatly  disliked  by  the  audience.  They  made  their  first 
appearance  on  the  19th,  in  the  comedy  of  "  The  Wonder." 

Don  Felix  Mr.  Hallam.     I    Lissardo  Mr.  J.  Kenna. 

Col.  Britton  "  Kenna.      |   YiolaDte  Mrs.  Kenna. 

and  The  Citizen. 

Young  Philpot  Mr.  Kenna.      I     Maria   Mrs.  Kenna. 

OldPhilpot  "  J.  Kenna.  | 

May  29th.  Mr.  Henry's  benefit-—"  The  Maid  of  the  Mill," 
and  "  Daphne  and  Amintor."  Fanny,  Miss  F.  Storer ;  Patty 
and  Daphne  by  a  young  gentlewoman,  her  first  appearance. 
This  gentlewoman  proved  to  be  Miss  Maria  Storer,  soon  after 
the  third  Mrs.  Henry,  who  now  made  her  first  appearance 
since  childhood,  in  1768.  She  at  once  bounded  into  the  favor 
of  the  audience,  and  for  several  years  divided  her  popularity 
among  the  ladies  of  the  company  with  Mrs.  Morris  alone. 

May  31st.  Mr.  Hallam's  benefit— first  time,  "The  Tem- 
pest," with  the  mask  of  "  Neptune  and  Amphitrite."  Pros- 
pero,  Mr.  Hallam ;  Ferdinand,  Mr.  Harper ;  Trinculo,  Mr. 
Henry  ;  Ariel,  Mrs.  Morris.    With  the  "  Poor  Soldier." 

June  9th.  Mrs.  Harper's  benefit — "The  Rivals,"  for  the 
first  time  in  America,  and  "High  Life  below  Stairs."  No 
cast  of  this  date  has  been  found  to  Sheridan's  fine  comedy. 

June  16th.  Mr.  Woolls'  benefit — "  Love  in  a  Village,"  and 
"  Comus."  Rosetta,  and  the  Lady,  by  the  gentlewoman  who 
played  Patty  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Henry. 

June  22d.  "  The  Rivals,"  and  "  Thomas  and  Sally."  Mrs, 
Malaprop,  and  Sally  by  Mrs.  Remington,  her  first  appearance 
in  America. 

July  6th.  "  Love  in  a  Village."  Rosetta,  Mrs.  Remington, 
again  announced  as  her  first  appearance. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE.  75 

July  14th.  Mr.  Biddle's  benefit—"  As  you  Like  it."  Ro- 
salind, with  the  epilogue,  Mrs.  Kenna. 

July  21st.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harper's  benefit,  and  last  night  of 
the  season.  "  Alexander  the  Great,"  and  "  The  Poor  Soldier" 
for  the  eighteenth  time,  a  run  unprecedented  at  this  period 
in  New  York. 

The  company  played  successively  at  Baltimore,  Richmond, 
and  Philadelphia,  returning  to  New  York  in  February,  1787, 
Hallam  and  Henry  advertising  a  re-opening  in  John  Street 
for  the  12th  of  the  month;  but  the  baggage  of  the  company 
being  detained  on  the  road  at  Amboy,  a  postponement  took 
place  until  the  14th,  when  the  comedy  of  the  "  Provoked  Hus- 
band," and  the  farce  of  "  Miss  in  her  teens,"  were  performed. 

On  the  16th,  the  "West  Indian"  was  performed,  with  Henry 
and  Hallam  in  their  original  parts,  Mrs.  Morris  as  Charlotte 
Rusporl,  and  the  first  appearance  in  America  of  Mrs.  Giffard 
as  Lady  Rusport.  The  lady  was  attached  to  the  company 
during  the  season,  but  was  never  admired.  Nothing  further 
of  interest  transpired  until  the  28th,  when  O'Keefe's  long- 
popular  musical  farce  of  the  "  Agreeable  Surprize  "  was  first 
performed,  with  Mr.  Kenna  as  Sir  Felix  Friendly,  Mr.  J.  Kenna 
as  Lingo,  Mr.  Woolls  as  Compton,  Mrs.  Giffard  as  Mis.  Chesh- 
ire, Mrs.  Kenna  as  Laura,  and  Miss  Tuke  as  Cowslip. 

March  12th.  First  time  in  eighteen  years,  "  Cato."  Cato, 
Mr.  Hallam ;  Marcia,  Mrs.  Morris  ;  Semphronius,  by  a  gentle- 
man, his  first  appearance  on  the  stage.  He  afterwards  joined 
the  compmy  as  Mr.  Smallwood,  proving  but  a  feeble  addition 
to  its  strength. 

March  23d.  Mrs.  Harper  played  Jane  Shore,  with  Mrs. 
Kenna  as  Alicia. 

March  30th.  Mr.  Hallam  as  Alexander  the  Great,  and  first 
time  in  New  York,  Macklins  farce  of  the  "  True-born  Irish- 
man ;  or,  the  Irish  Fine  Lady." 

CouDt  Mushroom  ....    Mr.  Wiqsell.     I     Murrough  O'Dogherty.    .    .    Mr.  Hinrt. 

Counsellor  Hamilton  ..."   Harper.  Mrs.  Diggerty  Mrs.  Morris. 

Lady  Bab  Frightful  Mrs.  Giffard, 

a  character  for  which  the  critics  said  her  personal  appearance 
specially  well  adapted  her. 


76 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


On  the  16th  of  April,  the  first  public  performance  in  a 
regular  theatre  of  a  play  written  by  a  citizen  of  America  took 
place.  Other  dramas  had  been  written — one,  a  tragedy,  by 
Thomas  Godfrey,  of  Philadelphia,  entitled  the  "Prince  of 
Parthia,"  had  been  published  in  1765;  and  another,  by 
Barnaby  Bidwell,  entitled  the  "Mercenary  Match,"  had  been 
enacted  by  the  students  of  Yale  College,  under  the  superin- 
tendence of  its  President,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ezra  Styles,  but  none 
had  as  yet  been  performed  by  professional  comedians. 

The  piece  was  announced  as  a  comedy,  in  five  acts,  by  a 
citizen  of  America,  and  entitled  the  "  Contrast,"  the  cast  as 
follows : 


Jonathan   Mr.  Wignell. 

Col.  Manly   "  Hallam. 

.Tessamy   "  Biddle. 

Dimple"   "  Harper. 

Von  Rough   "  Morris. 


Servant    .  . 
Charlotte  Manly 
Maria  . 
Letitia  .    .  . 
Jenny  .    .  . 


Mr.  Lake. 
Mrs.  Morris. 

"  Harper. 

"  Williamson. 
Miss  Tuke. 


Dunlap  says  that  it  was  deficient  in  plot,  dialogue  and  inci- 
dent, but  that  the  character  of  Jonathan  displayed  a  degree  of 
humor  and  knowledge  of  Yankee  dialect,  which  in  the  hands 
of  Wignell,  caused  it  to  be  highly  relished  by  the  audience. 
It  was  played  four  times  during  the  season.  Its  author  was 
Royal  Tyler,  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  and  afterwards  Chief- 
Justice  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  where  he  died  in  1825,  at 
the  age  of  seventy. 

May  7th.  Mr.  Hallam's  benefit — Macbeth,  by  Mr.  Hallam ; 
and,  never  performed  here,  Pilon's  farce  of  the  "  Deaf  Lover." 

May  18th.  Mr.  WignelPs  benefit:  Tickets  to  be  had  of 
him  at  No.  6  Maiden  Lane.  "  Alexander  the  Great,"  and, 
never  yet  performed,  a  farce  by  the  author  of  the  "Contrast," 
called  "  May-day  in  Town ;  or,  New  York  in  an  Uproar."  Pro- 
logue by  Mrs.  Morris.  The  entertainments  were  postponed 
until  the  next  day,  when  the  "  Recruiting  Officer"  was  substi- 
tuted for  "  Alexander  the  Great." 

May  23d.    Mrs.  Kenna's  benefit— "All  in  the  Wrong." 

Sir  John  Restless  ....    Mr.  Henry.        I     Lady  Restless  Mrs.  Kenna. 

Beverly  "  Hallam.      [     Belinda  "  Morris. 

June  1st.  Mr.  Henry's  benefit — first  time,  Sheridan's  opera 
of  the  "  Duenna ;"  Don  Jerome,  Mr.  Henry.  With  the  opera 
of  "  Selima  and  Azor,"  by  Sir  George  Collier ;  Azor%  Mr.  Hen- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


77 


ry;  Scander,  Mr.  Harper;  Fatima,  Miss  Tuke;  and  Selima,  by 
a  "gentlewoman,"  her  first  appearance  this  season. 

June  6th.  Mrs.  Morris's  night — "The  Fashionable  Lover;" 
Augusta  Aubrey,  Mrs.  Morris.  An  epilogue,  in  the  character 
of  Nobody,  by  Mr.  Wignell,  and,  first  time,  Foote's  celebrated 
farce  of  the  "  Author ;"  Gadwallader,  Mr.  Hallam  ;  Mrs.  Cad- 
wallader,  Mrs.  Morris. 

June  8th.  Mr.  Hallam's  name  was  presented  a  third  time 
for  a  benefit,  with  the  "Fashionable  Lover," — his  previous  ones 
having  been  unsuccessful.  The  season,  which  had  not  been 
a  favorable  one,  terminated  on  the  9th,  with  the  same  bill. 

After  a  recess  of  more  than  six  months,  the  John  Street 
Theatre  was  re-opened  on  the  21st  of  December,  1787,  with  a 
prose  tragedy,  by  Mr.  Cumberland,  called  the  "Mysterious 
Husband,"  and  the  farce  of  the  "  Deserter." 

"  Meflrs.  Hallam  and  Henry  refpe&fully  inform  the  public 
.that  in  compliance  with  the  withes  of  many  refpec~table  patrons 
of  the  Theatre,  there  will  be  only  two  nights  performance  in  a 
week,  viz.  Mondays  and  Thursdays,  and  on  Aflembly  week 
Mondays  and  Fridays.  Vivat  Refpublica" 

January  2d,  1788.    "The  Clandestine  Marriage,"  and  "The 

Guardian."    Heartly,  Mr.  Hallam ;  Harriet,  Miss  Tuke. 

January  14th.  "Meflrs.  Hallam  and  Henry  refpe&fully  in- 
form the  public  that  there  will  be  a  performance  on  Monday, 
Wednefday  and  Friday  of  the  enfuing  week.  Their  late  fevere 
vifitation  and  confequent  heavy  expenfe,  induce  them  to  folicit 
the  attention  of  their  friends  and  patrons  to  thofe  three  nights, 
which  by  enabling  them  to  difcharge  part  of  the  debt  unavoidably 
incurred,  will  add  to  the  many  favors  they  gratefully  acknowledge 
to  have  received  from  a  generous  and  indulgent  community." 

We  have  not  learned  the  nature  of  the  visitation  alluded  to. 
January  16th.    "  The  Earl  of  Essex."    Countess  of  Rutland, 
Mrs.  Morris. 

January  18th.  "  The  Maid  of  the  Mill."  Patty,  Mrs.  Henry 
(formerly  Miss  M.  Storer),  now  a  regular  member  of  the  com- 
pany. 

February  11th.  "The  Earl  of  Essex,"  and  the  "Country 
Madcap."    The  Madcap,  Mrs.  Morris. 

February  25th.    First  performance  in  New  York  of  General 


78 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Burgoyne's  comedy  of  the  "  Heiress."  From  the  commenda- 
tions of  the  press  we  learn  that  Mrs.  Morris  was  the  represent- 
ative of  Lady  Emily,  Mrs.  Harper  of  Miss  Allscrip,  and  Miss 
Tuke  of  Miss  Alien.  Of  the  cast  of  gentlemen  we  are  not 
informed. 

March  10th.  "  She  Stoops  to  Conquer,"  and  "  Selima  and 
Azor,"  in  which  Mrs.  Henry  sung  the  celebrated  bravura, 
"  The  Soldier  tired  of  War's  Alarms." 

The  theatre  was  then  closed  until  Easter. 

April  7th.  Mrs.  Henry's  benefit.  First  time,  Mrs.  Cowley's 
comedy  of  "  More  Ways  than  One."  Evergreen,  Mr.  Henry ; 
Arabella,  Mrs.  Henry ;  and  a  grand  serious  pantomime  called 
the  "  Convention ;  or,  the  Columbian  Father." 

April  14th.  Mr.  Harper's  benefit.  "  Henry  4th."  Sir  John 
Falstaff,  Mr.  Harper,  in  which  character  he  was  highly 
esteemed,  but  which,  unfortunately,  on  this  night  he  was  not 
permitted  to  perform,  the  whole  city  being  wild  with  excite- 
ment, and  in  the  height  of  that  outbreak  of  popular  fury  known 
as  the  "  Doctors'  Mob."  The  windows  of  a  dissecting-room  in 
the  hospital  had  been  incautiously  left  open,  and  some  of  the 
subjects,  in  a  mutilated  state,  exposed  to  view.  This,  with  the 
supposition  that  the  graveyards  had  been  violated,  so  incensed 
the  crowd  that  the  building  was  broken  into,  and  all  con- 
nected with  it  threatened  with  death.  Some  of  the  more 
obnoxious  physicians  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  populace,  but 
were  rescued  by  the  magistrates,  and  lodged  in  the  jail  for 
safety.  The  next  day  the  crowd  increased  in  strength,  and 
endeavored,  but  without  success,  to  force  the  jail,  tearing 
down  its  fences,  breaking  its  windows,  and  vowing  destruction 
to  every  doctor  in  the  city.  Finding  all  argument  useless, 
and  the  crowd  still  increasing  in  numbers  and  violence,  the 
mayor,  James  Duane,  who  had  called  to  his  aid  a  party  of 
armed  citizens,  at  length  gave  the  order  to  fire.  A  prompt 
response  instantly  put  the  rioters  to  flight,  leaving  five  of 
their  number  killed,  and  seven  or  eight  severely  wounded. 

Mr.  Harper's  benefit  was  postponed  from  day  to  day,  and 
probably  resulted  unsuccessfully  in  the  end. 


KING  HENRY  IV,  PART  I 

Engraved  by  Adamo  from  a  painting  by  Krausse 
(German) 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


79 


April  21st.  Mr.  Wignell's  benefit.  "  Love  makes  a  man," 
&c.  His  friends  solicited  the  public  patronage  on  account  of 
illness. 

April  24th.  Mr.  Henry's  benefit.  First  time,  an  original 
play  called  the  "  School  for  Soldiers ;  or,  the  Deserter." 

Major  Bellamy  Mr.  Henry.  Frederick  Mr.  Woolls. 

Capt.  Valentine  "  Hallam.     I     Clara  Mildmay  Mrs.  Henry. 

The  play  was  first  performed  in  Kingston,  Ja.,  and  was 
written  by  Mr.  Henry  from  a  French  piece  called  "  le  Desert- 
eur."  Dunlap  afterwards  prepared  another  version,  which 
was  performed  in  1799. 

May  8th.  Mrs.  Morris's  night.  First  time,  Hugh  Kelly's 
comedy  called  the  "School  for  Wives."  Mrs.  Belville,  Mrs. 
Morris; — Hunting  song,  "Tally  ho,"  Mrs.  Morris.  Songs  and 
recitations  by  Messrs.  Wignell,  Hallam,  Harper,  and  Woolls, 
and  Mrs.  Sewell ;  and  the  comedy  of  the  "  East  Indian." 

May  15th.  Mrs.  Sewell's  benefit.  The  "School  for  Scan- 
dal" with  a  prologue  address  by  Master  Sewell,  &c. 

May  23d.  Mr.  Hallam's  benefit,  postponed  from  the  19th. 
"  The  Provoked  Husband."  Lord  Townly,  Mr.  Hallam ;  Lady 
Townly,  Mrs.  Motris. 

May  31st.  Last  night  of  the  season,  and  benefit  of  Messrs. 
Biddle  and  McPherson. 

Dunlap  says  that  the  benefits  proved  very  unprofitable — 
probably  the  result  of  the  "  Doctors'  Mob"  excitement. 

The  company  proceeded  to  Philadelphia,  leaving  at  least 
two  of  its  members  behind.  One,  Mr.  McPherson,  was  on  the 
debtors'  limits  of  the  city.  He  soon  after  advertised  G.  A. 
Steevens'  celebrated  Lecture  on  Heads,  in  hopes  of  raising 
thereby  sufficient  means  to  discharge  his  debts.  The  other, 
Mrs.  Sewell,  announced  the  opening  of  a  boarding  and  day- 
school — teaching  reading  with  propriety,  &c. 

The  theatre  was  not  reopened  until  the  14th  of  April, 
1789,  when  the  "Beaux  Stratagem"  and  the  "True-born 
Irishman"  were  performed, — with  a  hornpipe  by  Mr.  Durang. 

On  the  15th  of  May,  the  "  Careless  Husband"  and  the  "  Pad- 
lock" were  advertised,  but  postponed  to  the  18th,  "in  conse- 


80 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


quence  of  the  indisposition  of  four  performers;  but  Mrs. 
Henry  being  better,  the  managers  flatter  themselves  there  will 
be  no  further  impediments  to  the  entertainments."  Next 
follow  "The  Roman  Father,"  "  She  Stoops  to  Conquer,"  "  Game- 
ster," "George  Barnwell,"  "Fashionable  Lover,"  "Heiress," 
"Richard  3d,"  "The  Contrast,"  "Who's  the  Dupe?"  (first  time) 
"  He  would  be  a  Soldier,"  (first  time)  "  The  Duenna,"  and  "  The 
Choleric  Man,"  (for  the  first  time)  bringing  the  date  down  to 
the  29  th  of  June. 

We  find  no  bills  during  July  and  August,  but  the  7th  of 
September  is  marked  by  the  production  of  an  original  comedy, 
written  by  a  gentleman  of  this  city,  and  entitled  "  The  Father ; 
or,  American  Shandyism."  The  prologue,  by  Mr.  Wignell; 
epilogue,  Mrs.  Henry. 


Col.  Campbell  . 

Rackett  .    .  . 

Tattle.    .    .  . 

Haller    .    .  . 

Rusport  .    .  . 

Campley     .  . 


Mr.  Henry. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Wignell. 
"  Harper. 
"  Biddle. 
"  Woolls. 


Platoon  .  . 
Jacob  .  . 
Mrs.  Rackett 
Caroline.  . 
Mrs.  Grenade 
Susanna.  . 


Mr.  Ryan. 

"  Lake. 
Mrs.  Morris. 

"  Henry. 

"  Harper. 
Miss  Tuke. 


It  proved  successful,  and  on  the  11th  was  represented  for 
the  third  time,  for  the  benefit  of  its  author,  William  Dunlap. 
Although  not  his  earliest  dramatic  effort,  it  was  the  first  per- 
formed, and  was  evidently  regarded  by  him,  to  his  latest  days, 
with  a  degree  of  fond  satisfaction  not  experienced  towards 
any  of  his  after  productions.  On  the  publication  of  the  third 
edition,  it  received  the  enlarged  title  by  which  it  has  since 
been  known,  viz.,  "  The  Father  of  an  Only  Child  " 

William  Dunlap  was  born  of  respectable  parentage,  at  Perth 
Amboy,  New  Jersey,  February  19  th,  1766.  He  early  devel- 
oped a  taste  for  literature  and  the  fine  arts,  and  at  the  age  of 
seventeen  sailed  for  England,  with  letters  to  Benjamin  West, 
for  the  purpose  of  studying  the  arts  of  design.  He  returned 
to  America  in  1787,  and,  having  been  a  constant  visitant  of 
the  theatres  of  London,  had  contracted  a  strong  inclination 
for  the  histrionic  profession,  and  would  probably  have  donned 
the  sock  or  buskin,  had  he  not  in  boyhood  had  the  misfor- 
tune to  lose  an  eye  by  the  accidental  blow  of  a  missile  thrown 
at  him  in  play.    He  however  ventured  to  attempt  the  stage 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


81 


in  the  character  of  a  dramatist,  and  having  completed  a  com- 
edy called  the  "  Modest  Soldier ;  or,  Love  in  New  York,"  it  was 
offered  to  Hallam  and  Henry,  and  by  them  accepted  and  cast 
for  representation.  But  its  performance  was  delayed  from 
time  to  time,  as  the  author  finally  supposed,  because  it  con- 
tained no  characters  well  adapted  to  the  talents  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Henry  ;  and  offering  another  in  which  those  deficiencies 
were  remedied,  it  was  at  once  accepted,  cast,  and  played  as 
before  mentioned,  under  the  title  of  "  The  Father,"  and  cer- 
tainly merited  the  plaudits  which  were  freely  accorded  it. 
Mr.  Wignell  was  so  pleased  with  it,  that  he  requested  Mr. 
Dunlap  to  write  a  trifle  for  his  benefit,  who  thereupon  pro- 
duced a  continuation  of  the  "  Poor  Soldier,"  which  he  called 
"  Darby's  Return,"  in  which  the  comedian  made  a  capital  hit 
as  Darby.  His  tragedy  of  "Leicester"  was  played  in  1794,  as 
well  as  a  sketch  written  to  continue  the  character  of  Shelty 
(from  the  "  Highland  Reel"),  for  Mr.  Hodgkinson.  In  1795, 
he  brought  out  his  second  tragedy,  "Fontainville  Abbey,"  and 
in  1796  produced  a  musical  piece  founded  on  the  story  of 
William  Tell,  entitled  the  "  Archers."  In  May,  1796,  by  per- 
suasion of  Mr.  Hodgkinson,  he  became  interested  in  the  man- 
agement of  the  theatre,  and,  in  the  fall  of  1798,  by  the  suc- 
cessive withdrawal  of  Messrs.  Hallam  and  Hodgkinson,  its 
sole  director,  which  he  continued  until  the  spring  of  1805, 
when,  becoming  bankrupt, — with  the  true  principle  of  an  hon- 
est man,  he  gave  up  every  cent  of  property  to  satisfy  the  de- 
mands of  his  creditors,  and  returned  in  poverty  to  the  place 
of  his  nativity.  During  the  years  1810  and  1811,  he  was 
again  connected  with  the  theatre  as  assistant-manager,  and  in 
1812  resumed  his  long-neglected  profession  of  painting. 
From  1812  to  1816,  he  was  Assistant  Paymaster-General  to 
the  New  York  Militia  in  service  of  the  United  States,  and 
after  that  was  again  engaged  in  painting — principally  histori- 
cal or  allegorical  subjects,  several  of  which  were  successfully 
exhibited. 

He  was  much  interested  in  the  formation  of  the  National 
Academy  of  Design,  of  which  he  was  at  one  time  a  promi- 

11 


82 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


nent  officer.  In  1834,  a  complimentary  benefit  was  given  him 
at  the  Park  Theatre,  which  returned  him  a  handsome  sum, 
and  a  year  or  two  after,  his  friends  gathered  together  the  most 
valuable  collection  of  paintings  ever  then  seen  in  America, 
which  were  also  exhibited  for  his  benefit. 

Mr.  Dunlap,  in  addition  to  nearly  fifty  dramas,  original  or 
translated  from  the  German,  most  of  which  will  require  no- 
tice in  the  present  work,  wrote  the  life  of  the  celebrated 
actor,  Cooke, — the  life  of  Charles  Brockden  Brown, — a  novel 
called  the  "Water  Drinker," — a  "History  of  the  Arts  of  Design 
in  America," — and  a  "  History  of  the  American  Theatre,"  the 
latter  two  of  which  are  exceedingly  interesting  and  valuable 
books.  Like  most  dependents  on  literature  for  a  living,  Mr. 
Dunlap  was  generally  in  straitened  circumstances,  but  is  rep- 
resented to  have  been  throughout  life  an  upright,  honorable, 
conscientious,  simple-minded  man,  whose  connection  with  the 
management  of  the  theatre  was  formed  in  the  ardent  hope  of 
elevating  its  character,  and  rendering  it  the  medium  not  only 
of  amusement,  but  of  instruction  to  the  public — in  fact,  a 
school  both  of  manners  and  morality.  He  died  in  New  York, 
September  28th,  1839,  aged  seventy-three  years. 

September  24th.  Mrs.  Henry's  benefit.  First  time,  an  Oc- 
casional Prelude,  respectfully  intended  as  an  Eulogium  on  the 
American  Chiefs  who  fell  in  the  cause  of  Freedom; — the 
recitation  and  vocal  parts  by  Mrs.  Henry,  as  the  Genius  of 
Columbia.  A  comedy  called  the  "  English  Merchant,"  the 
epilogue  by  Mr.  Wignell  and  Mrs.  Morris, — and,  first  time, 
«  The  Dead  Alive." 

September  28th.  For  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Morris,  an  enter- 
tainment called  "  An  Exhibition  of  Pictures ;  or,  the  World 
as  it  goes ;"  the  recitation  and  prologue  by  Mr.  Wignell,  with 
a  comedy  called  the  "  School  for  Libertines,"  and  the  "  Poor 
Soldier." 

October  5th.  Mr.  Harper's  benefit.  First  time  in  New 
York,  "The  Merry  Wives  of  Windsor;"  Falstaff,  Mr.  Harper; 
with  "  Barataria ;  or,  Sancho  Panza  turned  Governor." 

The  benefits  of  Mr.  Woolls,  Mr.  Henry,  Mr.  Wignell,  Mrs. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


83 


Harper,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Hallam,  and  Mrs.  Hamilton,  followed 
without  producing  anything  specially  noticeable. 

November  3d.  Mrs.  Williamson's  benefit.  The  "  School  for 
Wives,"  and  the  "  Fair  Americans."  Postponed  to  the  5th, 
with  the  "Provoked  Husband,"  a  comic  dance  by  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Durang,  and  the  "Fair  Americans."  Again  postponed, 
with  a  positive  assurance  of  its  taking  place  on  the  9th,  with 
the  "Maid  of  the  Mill,"  "Half  an  hour  after  Supper,"  and  the 
"  Fair  Americans." 

November  24th.  Mr.  WignelPs  benefit.  "  The  Toy,"  the 
"  Critic,"  and,  first  time,  Dunlap's  sequel  to  the  "  Poor  Soldier," 
entitled  "  Darby's  Return." 

Darby  Mr.  Wiqnell.     I     Clown.     .    .    .    .    .    .    Mr.  Ryan. 

Dermot  .   "  Woolls.  Kathleen  Mrs.  Morris. 

Father  Luke  "  Biddle.  Old  Woman  "  Hamilton. 

Washington,  then  dwelling  in  New  York  as  President 
of  the  United  States,  who  frequently  attended  the  theatre, 
and  with  whom  Wignell  was  a  great  favorite,  honored  this 
benefit  with  his  presence.  The  last  night  of  the  season  was 
advertised  for  Dec.  4th,  as  a  benefit  to  Mr.  Morris,  but  the 
time  was  extended,  and  its  termination  did  not  take  place 
until  the  9th. 

This  was  the  last  theatrical  season  in  New  York  that  the 
American  company  remained  intact  and  undivided.  At  its 
close,  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore  were  visited,  and  nearly 
two  years  elapsed  before  its  return  to  the  city,  previous  to 
which  Mr.  Wignell  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morris  had  withdrawn. 
The  former  had  long  been  at  variance  with  Henry,  who  was 
no  doubt  jealous  of  his  superior  attractiveness,  for  Wignell 
was  emjmatically  the  favorite  of  the  public ;  and  Mrs.  Henry, 
although  fitful  and  capricious,  had  become  a  formidable  rival 
to  Mrs.  Morris,  who  was  probably  anxious  for  a  separate 
sphere  of  action.  Wignell  had  expected  a  share  in  the  man- 
agement,— it  was  now  denied  him.  He  had  been  promised  an 
appointment  as  agent  to  England  for  the  engagement  of  ad- 
ditional artists.  This  also  was  refused  him,  on  the  plea  that 
the  business  of  the  theatre  could  not  go  on  during  his  ab- 
sence. Wignell  probably  felt  his  own  importance  to  the  com- 


84 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


pany,  and  supposed  that  it  could  not  do  without  him,  and 
that  he  could  command  his  own  terms  therein.  These  not 
being  complied  with,  he,  with  Mr.  Reinagle,  of  Philadelphia, 
undertook  the  establishment  of  a  separate  company — an  en- 
terprise which,  although  in  every  department  reflecting  the 
highest  credit  on  his  artistic  taste,  involved  him  in  expenses 
and  embarrassments  which  were  a  continued  source  of  pain 
and  anxiety  until  his  death.  Mr.  Henry  soon  after  visited 
England,  and  brought  over  Hodgkinson,  whose  merits  caused 
poor  Wignell's  absence  to  be  unregretted,  if  not  unnoticed — 
so  transient  is  popular  favor. 

Dunlap  says  that  this  important  division  of  the  American 
company  took  place  in  1792.  It  must  have  occurred  earlier. 
We  have  a  file  of  original  play-bills  of  the  John  Street  Thea- 
tre, running  from  Oct.  13th,  1791,  to  May,  1792,  in  which  the 
names  of  Wignell  and  Morris  are  not  once  found. 

In  February  and  March,  1790,  dramatic  entertainments 
were  given  at  No.  14  William  Street,  but  we  find  no  record  of 
plays  or  performers.  Admission  to  front  seats  was  4s. ;  back 
seats,  3s. 

May,  1791.  Mr.  Corre  opened  a  theatre  in  his  gardens, 
State  Street,  facing  the  Battery,  with  the  "  Beaux  Stratagem" 
and  «  Lying  Valet."    Box,  6s.    Pit,  4s.    Gallery,  3s. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


John  Street  Theatre,  1791-2. 

H  E  John  Street  Theatre  was  announced  for  re-open- 
ing by  its  managers  on  the  5th  of  October,  1791 ; 
but,  on  account  of  the  death  of  a  performer,  (probably 
Mrs.  Harper)  a  postponement  took  place  until  the  10th.  The 
entertainments  consisted  of  an  opening  prologue  by  Mr.  Hal- 
lam,  followed  by  the  tragedy  of  "  Douglas." 

Young  Norval  Mr.  Martin.      I     Glenalvon  Mr.  Harper. 

Old  Norval   .        ....     "  Henry.           Lady  Randolph  .    .        .    Mr3.  Henry. 
Lord  Randolph  "  Hallam.     |     Anna  "  Hamilton. 

Dancing-  by  Mr.  Duranq. 

and  High  Life  below  Stairs. 

Lovel  Mr  Hallam.     l     Miss  Kitty   MissTuKE. 

Lord  Duke   "  Harper.          Lady  Charlotte  .    .  Mrs.  Gray. 

Sir  Harry  "  Henry.  Lady  Bab  "  Rankin. 

John  E.  Martin,  who  made  his  first  appearance  on  this 
occasion,  was  a  native  of  New  York,  but  had  lately  made  a 
successful  debut  in  Philadelphia.  He  was  young,  of  fair  com- 
plexion, rriddle  height  and  light  figure,  well  educated,  and 
had  been  intended  by  his  friends  for  the  profession  of  the 
law.  He  became  an  industrious,  untiring  and  extremely  use- 
ful member  of  the  company,  of  which  he  was  for  several 
seasons  assistant  stage-manager.  Never  attaining  eminence  in 
his  profession,  though  always  respectable,  he  toiled  on,  rarely 
escaping  a  character  in  any  piece  that  was  presented,  until  a 
lingering  consumption  claimed  him  for  the  grave.  He  died 
in  New  York,  April  18th,  1807,  aged  thirty-seven. 

Of  Mrs.  Gray,  little  or  nothing  is  known.    Mrs.  Rankin  was 


86 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


a  member  of  the  company  for  several  seasons,  playing  old 
women  and  other  characters  of  comedy. 

The  next  bill  that  we  find  is  that  of  Oct.  13th,  which  brings 
the  whole  company  into  requisition. 

The  Clandeftine  Marriage. 


Lord  Ogleby  . 
Sterling  .  . 
Sir  John  Melvil 
Lovewell  . 
Canton  .  .  . 
Brush  .  .  . 
Sergt.  Flower  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Henry. 

"  Martin. 

"  Harper. 

"  Ryan. 

"  Robinson. 

"  Woolls. 


Trueman  .  . 
Traverse  .  . 
Mrs.  Heidleberg 
Miss  Sterling 
Fanny 

Betty  .    .  . 
Nancy 


and 


Flora  ;  or,  Hob  in  the  Wei 


Mr.  Hammond. 

"  Vaughan. 
Mrs.  Rankin. 

"  Henry. 
Miss  Tuke. 
Mrs.  Hamilton 

"  Gray. 


Oct.  17th.  Never  performed  here — a  play  in  5  ac~ts,  written 
by  a  citizen  of  the  United  States  (acted  at  Philadelphia  and  Balti- 
more with  great  applaufe)  called 

The  Widow  of  Malabar  ;  or,  the  Tyranny  of  Cuftom. 


Montalban  . 
High  Priest  . 
Old  Bramin 
Young  Bramin 


and 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Henry. 
"  Ryan. 
"  Harper. 


French  Officer 
Messenger 
Lanista  . 
Fatima     .  . 


Prologue  (written  by  J.  Trumbull,  LL.D.) 
Epilogue   


Mr.  Hallam. 
Mrs  Henry. 


Mr.  Martin. 
"  Robinson. 
Mr\  Henry. 
Miss  Tuke. 


The  Miller  of  Mansfield. 


Miller  Mr.  Hallam. 

King  "  Henry. 

Lord  Lurewell     ....     "  Martin. 


Richard  Mr.  Harper. 

Joe   "  Woolls. 

Peggy  Miss  Tuke. 


The  new  play  was  not  very  successful.  It  was  a  translation 
from  the  French,  by  Col  David  Humphreys,  a  native  of  Con- 
necticut, and  a  graduate  of  Yale,  as  well  as  an  officer  of  the 
Revolution,  and  subsequently  ambassador  to  Portugal  and 
Spain.    He  was  born  in  1753,  and  died  in  1818. 

Oa.  19th,  The  Weft  Indian. 


Belcour  Mr.  Hallam. 


Vaughan. 

Henry. 

Harper. 


Stockwell  .  .  . 
Major  O'Flaherty. 
Charles  Dudley  . 

and 


Inkle  Mr.  Harper. 


Lady  Rusport  ....  Mrs.  Hamilton. 
Charlotte  Rusport  ...      "  Henry. 

Louisa  Dudley   ....  Miss  Tuke. 

Mrs.  Fulmer   Mrs.  Rankin. 


Inkle  and  Yarico. 


Sir  Christopher  Curry 
Campley  .... 
Medium  .... 
Trudge   


Henry. 
Martin. 
Vaughan. 
Hallam. 


Yarico   Miss  Tuke. 

Wowski   Mrs.  Rankin. 

Narcissa  "  Gray. 

Fatty   "  Hamilton. 


oa.  24th, 


Othello. 


Othello  . 
Iago  .  . 
Cassio  . 
Brabantio 


and 

Young  Philpot 


Mr.  Henry. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Harper. 
"  Martin. 


Roderigo  . 
Montano  . 
Desdemona 
Emelia 


Mr.  Robinson. 

"  Vaughan. 
Mrs.  Henry. 

"  Rankin. 


The  Citizen. 

Mr.  Hallam.       |    Maria  Mrs.  Henry. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


87 


oa.  26th, 


The  Wonder. 


Don  Felix  ......  Mr.  Hallam. 

Col.  Britton   "  Henry. 

Don  Pedro   "  Heard. 

Frederick   "  Woolls. 

Gibby   "  Bisset. 


Liasardo 
Violante 
Isabella 
Flora  . 
Inis 


and 

Skirmish 
Russett  . 
Henry  . 
Flint 


The  Deferter — by  Dibdin. 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Woolls. 
"  Harper. 
"  Vaughan. 


Simpkin 
Louisa  . 
Jenny  . 
Margaret 


Mr.  Harper. 
Mrs.  Henry. 
Miss  Tore. 
Mrs.  Rankin. 
M  Hamilton. 


Mr.  Martin. 
Mrs.  Gray. 

"  Rankin. 

"  Hamilton. 


and 


Oft.  31ft, 


The  Devil  to  Pay. 
Romeo  and  Juliet. 


Romeo   Mr. 

Mercutio  

Capulet   " 

Friar  Laurence    ....  " 

Benvolio   " 


Hallam. 

Harper. 

Henry. 

Vauqhan. 

Martin. 


Tibalt  Mr.  Hammond. 


Peter 

Apothecary 


Ryan. 
Heard. 


Juliet  Mrs.  Henry. 


Nurse 


and 

Clerimont  . 
Capt.  Cape. 


The  Old  Maid. 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Henry. 


Harlow  .  . 
Miss  Harlow . 


Nov.  2d, 

Aubrey  . 
Lord  Abbeville 
Mortimer  . 
Tyrrell  .    .  . 
Bridgemore 


The  Fafhionable  Lover. 


Mr.  Henry. 
"  Harper. 
"  Hallam. 

Martin. 
"  Woolls. 


Colin  McLeod 
Dr.  Druid.    .    .  . 
Augusta  Aubrey 
Mrs.  Bridgemore  . 
Lucinda  Bridgemore 


and  O'Keefe's  farce,  The  Prifoner  at  Large. 


Lord  Esmond 
Jack  Conner 
Old  Dowdle 
Minis     .  . 
Fripon  . 


Mr.  Harper. 
"  Martin. 
'•  Henry. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Ryan. 


Father  Frank 
Tough  .  . 
Rachel , 
Adelaide  . 
Mary 


Nov.  7th, 


The  Duenna. 


Hamilton. 


Mr.  Harper 
Mrs.  Rankin. 


Mr.  Bisset. 

"  Heard. 
Mrs.  Henry. 

"  Rankin. 
Miss  Tuke. 


Mr.  Woolls. 

"  Heard. 
Mrs.  Henry. 
Miss  Toke. 
Mrs.  Hamilton. 


Don  Jerome 
Carlos   .    .  . 
Ferdinand  .  . 
Antonio 
Isaac  Mendoza 


Mr.  Henry. 
By  a  Gentleman. 
Mr.  Harper. 

"  Woolls. 

"  Martin. 


Father  Paul 
Lopez  .  . 
Clara  .  . 
Louisa 
Margaret  . 


and  Jofeph  Reed's  farce,  called  the  Regifter  Office. 


Capt.  LeBrush 
Gulwell.  .  . 
Irishman 


Mr.  Harper.  Scotsman 
"  Robinson.  j  Williams 
"  Henry. 


Nov.  1 2th,         The  School  for  Scandal. 


Mr.  Ryan. 

"  Bisset. 
Mrs.  Henry. 

"  Rankin. 

"  Hamilton. 


Mr.  Ryan. 
"  Woolls. 


Sir  Peter  . 
Sir  Oliver  . 
Joseph  . 
Charles  . 
Sir  Benjamin 


Mr.  Henry. 
M  Heard. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Harper. 
u  Martin. 


Moses  . 
Lady  Teazle  . 
Lady  Sneer  well 
Mrs.  Candour 
Maria  .    .  . 


Mr.  Ryan. 
Mrs.  Henry. 

"  Hamilton. 

"  Rankin. 
Miss  Tuke. 


and  Pilon's  farce  of  the  Invafion  ;  or,  a  Trip  to  Brighthelmftone. 


Sir  John  Evergreen  . 

Charles  

Chameleon  .... 
Beaufort  .... 
Sergt.  Drill     .    .  . 


Mr.  Henry.             Tattoo   Mr.  Robinson. 

"   Hallam.  Lady  Catharine  Rouge  Mrs.  Rankin. 

"  Harper.            Emily   11  Gray. 

"  Martin.             Brussells   "  Hamilton. 

14  Hammond,     i     Sally   Miss  Tuke. 


88 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Nov.  18th, 


Zara. 


Osmyn  Mr.  Hallam. 

Lusignan  "  Henry. 

and,  firft  time,  a  farce  called  As  it  Should  be. 


Nerestan 
Zara  . 


Mr.  Harper. 
Mrs.  Henry. 


Lord  Megrim 
Fidget  .  . 
Winworth  . 


Mr.  Harper.       i     Sparkle  Mr.  Heard. 

"  Henry.  Lucy  Mrs.  Hamilton. 

"  Martin.  Celia  Miss  Tuke. 


Nov.  23d,  Beaumont  and  Fletcher's  comedy,  The  Chances. 


Don  John   Mr.  Hallam.  i     Peter  .    .  . 

Don  Frederick     ....  "  Harper.  Anthony  .  . 

Anthonio   "  Henry.  1st  Constantia 

Duke   "  Martin.  |     2d  Constantia 

Petruchio   "  Hammond.  |  Mother-in-law 

Pedro   "  Woolls.  Landlady 

and  O'Keefe's  farce,  The  Dead  Alive. 


Sir  Walter  Weathercock 

Motley  

Edward  

Dennis  


Mr.  Henry. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Harper. 
"  Hammond. 


Humphrey  . 
Miss  Hebe  Winthrop 
Caroline  .... 
Comfit  


Nov.  28th, 
and,  firft  time, 

Dennis  Dougherty 
Sir  Harry  Trifle  .  . 
Tom  


The  Famionable  Lover  ; 
a  farce  called  The  Divorce. 


Mr. 


Henry. 
Martin. 
Harper. 


Lady  Harriet  Trifle. 
Mrs. "Aniseed. 
Biddy   


Dec.  5th. 


Richard  3d. 


Richard  Mr. 

Henry  6th  " 


Hallam. 
Henry. 


Richmond . 
Queen  Elizabeth 


and  the  pantomimical  romance  of  Robinfon  Crufoe. 


Robinson  Crusoe 
Friday  . 
Captain     .  . 
Pantaloon  . 


Mr.  Ryan. 

"  DURANG. 

"  Woolls. 
"  Heard. 


Petit  Maitre  .    ■    .  . 

Pierrot  

Pantalina  

Pantaloon's  Daughter  . 


Mr.  Heard. 

"  Durang. 
Miss  Tuke. 
Mrs.  Henry. 

"  Rankin. 

"  Hamilton. 


Mr.  Martin. 
Mrs.  Hamilton. 
Miss  Tuke. 
Mrs.  Henry. 


Miss  Tuke. 
Mrs.  Rankin. 
"  Hamilton. 


Mr.  Harper. 
Mrs.  Henry. 


Mr.  Hammond. 

"  Harper. 
Mrs.  Rankin. 

"  Gray. 


Dec.  7th, 


The  Tempeft. 


Prospero 

Ferdinand 

Hippolito 

Alonzo  . 

Stephano 

Trincalo. 

Caliban  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 
Harper. 
"  Martin. 
"  Heard. 

"  BlSSET. 

"  Henry. 
"  Ryan. 


Antonio 
Gonzalo 
Sycorax 
Ventoso 


Mr.  Robinson. 

"  Hammond. 

"  Durang. 

"  Vaughan. 


Ariel  Mrs.  Henry. 

Miranda   "  Hamilton. 

Dorinda  Miss  Tuke. 


1 2th. 


Dec. 
Recefs  ;  or 
alteration.) 


Don  Carlos.  . 
Don  Guzman  . 
Muscato  .  . 
Don  Ferdinand 
Don  Pedro  .  . 


firft  time,  Bickerftaff's  comedy,  called  The 
the    Mafked    Apparition. — (Probably  Kemble's 


and 

Lord  Duke .    .    .  . 

Dec.  14th, 
and,  firft  time 


Crumpy    .  . 
Crossleg    .  . 
Bassa  of  Bagdad 
Crank   .    .  . 


Mr.  Harper. 

"  Henry. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Martin. 
"  Hammond. 

High  Life 

Mr.  Harper. 


Lazarillo 
Marcella 
Beatrice 
Leonarda 
Aurora 

below  Stairs. 

I     Miss  Kitty  .  . 


Mr.  Ryan. 

Miss  Tuke. 
Mrs.  Henry. 

"  Rankin. 

"  Hamilton. 


Miss  Tuke. 


The  Gamefter; 

in  America,  O'Keefe's  farce  of 
The  Little  Hunchback. 


Mr.  Heard.  Dr.  Quinquina   .        .    .  Mr.  Robinson. 

"  Harper.  Absalom   "  Martin. 

"  Hallam.       I     Dora   Miss  Tuke. 

"  Henry.  '  Juggy  •    •    .  Mrs.  Rankin. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


89 


Jan.  2d,  1792,  The  Bufy  Body  ; 

Marplot  Mr.  Hallam.  Miranda   Mrs.  Henry. 

Sir  Francis  Gripe     ..."  Heard.  Isabinda   Miss  Tuke. 

Sir  George  Airey.    ..."  Harper.  Patch   Mrs.  Hamilton. 

and  The  King  of  the  Genii. 


King   Mr.  Woolls. 

Harlequin   "  Martin. 

Clown   "  Harper. 

Pantaloon   "  Ryan. 


Porter   Mr.  Durang. 

Chairman   "  Bisbet. 

Columbine  (1st  time)   .    .  Miss  Tuke. 

Attendant   Mrs.  Rankin. 


Jan.  30th,  She  Stoops  to  Conquer  ; 

Hardcastle  Mr.  Henry.  ^Irs.  Hardcastle.    .    .    .    Mrs.  Hamilton. 

Young  Marlow     ....     "  Harper.            Miss  Hardcastle.    ...      "  Henry. 
Tony  Lumpkin    ....     "  Hallam.       |     Miss  Neville  Miss  Tuke. 

and  Neck  or  Nothing. 

Slip  Mr.  Hallam.       I     Mrs.  Stockwell  ....    Mrs.  Rankin. 

Belford  "  Martin.        |     Jenny  Miss  Tdke. 

Feb.  1  ft,  The  Gamefter  ; 

and,  never  performed  here,  Jackman's  farce,  called 
All  the  World 's  a  Stage. 

Diggory  Mr.  Harper.        |     Sir  Gilbert  Pumpkin  .    .    Mr.  Henry. 

Charles  Stanley   ....     "  Hallam.  Miss  Bridget  Pumpkin        Mrs.  Hamilton. 

Harry  Stukely     ....     "  Martin.        |     Kitty  Sprightly  ....    Miss  Tuke. 

February  3d.  After  the  comedy  of  the  "  Clandestine  Mar- 
riage," Monsieur  and  Madame  Placide  and  troupe  made  their 
first  appearance  in  New  York,  in  a  variety  of  feats  on  the 
tight-rope,  and  in  the  ballet  of  the  "Two  Philosophers." 
Alexandre  Placide  was  the  most  graceful  rope-dancer  and  the 
finest  gymnast  that  had  yet  reached  America.  A  French- 
man by  birth,  he  had  acted  with  applause  both  in  Paris  and 
London,  where  he  had  acquired,  from  his  wonderful  feats 
of  tumbling,  the  soubriquet  of  "the  great  Devil."  Madame 
Placide  was  also  an  admirable  dancer  and  actress  in  panto- 
mime, and  was  for  several  years  an  invaluable  aid  to  him. 
After  her  death  he  married,  in  Charleston,  Miss  Wrighten, 
daughter  of  the  actress  known  in  this  country  as  Mrs.  Pow- 
nall,  and  of  James  Wrighten,  many  years  prompter  of  Drury 
Lane  Theatre.  By  this  lady  he  had  a  numerous  family, 
among  whom  were  Henry  and  Thomas  Placide,  Caroline, 
(afterwards  Mrs.  Waring  and  Mrs.  Blake)  Eliza,  (afterwards 
Mrs.  Asbury  and  Mrs.  Mann)  and  Jane,  who  died  unmar- 
ried, all  well  known  to  the  American  stage.  Mons.  Placide 
was  a  man  of  fine  business  talents,  and  for  many  years  mana- 
ger of  the  Charleston  Theatre,  which,  under  his  direction, 

12 


90 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


ranked  with  the  first  establishments  in  the  country.  With 
Messrs.  Green  and  Twaits,  he  was  also  manager  of  the  Rich- 
mond Theatre  at  the  time  of  its  terrible  conflagration  in 
1811,  which  occurred  on  his  benefit  night.  He  died  of  yel- 
low fever  in  1812. 

Feb.  8th,  Mons.  Placide's  benefit. 

The  Wonder. 

End  of  the  play,  Dancing  on  the  Tight  Rope,  by  the  little  Devil 

and  Mons.  Placide. 
A  Collation  on  the  Rope  with  Table,  Chair,  Bottle,  &c,  by 
the  little  Devil. 

Dancing  on  the  Rope  with  two  Boys  tied  to  his  feet,  and  after- 
wards with  two   Men    in   the  fame  manner ;  fpringing 
through  a  hoop  in  different  ways,  &c,  by  Mons.  Placide. 

Tumbling,  by  the  little  Devil  and  Mons.  Placide. 
Mons.   Placide  will  balance  a  Peacock's  Feather. 
Concluding  with  a  Dancing  Ballet,  called  the  Return  of  the 
Labourers,  (with  a  Sabottiere  Dance)  by  Mons. 
and  Mad.  Placide,  &c. 

Feb.  13th,  Murphy's  comedy,  All  in  the  Wrong; 


Sir  John  Restless  . 
Beverly  .  .  . 
Sir  Wm.  Belmont 
Young  Belmont  . 
Blandford  .  .  . 
Brush    .    .    .  . 


Mr.  Henry. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Robinson. 
"  Harper. 
'«  Ryan. 
"  Woolls. 


Robert.  .  . 
Lady  Restless 
Belinda 
Clarissa 
Tattle  . 
Marmalet 


Mr.  Martin. 
Mrs.  Henry. 
Miss  Ti  ke. 
Mrs.  Gray. 

"  Hamilton. 

"  Rankin. 


and,  never  performed  here,  The  Reftoration  of  Harlequin 


Harlequin  Mons.  Simonet. 

Pierrot   "  Placide. 

Old  Man  The  Little  Devil. 

Feb.  20th, 

Capt.  Crevelt  .  .  . 
Col.  Talbot.  .  .  . 
Sir  Oliver  oldstock  . 
Mandeville  .... 
Caleb  


Lover  Mr.  Martin. 

Sorcerer  "  Woolls. 

Columbine  Mad.  Placide. 


He  would  be  a  Soldier. 


Mr.  Harper. 
"  Henry. 
"  Ashton. 
"  Martin. 
"  Hallam. 


Johnson  .  . 
Charlotte  .  . 
Harriet  .  . 
Lady  Oldstock 
Mrs.  Wilkins. 


Mr.  Hammond. 
Mrs.  Henry. 
Miss  Tuke. 
Mrs.  Rankin. 
"  Hamilton. 


The  above  was  the  second  appearance  of  Mr.  Ashton,  who 
had  made  his  debut  a  few  nights  before  as  Hotspur.  Accord- 
ing to  Dunlap,  his  only  powers  were  those  of  voice. 


Feb.  24th, 


The  Beaux  Stratagem  j 


Archer   Mr.  Harper. 

Aimwell   "  Martin. 

Scrub   u  Hallam. 

Foigard   "  Henry. 

Boniface   "  Ryan. 


Sullen   Mr.  Ashton. 

Lady  Bountiful  ....  Mrs.  Rankin. 

Mrs.  Sullen   "  Henry. 

Dorinda  "  Hamilton. 

Cherry   Miss  Tuke. 


and,  never  performed  here,  a  pantomime  called 

Columbine  Invisible  ;  or,  Harlequin  Junior. 


Harlequin  Junior     .    .    .  Mr.  Martin. 

Harlequin  Senior     ...  "  Robinson. 

Old  Man   Little  Devil. 

Lover   Mr.  Hammond. 


Constable   Mons.  Dumas. 

Pierrot   "  Placide. 

Columbine   Mad.  Placide. 

Harlequin's  Mother     .    .  Mrs.  Rankin. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


91 


March  2d,  Mrs.  Cowley's  comedy,  More  Ways  than  One. 


Sir  Marvel  Mushroom 

Beliair  

Evergreen  .... 

Feelove  

Carlton  


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Martin. 
"  Henry. 
M  Heard. 
"  Harper. 


David  .  .  . 
Arabella  .  . 
Miss  Archer  . 
Miss  Juvenile 
Mrs.  Thompson 


Mr.  Woolls. 
Mrs.  Henry. 
Miss  Tuke. 
Mrs.  Hamilton. 
"  Rankin. 


March  5th, 


Mr.  Henry's  benefit. 
Selima  and  Azor ; 


Prince  Azor 
Ali  .  .  . 
Scander .  . 


Mr.  Henry.  Selima  Mrs.  Henry. 

"  Martin.  Fatima  MissTuKi. 

"  Harper.  Lesbia  Mrs.  Hamilton. 


and 


Songs — 11  Dread  Parent  of  Despair,"  from  the  Haunted  Tower,  and  the 

"  Echo  Song,"  from  Zemira  ....    Mrs.  Henry. 
Hippisley's  celebrated  scene,  "  The  Drunken  Man"   .    .    Mr.  Henry. 

The  Poor  Soldier. 

Patrick  Mr.  Henry. 


March  12th, 


Mr.  Woolls'  benefit, 
King  Henry  4th  ; 


Falstaff .    .  . 
Henry  4th  .  . 
Prince  of  Wales 
Hotspur. 
Northumberland 


Mr.  Harper. 
"  Hammond. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Ashton. 
"  Woolls. 


Poins  . 
Bardolph  .  . 
Carrier 
Lady  Percy  . 
Mrs.  Quickly 


Mr.  Martin. 
"  Ryan. 

"  DURANO. 

Mrs.  Henry. 
"  Hamilton. 


Ballet  of  the  Woodcutters  Mons.  and  Mad.  Placide,  be. 

and  The  Padlock. 

Don  Diego  Mr.  Woolls. 


March  14th,  Mifs  Tuke's  benefit, 

Sheridan's  comedy,    The  Rivals  ; 


Sir  Anthony  Absolute 
Capt.  Absolute  .  . 
Bob  Acres  .... 
Sir  Lucius  O'Trigger 
Falkland  .... 


Mr.  Heard. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Harper. 
"  Robinson. 
"  Martin. 


David  . 

Lydia  Languish 
Julia  . 
Mrs.  Malaprop 
Lucy   .    .  . 


Mr.  Ryan. 
Miss  Tuke. 
Mrs.  Hamilton. 

"  Rankin. 

"  Gray. 


Man  and  Wife  ;  or,  the  Shakfpeare  Jubilee. 


and 


Cross   Mr.  Harper. 

Marcourt  "  Hallam. 

Col.  Frankly  "  Martin. 

Kitchen  "  Ashton. 

Buck  "  Hammond. 


Snarl   Mr.  Heard. 

Mrs.  Cross   Mrs.  Hamilton. 

Lettice  "  Rankin. 

Charlotte  "  Gray. 

Sally   Miss  Tuke. 


March  19th,         Mrs.  Henry's  benefit. 
Whitehead's  tragedy,  The  Roman  Father  ; 


Horatius  Mr.  Hallam. 

Publius  Horatius  ....  "  Harper. 
Valerius  "  Martin. 


Tullus  Hostilius  . 
Horatia  .  .  . 
Valeria     .    .  . 


Mr.  Ashton. 
Mrs.  Henry. 
"  Hamilton. 


Tight  Rope  Mons.  Placide. 

and  Rofina. 

Belrille  Mr.  Harper. 

Capt.  Belville  "  Woolls. 

William  "  Hallam. 

Rustic  ...        ..."  Ryan. 


Irishman 
Rosin  a 
Phcebe. 
Dorcas. 


Mr.  Martin. 
Mrs.  Henry. 
•«  Gray. 
"  Hamilton. 


Mr.  Henry's  name  does  not  appear  in  the  bill  for  his  wife's 
benefit,  nor  on  any  subsequent  occasion  this  season.  He  had 
probably  already  sailed  for  Europe  on  his  recruiting  expedi- 
tion. 


92 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


March  23d,  Mrs.  Rankin's  benefit. 

The  Provoked  Hufband ; 


Lord  Townly    ...       .  Mr.  Hallam. 

Sir  Francis  Wronghead .    .  "  Heard. 

Manly   "  Harper. 

Count  Basset   w  Martin. 

Squire  Richard    ....  "  Woolls. 

Ballet,  Two  Philosophers  .  . 


John  Moody  . 
Lady  Townly 
Lady  Grace  .  . 
Lady  Wronghead 
Miss  Jenny    .  . 


Mr.  Ryan. 
Mrs.  Henry. 

"  Hamilton. 

"  Rankin. 
Miss  Tuke. 


.    .    .    Mons.  and  Mad.  Plaoide,  &c. 

and  Catharine  and  Petruchio. 

Petruchio  Mr.  Harper.       |    Catharine  Mrs.  Rankin. 

March  26th,         Mr.  Martin's  benefit. 

The  Bufy  Body  ; 


Marplot  Mr.  Hallam. 

Sir  George  Avery  ...  "  Harper. 
Charles  "  Martin. 


Miranda  Mrs.  Henry. 

Isabinda  Miss  Tuke. 

Patch  Mrs.  Hamilton. 


Mons.  Placide  on  the  Tight  Rope. 

and  the  pantomime  of      Silver  Rock. 


Harlequin  Mr.  Martin. 

Pantaloon  "  Ryan. 


Clown  .  . 
Columbine 


Mr.  Harper. 
Miss  Tuke. 


April  9th,  Mrs.  Hamilton's  benefit. 

Never  performed  here,  a  comedy  called 

Conftitutional  Follies  ;  or,  a  Trip  to  Demarara 


Capt.  Canefield 
Roebuck    .  . 
Rattle    .    .  . 
Murphy. 
Doctor  .  . 


Coramantee  . 
Mrs.  Rattle  . 
Mrs.  Canefield 
Mrs.  Heartfree 
Bina    .    .  . 

Ballet,  The  Bird  Catcher, 
with  the  Minuet  de  la  Cour  and  Gavotte    .    .    Mons.  and  Mad.  Placide,  &c, 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Harper. 
"  Martin. 
"  Robinson. 
"  Hammond. 


Mr.  Ryan. 
Miss  Tuke. 
Mrs.  Rankin. 
"  Hamilton 
"  Gray. 


and 


The  Mufical  Lady. 


Young  Mask 
Old  Mask  . 


Mr.  Martin. 
"  Heard. 


Lady  Scrape  Miss  Tuke. 

Sophy  Mrs.  Henry. 


April  13th, 
Cibber's  comedy, 


Mr.  Heard's  benefit. 
Love  makes  a  Man  ; 


Don  Lewis 
Clodio  . 
Carlos  . 
Don  Duart 
Antonio 


Mr.  Heard. 
u  Hallam. 
"  Harper. 
"  Martin. 
"  Robinson. 


Charino   Mr.  Ashton. 

Angelina   Mrs.  Henry. 

Honoria   Miss  Tuke. 

Elvira   Mrs.  Hamilton. 

Louisa   "  Rankin. 


Ballet,  The  Old  Schoolmaster  grown  Young   .    .    .   Mons.  and  Mad.  Placide,  &c. 

and  The  Little  Hunchback. 

Crumpy  Mr.  Heard. 

April  27th,  Meffrs.  Afhton  and  Durang's  benefit. 

The  School  for  Wives  ; 


Gen.  Savage 
Capt.  Savage 
Belville 
Torrington 
Conolly  .  . 
Leeson  .  . 


Mr.  Ashton. 
"  Harper. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Heard. 
"  Robinson. 
"  Martin. 


Spruce  .... 
Mrs.  Belville  .  .  . 
Lady  Rachel  Mildew 
Mrs.  Walsingham  . 
Miss  Leeson  .  . 
Mrs.  Tempest     .  . 


Mr.  Woolls. 
Mrs.  Henry. 

"  Rankin. 
Miss  Tuke. 
Mrs.  Gray. 

"  Hamilton. 


A  Masonic  Prologue  Mr.  Ashton. 

A  Hornpipe  "  Durano. 

A  Masonic  Anthem  Messrs.  Harper  and  Woolls. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


93 


and,  firft  time,  with  new  fcenery  and  machinery,  a  pantomime, 
called  The  Birth  of  Harlequin  ; 


Harlequin 
Macaroni  Fop  .  . 
Dunderpate  Dismal 


Mr.  Duranq.  Knchanter  Mr.  W00LL9. 

w  Hammond.  Old  Man  "  Ryan. 

"  Harper.  Columbine  Mad.  Placide. 


concluding  with 

An  Eulogium  on  the  Marriage  State  By  Mr.  Ashton. 

May  8th,  Mr.  Hallam's  benefit. 

Firft  time,  Mifs  Lee's  comedy,  called 

The  New  Peerage  ;  or,  Our  Eyes  may  Deceive  us  ; 


Vandercrab  .    .  . 
Charles  Vandercrab 
Lord  Melville 
Sir  John  Lovelace  . 
Medley  


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Harper. 
"  Martin. 
"  Hammond. 
'•  Ashton. 


Allen   Mr.  Ryan. 

Lady  Charlotte  Courtly    .  Mrs.  Henry. 

Miss  Harley   Miss  Tuke. 

Miss  Vandercrab    .    .    .  Mrs.  Rankin. 

Kitty   "  Hamilton. 


Recitation—"  Bucks  have  at  ye  all  "  Mr.  Hallam. 

and  Rofina. 

May  ioth.  Laft  performance.  Benefit  of  Meflrs.  Heard 
and  Hammond. 

The  New  Peerage  ; 

Tumbling,  and  Slack  Rope  Exercises  ; 
And  Ballet  of  "  Two  Philosophers"  By  the  Placide  troupe. 

and  (fecond  time)  a  farce  written  by  Mr.  Robinfon,  of  theTheatre, 

called 


The  Yorker's  Stratagem ;  or,  Banana's  Wedding. 


Banana  . 
Ledger.  . 
Capt.  Oakum 
Fingercash  . 
Governor 
Frenchman  . 


Mr.  Robinson. 
"  Martin. 
"  Ashton. 
"  Heard. 
"  Hammond. 
"  Ryan. 


Amant 

Miss  Bellange  . 
Louisa 

Mrs.  Banana. 
Mrs.  Fingercash 
Pressy     .    .  . 


Mr.  Harper. 
Miss  Tuke. 
Mrs.  Henry. 

"  Hamilton. 

"  Rankin. 

"  Gray. 


Dunlap  says  that  it  was  received  with  universal  applause. 

In  October,  1792,  Mrs.  Mechler  (formerly  Miss  Fanny 
Storer)  who  had  been  absent  from  the  stage  for  several  sea- 
sons, appeared  for  the  first  time  under  her  marital  designa- 
tion at  a  Concert  in  Corre's  Hotel,  in  conjunction  with  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Von  Hagen  and  Mr.  Saliment.  She  was  announced 
as  a  distinguished  vocalist  from  England. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


John  Street  Theatre,  1793. 


H  E  powerful  reinforcement  secured  by  Mr.  Henry 
during  his  transatlantic  visit, — consisting  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson,  Mrs.  Pownall,  Mr.  King,  Mr.  Prig- 
more,  Miss  Brett,  Mr.  West,  Mr.  West,  Jr.,  and  Mr.  Robbins, 
arrived  in  America  early  in  the  fall  of  1792,  and  immediately 
proceeded  to  Philadelphia,  whence,  after  a  triumphant  season 
of  nearly  four  months,  they  were  brought  to  New  York  for 
the  opening  of  the  John  Street  Theatre  on  the  28th  of  Janu- 
ary, 1793.  The  comedy  of  the  "Wonder"  had  been  advertised 
for  the  initial  performance ;  but,  owing  to  the  illness  of 
Mrs.  Henry,  (the  representative  of  Violante)  it  was  postponed, 
and  Reynolds'  comedy  of  the  "  Dramatist ;  or,  Stop  him  who 
can,"  performed  for  the  first  time  in  America,  with  the  fol- 
lowing cast: 


Vapid  Mr.  Hodgkinson.   I  Peter 


Lord  Scratch 
Ennui 
Floriville 
Willoughby 
Neville  . 


Prigmore.  Marianne  .  . 

King.  Lady  Waitfort 

Hallam.  Louisa. 

Hammond.  Letty  .  .  . 
Martin. 


Mr.  Ryan. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 
"  Hamilton. 
Miss  Brett. 
Mrs.  Rankin. 


In  the  afterpiece  of  the  Padlock,  Mr.  West  was  Leander, 
and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson  Leonora. 

The  prices  of  admission  remained  as  before — 8s.,  6s.,  and  4s. 
Mr.  Faulkner  was  the  treasurer,  and  attended  at  the  box- 
office  daily,  from  10  to  12  a.  m.,  and  on  the  days  of  perform- 
ance from  3  to  5  p.  m.  (for  it  must  be  remembered  that  per- 
formances took  place  but  three  times  a  week),  to  wait  on 
those  desirous  of  securing  places  in  the  boxes.  Mr.  Faulkner 
must  have  possessed  rare   business   qualifications,  for  he 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


95 


retained  the  post  of  treasurer  in  the  establishment  for  more 
than  thirty  years. 

Mr.  Hodgkinson,  who  made  his  first  appearance  in  New 
York  as  Vapid,  was  born  at  Manchester,  England,  in  1767. 
His  father  was  an  inn-keeper  there,  named  Meadowcraft.  He 
ran  away  from  the  trade  to  which  he  was  apprenticed,  took 
the  name  of  Hodgkinson,  and  joined  the  stage,  where  his 
natural  musical  abilities  and  wonderful  powers  of  memory, 
and  ambition  to  excel  in  every  department  of  the  drama, 
soon  gained  him  favor  in  all  the  northern  towns  of  England, 
and  in  a  few  years  recommended  him  to  a  position  on  the 
Bath  stage,  where  he  was  engaged  for  New  York  by  Hallam 
and  Henry. 

Probably  no  performer  on  the  American  stage  has  ever 
equaled  him  in  versatility  and  general  excellence.  Low 
comedy  was  his  forte,  but  he  was  capable  of  playing  tragedy, 
genteel  and  light  comedy,  opera  and  pantomime,  with  almost 
equal  ability,  and  his  desire  to  monopolize  the  heroes  in 
every  department,  caused  many  and  bitter  quarrels  with  his 
professional  brethren. 

In  1794,  he  bought  out  Mr.  Henry's  interest  in  the  estab- 
lishment, and  continued  one  of  its  managers  until  the  close 
of  the  season  in  1798.  His  bickerings  with  his  partners 
and  managerial  successor,  caused  him,  although  an  immense 
favorite  in  New  York,  to  leave  the  theatre  in  1803,  and  he 
afterwards  played  principally  in  Charleston,  S.  0.  His  death 
occurred  at  Washington,  D.  C,  September  12th,  1805,  at  the 
age  of  thirty-eight,  from  yellow  fever,  as  was  generally 
supposed.  One  of  his  friends  wrote  of  his  last  hours, 
that  "he  was  in  continual  agitation  from  pain  and  ex- 
cessive terror  of  death,  and  presented  the  most  horrid  spec- 
tacle that  the  mind  can  imagine ;  he  was,  as  soon  as  dead, 
wrapped  in  a  blanket  and  carried  to  the  burying-field  by 
negroes." 

From  ill  associations  in  early  life,  without  the  guidance  of 
friends,  he  acquired  loose  ideas  of  moral  duty,  which  clung  to 
him  through  life,  so  that  little  can  be  said  in  praise  of  his 


96 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


domestic  morality,  his  professional  honor,  or  his  business 
integrity. 

His  wife,  to  whom  he  was  married  after  his  arrival  in 
America  by  Bishop  Moore,  (he  left  one  in  England,  whom  he 
had  induced  to  break  her  allegiance  to  his  friend  Munden) 
was  formerly  Miss  Brett,  of  the  Bath  Theatre,  a  daughter  of 
Brett,  a  singer  at  Covent  Garden  and  Haymarket  Theatres. 
She  was  a  very  fair,  light-haired,  blue-eyed  woman,  and  is 
represented  to  have  been  most  lovely  and  amiable  in  private 
life,  a  devoted  wife,  a  kind  and  affectionate  mother,  and  on 
the  stage  a  most  excellent  and  versatile  actress — surpassing 
all  her  contemporaries  (but  one)  in  rustic  comedy  and  singing 
parts,  in  chambermaids  and  soubreltes,  and  equaling  most  of 
them  in  pathetic  tragedy,  and  the  general  range  of  the  drama. 
In  value  to  the  theatre  she  stood  second  only  to  her  husband. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson  died  in  New  York,  of  consumption,  in  Sep- 
tember, 1803.  Mr.  King  was  handsome  in  face  and  person, 
but  became  dissipated  in  his  habits  and  negligent  of  his 
duties.  Under  the  drilling  of  Hodgkinson,  he  frequently 
rendered  a  part  highly  effective,  but  left  to  his  own  j  udgment, 
he  was  inefficient  and  unreliable.  He  died  from  the  effects 
of  dissipation  in  1796. 

Miss  Brett's  merits  entitle  her  to  no  consideration.  She 
was  the  sister  of  Mrs.  Hodgkinson,  and  soon  became  Mrs. 
King.  After  King's  death,  she  married  a  German  physician, 
and  lived  many  years  in  comfortable  retirement. 

Mr.  Prigmore,  who  was  advertised  for  Lord  Scratchy  (origi- 
nally played  by  Quick  in  London)  refused  to  appear,  and  Mr. 
Henry  was  obliged  to  read  the  part.  He  was  not  without 
merit  in  low  comedy,  and  but  for  too  exalted  an  opinion  of 
his  own  abilities,  would  have  proved  a  useful  secondary  per- 
former.   He  is  last  remembered  here  in  1806. 

Mr.  West  was  principal  singer  and  walking  gentleman.  He 
appears  to  have  been  in  the  company  for  only  one  season. 
The  name  is  found  in  the  bills  afterwards,  but  probably 
belonged  to  the  gentleman  now  known  as  West,  Jr.,  whom 
Dunlap  describes  as  being  equal  to  nobody. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


97 


Mr.  Robbins  was  engaged  as  scene  painter  and  occasional 
singer.  In  the  former  capacity  he  was  connected  with  the 
theatre  for  many  years. 

In  the  opera  of  the  "  Maid  of  the  Mill,"  represented  on  the 
30th  January,  Mrs.  Kenna  made  her  first  appearance  in  five 
years,  and  Mrs.  Pownall  (formerly  Mrs.  Wrighten)  her  debut 
on  the  New  York  stage.  She,  as  well  as  Mrs.  Hodgkinson, 
had  been  introduced  to  the  public  on  the  25th,  in  a  concert 
at  Corre's  Hotel,  where  both  were  received  with  rapturous 
applause.    The  cast  of  the  opera  was  as  follows : 


Lord  Aimworth.    .    .    .  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Sir  Harry  Sycamore    .    .  "  Priqmore. 

Mervyn   "  West. 

Fairfield   "  Ashton. 

Giles   "  Woolls. 


Ralph   Mr.  Hallam. 

Lady  Sycamore    .    .    .  Mrs.  Hamilton. 

Fanny   "  Kenna. 

Theodosia   "  Hallam. 

Patty   u  Pownall. 


Mrs.  Pownall  was  originally  a  Miss  Matthews,  and  in  early 
life  married  Mr.  James  Wrighten,  prompter  of  Drury  Lane 
Theatre.  As  Mrs.  Wrighten  she  became  an  immense  favorite 
with  the  audience  of  that  establishment,  in  a  line  of  singing 
characters  in  which  she  displayed  unusual  excellence.  Her 
London  reputation,  if  not  that  of  the  most  finished  vocalist, 
was  certainly  that  of  the  best  comic  singing  actress  of  the 
day.    Pasquin  proclaimed  her 

"  The  prop  of  burlettas  and  mistress  of  mirth, 
Of  female  comedians  an  excellent  sample ; 
Of  Abigail  singers,  the  first  great  example!'' 

She  unfortunately  abandoned  her  position  on  the  London 
stage  in  1787,  and  in  a  few  years  was  obliged  to  resume  her 
profession  in  America  for  a  subsistence.  In  1769  she  was  the 
original  Diana,  in  Bickerstaff 's  "  Lionel  and  Clarissa,"  and 
in  1774  obtained  her  choicest  laurels  by  her  exquisite  per- 
sonation of  the  heroine  in  Allan  Ramsay's  "  Gentle  Shepherd." 
In  the  "  Beggars'  Opera"  she  had  personated  both  Polly  and 
Lucy.  When  Mrs.  Siddons  played  tlie  Lady  in  Milton's 
"Comus,"  Mrs.  Wrighten  was  the  Euphrosyne,  and  when 
John  Kemble  enacted  Petruchio,  Mrs.  Wrighten  was  his 
Katharine.  Mrs.  Bundle,  Audrey,  Nell,  Flora,  (Wonder) 
Madge,  ( Love  in  a  Village )  Queen  Dollalolla,  and  a  long  list 
of  rustics  and  chambermaids  were  represented  by  her,  to  the 

13 


98 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


unbounded  admiration  of  the  London  public.  Her  voice  was 
clear  and  powerful,  and  her  acting  arch,  playful,  and  full  of 
rich  comic  expression.  She  was  the  best  vocalist  yet  heard 
in  America,  and  had  she  been  twenty  years  younger  would 
have  eclipsed  Mrs.  Hodgkinson  in  the  estimation  of  the  pub- 
lic— as  it  was  she  fully  divided  its  favor. 

In  1795  she  left  New  York  for  Charleston,  S.  C,  where  she 
died  August  13th,  1796.  Her  daughter  married  Alexandre 
Placide,  manager  of  the  Charleston  Theatre,  as  before  stated. 

Portraits  of  Mrs.  Wrighten  as  Peggy,  Madge  and  Katharine, 
ornament  Bell's  Shakspeare,  and  British  Theatre  ;  and  a  fine 
mezzo4int,  from  a  portrait  by  Dighton,  was  published  in 
1780,  which  is  said  to  be  a  very  faithful  resemblance. 

Feb.  4th.  Love  in  a  Village  was  performed  with  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson  as  Young  Meadows  and  Rosetta,  and  Mrs. 
Pownall  as  Madge,  one  of  her  most  applauded  characters. 

Feb.  6th,  Othello  ; 


Othello 
Iago  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 


Cassio  .  . 
Desdemona 


Mr.  King. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 


with  The  Romp. 

Watty  Cockney  ....   Mr.  Prigmore.        |     Priscilla  Tomboy    .    Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Feb.  8th,  never  performed  here,  Holcroft's  Comedy  of 
The  Road  to  Ruin,  with  the  following  fine  caft : 


Goldfinch  Mr.  Hallam. 


Mr.  Dornton  . 
Harry  Dornton 
Milford.  .  . 
Silky  .  .  . 
Sulky  .    .  . 


Henry. 

Hodgkinson. 

Martin. 

Prigmore. 

King. 


Its  popularity  has  remained  undiminished  to  the  present  time. 


Smith  .    .  . 
Jacob  .    .  . 
Widow  Warren' 
Sophia.    .    .  , 
Jenny      .  . 
Mrs.  Ledger  . 


Mr.  Ashton. 

"  Ryan. 
Mrs.  Pownall. 

i4  Hallam. 

"  Hamilton. 

"  Kenna. 


Feb.  nth, 

Sir  John  Restless  . 
Beverly    .  . 

Sir  Wm.  Belmont  . 

Young  Belmont  .  . 

and 


All  in  the  Wrong ; 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Prigmore. 
"  Martin. 


Lady  Restless  .  .  Mrs.  Pownall. 
Belinda    ....     "  Hallam. 

Clarissa    ....  Miss  Brett. 

Tattle   Mrs.  Hamilton. 


Rofina. 


Belville  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Capt.  Belville    ....     "  West. 
William  "  Prigmore. 


Irishman  ....    Mr.  King. 

Rosina  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Phoebe    ....     "  Pownall. 


Feb.  18th,  The  Dramatift  ;  and,  never  performed  here, 
O'Keefe's  mufical  Drama,  called  The  Farmer. 


Farmer  Blackberry 
Valentine.    .    .  . 

Fairly  

Col.  Dorimont  .  . 
Jemmy  Jumps  .  . 
Counsellor  Flummery 


Mr.  King. 
"  West. 
"   Heard.  , 
"  Ashton. 
"  Prigmore. 
"  Ryan 


Rundy   

Stubble  .  .  .  . 
Louisa  .  .  .  . 
Molly  Maybush.  . 
Betty  Blackberry  . 
Landlady    .    .  . 


Mr.  Martin. 

"  Woolls. 
Mrs.  Kenna. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  POWNALL.J^i 

"  Rankin. 


OTHELLO 

"  But  here's  my  husband, 
And  so  much  duty  as  my  mother  show'd 
To  you,  preferring  you  before  her  father, 
So  much  I  challenge  that  I  may  vrofess 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


99 


This  once  highly  popular  afterpiece  has  not  now  been  heard 
for  many  years. 

Feb.  22d,  never  performed  here,  Mrs.  Inchbald's  pleafing 
drama,  entitled 

The  Child  of  Nature  ; 


Duke  Murcia.  . 
Marquis  Almanza 
Count  Valentia  . 
Granada  . 


Mr.  Prigmore. 
"  King. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
"  Martin. 


|  Amanthis 

and,  firft  time,  O'Keefe's  mufical  farce  of 
No  Song,  No  Supper 


Seville    ....    Mr.  Ryan. 
Peasants.    ..."    Hallam,  &c. 
Marchioness  Merida  Mrs.  Pownall. 

"  Hodgkinson. 


Robin   Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Endless   "  Martin. 

Crop   "  Prigmore. 

Frederick   "  West. 

Thomas   "  Ryan. 


William  . 
Margaretta 
Dorothy  . 
Nelly  . 
Louisa  . 


Mr.  Robbins. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Pownall. 

"  Rankin. 
Miss  Brett. 


Both  of  these  pieces  were  long  great  favorites  in  New  York, 
and  Storace's  delightful  music  of  the  latter  was  frequently 
heard  as  lately  as  1850,  but  possibly  may  never  be  heard 
again. 

Feb.  25th.  Mrs.  Henry  made  her  first  appearance  this 
season  as  Violante  in  the  "  Wonder,"  supported  by  Mr.  Hodg- 
kinson as  Don  Felix  ;  King,  as  Col.  Britton  ;  and  Prigmore,  as 
Lissardo.  In  the  afterpiece  of  the  "  Agreeable  Surprise,"  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson  were  the  Lingo  and  Cowslip. 


Feb.  27th, 


The  West  Indian. 


Belcour  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Varland  "  Prigmore. 

March  1  ft, 

Hard  castle  .  .  . 
Young  Marlow  .  . 


Major  O'Flaherty  . 
Charlotte  Rusport. 


She  Stoops  to  Conquer  ; 


Mr.  Prigmore. 
"  Hodgkinson. 


Tony  Lumpkin 
Miss  Hardcastle 


Mr.  King. 
Mrs.  Henry. 


Mr.  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Henry. 


and 


The  Poor  Soldier. 


Patrick  Mr.  Hodgkinson.  I     Darby  . 

Capt.  Fitzroy    ....     "    West.  Norah  . 

Father  Luke.    ..    ..     "   King.  Kathleen 


Mr.  Prigmorx. 
Mrs.  Pownall. 
"  Hodgkihbon. 


March  5th,  Love  in  a  Village  ;  and,  never  performed  here, 
Colman's  excellent  farce  of  Ways  and  Means. 


8ir  David  Dunder 
Random  .  . 
Scrapie   .    .  . 
Tiptoe  .... 


Mr.  Prigmore. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  West. 

"  King. 


Paul  Peery. 
Lady  Dunder 
Harriet  .  . 
Kitty     .  . 


March  8th, 


The  Beaux  Stratagem. 


•Archer  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Aimwell  "  West. 

Scrub  "  Hallam. 


Mrs.  Sullen 
Dorinda. 
Cherry  .  . 


Mr.  Ashton. 
Mrs.  Rankin. 
Miss  Brett. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 


Mrs.  Henry. 
M  Kenna. 
"  Pownall. 


100 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


March  nth, 


The  Earl  of  Eflex  ; 


Essex  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Burleigh  "  King. 


Queen  Elizabeth  .  Mrs.  Kenna. 
Countess  of  Rutland  "  Henry. 


and  The  Devil  to  Pay. 

Jobson  Mr.  Prigmore.      |    Nell  Mrs.  Pownall. 

March  13th.  More  Ways  than  One  ;  Bellair,  Mr.  Hodgkin- 
fon  ;  and,  never  performed  here,  the  grand  Pantomimical  Ballet 
compofed  by  Delpini,  mufic  by  Gluck,  fongs  and  chorufes  by 
Mr.  Reeve,  entitled 


Don  Juan 
Don  Guzman 
Don  Ferdinand 
Scaramouch 
Donna  Anna 
Confidante  . 
Alguazils  .  . 


Don  Juan,  or  the  Libertine  deftroyed 

Sailors. 


Messrs 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 

"  Prigmore. 
Mrs.  Henry. 
"  Hamilton. 
Ashton,  Woolls, 
&c. 


Messrs.  West,  Jr.,  Durang, 
&c. 

Villagers  ..."  King,  Martin,  &c. 
Cottagers  .    .    .     Mrs.  Hallam,  Mrs. 

Kenna. 

Banquetting  Ladies    "   Hodgkinson,  Miss 
Brett,  &c. 


March  18th.  Never  performed  here,  O'Keefe's  comedy  of 
"Wild  Oats,"  or  the  "Strolling  Gentleman,"  still  one  of  the 
most  popular  stock  pieces  of  the  stage. 


Rover  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 


Sir  George  Thunder 
Harry  Thunder  .  . 

Banks  

John  Dory  .  .  . 
Ephraim  Smooth  . 
Sim  


Prigmore. 

West. 

Heard. 

King. 

Henry. 

Hallam. 


Farmer  Gammon . 
Lamp  .  .  .  . 
Trap  .  .  .  . 
Lady  Amaranth  . 
Amelia.  .  .  . 
Jane    .    .    .  . 


Mr.  Hammond. 

'*  Durang. 

"  Ashton. 
Mrs.  Henry. 

"  Kenna. 

"  Pownall. 


April  8th,  The  Clandeftine  Marriage  ; 
and  a  pantomime  called  the  King  of  the  Genii. 

King  of  the  Genii  Mr.  Woolls. 

Harlequin  Mr.  Martin.         I    Clown  ....   Mr.  Prigmore. 

Ryan.  Columbine     .    .    Mrs.  Kenna. 

The  Weft  Indian. 

Stockwell  (1st  time)  Mr.  Hallam. 


Pantaloon 

April  15th, 


Belcour  Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 

(His  first  appearance  on  this  stage.) 

Mr.  Mirvan  Hallam,  called  in  the  bill  Mr.  Hallam,  Jr.,  in- 
herited but  little  of  his  predecessors'  talent.  He  was  the  son 
of  Lewis  Hallam  the  second,  by  his  first  wife,  and  possessed 
barely  merit  enough  to  be  tolerated  by  his  audience.  He 
continued  with  the  company  until  disabled  by  the  illness 
which  caused  his  death,  Nov.  8th,  1811,  aged  nearly  40. 

The  afterpiece  on  this  occasion  was  Sheridan's  farce  of 
"  St.  Patrick's  Day,"  or  the  "  Scheming  Lieutenant,"  performed 
for^the  first  time  in  New  York. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


101 


Lieut.  O'Connor 
Doctor  Rosy  .  . 
Justice  Credulous 


Mr.  Hodgkinson.  I     Sergeant  Trounce   Mr.  Wist. 
M   Martin.  Lauretta  .    .    .    Mrs.  Hallam. 

"   Pbigmore.      I     Mrs.  Bridget  .    .     "  Hamilton. 


April  22(1,         Mrs.   Hodgkinfon's  benefit. 
Firft  time  here,  Reynolds'  comedy  of 
Notoriety; 


Nominal  .  .  . 
Lord  Jargon  .  . 
Sir  Andrew  Acid 
Col.  Hubbub.  . 
Clairville .  ■  . 
Blunder  O'Whack 

and 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hammond. 
"  Heard. 
"  Frigmore. 
"  Hallam. 
"  King. 


Saunter    .  . 
James  .    .  . 
Lady  Acid 
Honoria    .  . 
Sophia  Strange 
ways     .  . 


Mr.  West. 
Mr.  West,  Jr. 
Mrs.  Hamilton. 
"  Hallam. 

"  Henrt. 


The  Romp. 

Priscilla  Tomboy  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

May  6th,  Mrs.  Hamilton's  benefit. 

The  Recefs ; 

Carlos  (his  second  appearance)  Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 

Muscato  Mr.  Hallam.        |    Aurora.    .    .    .    Mrs.  Hamilton. 

Dissertation  on  Hobby-horses,  as  Squire  Groom    ...    By  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 


and 


Crusoe 


May  8th, 


Robinfon  Crufoe. 


Mrs.  Henry's  night. 
Alexander  the  Great. 


Mr.  King. 


Alexander    .    .    .    .    .    Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Clytus  "  Henry. 

Lysemachus  "    Hallam,  Jr. 


Statira  (1st  time)  Mrs.  Henry. 
Roxana  ...  "  Kenna. 
Parisatis  ...       "  Hallam. 


Hippifley's  fcene  of  the  Drunken  Man,  by  Mr.  Henry  ;  and, 
firft  time  in  New  York,  a  comic  opera,  by  Henry  Bate  Dudley, 
called 

The  Rival  Candidates. 


Gen.  Worry  .  . 
Sir  Harry  Muff  . 
Byron     .    .  . 


Mr.  Henry. 
"  Martin. 
"  West. 


Spy  • 
Narcissa 
Jenny . 


Mr.  Prigmore. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Rankin. 


May  13th,    Mr.  King's  benefit. 

Firft  time  in  America,  Mrs.  Inchbald's  play,  entitled 
Such  Things  Are. 


Twineall  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 


Saltan  .  .  . 
Sir  Luke  Tremor 
Has  well  .  .  . 
Lord  Flint  .  . 
Meanright    .  . 


Hallam.  Jr. 

Prigmore. 

Hallam. 

Hammond. 

West. 


Elvirus 
Zedan  .    .  . 
Liidy  Tremor 
Aurelia  . 
Arabella  . 


Mr.  Martin. 

M  King. 
Mrs.  Ke.nna. 

"  Hallam. 
He.nry. 


"  Such  Things  Are  "  never  gained  the  popularity  of  most  of 
Mrs.  Inchbald's  plays.  It  was  last  peformed  in  New  York  at 
the  Park  Theatre,  in  1844. 


102 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


May  17th,  Mr.  Martin's  night. 

Such  Things  Are  ; 

Firft  time  in  America,  a  farce  called 

Look  before  you  Leap  ; 


Lucas 
Duval 
Corporal 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Martin. 
"  Hammond. 


Lawyer  . 
Lucette  . 
Margaret . 


and  a  new  pantomime  called 


Harlequin  Fifherman. 


Harlequin 
Pantaloon 
Clown  .  . 
Lover  . 


Mr.  Martin. 
"  Heard. 
"  Ryan. 
"  Hammond. 


Magician  . 
Servant  . 
Columbine 
Sylph  .  . 


Mr.  Ryan. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 
"  Kenna. 


Mr.  Robbins. 

"  Bisset. 
Miss  Brett. 
Mrs.  Kenna. 


May  20th,  Miss  Brett's  benefit. 

A  comedy  never  yet  performed,  called 


The  Wedding  ; 


Commodore  Welldon 
Quibble  .... 
McSkinflint  .  .  . 
Lovejoy  .... 
O'Banter  .... 


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Hodgk  nson. 

"  Prigmore. 

"  Martin. 

"  King. 


Crackjaw  .  . 
Toupee  .  .  . 
Mrs.  Sugarcane 
Dinah 

Julia.     .    .  . 


Mr.  West. 

"  Ryan. 
Mrs.  Rankin. 

"  Hamilton. 

"  Hallam. 


and 


The  Agreeable  Surprise. 


Laura  Miss  Brett. 


The  comedy  was  the  production  of  Dunlap,  and  was  one  of 
his  acknowledged  failures,  never  having  been  repeated. 

Tickets  of  Miss  Brett,  at  Mr.  Hodgkinson's,  Ann  Street, 
near  Broadway. 

May  22d,    Mrs.  Pownall's  benefit. 

Never  performed  in  America,  Mifs  Lee's  popular  comedy, 
The  Chapter  of  Accidents. 


Woodville 
Governor  Harcourt 
Captain  Harcourt  . 
Lord  Glen  more  . 

Grey  

Vane  


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Prigmore. 
"  Martin. 
"  Kino. 
"  Heard. 
"  West. 


Jacob  Gawky 
Miss  Mortimer 
Cecelia  .  . 
Bridget  .  . 
Warner  .  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Henry. 

"  Pownall. 

"  Hamilton. 


In  the  course  of  the  evening  Mrs.  Pownall  sang  the  fine 
hunting  song  of  "Tally  ho!"  in  character  of  Diana,  and  the 
ballad  of  the  "  Primrose  Girl,"  which  was  afterward  frequently 
repeated,  by  request.  The  evening's  entertainment  con- 
cluded with  the  operatic  farce  of 


The  Waterman. 


Tom  Tug 
Bundle 
Robin  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Ashton. 
"  Prigmore. 


Mrs.  Bundle 
Wilhelmina 


Mrs.  Pownall. 
"  Hodgkinson. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


103 


Tickets  of  Mrs.  Pownall  at  Mr.  Gilfert's,  14  Dey  Street. 

George  Gilfert  was  a  popular  organist  and  music  teacher  of 
New  York,  and  attached  to  the  orchestra  of  the  theatre.  He 
was  the  father  of  the  more  celebrated  Charles  Gilfert,  the 
first  lessee  of  the  Bowery  Theatre. 


May  29th, 


Mr.  Oakley   .  . 
Major  Oakley 
Charles    .    .  . 
Russett    .    .  . 
Lord  Trinket 
Sir  Harry  Beagle 


Mr.  Ashton's  benefit. 
The  Jealous  Wife  ; 


Mr.  HODGKINSON.  I 
ASHTON. 


Prigmore. 
Hammond. 
Martin. 


Captain  O'Cutter 
Paris  . 
Mrs.  Oakley  . 
Lady  Freelove 
Harriet     .  . 
Toilet  .    .  . 


Mr.  King. 

"  Durang. 
Mrs.  Pownall. 

"  Kenna. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Hamilton. 


and 


Comus  .  .  . 
Elder  Brother  . 
Younger  Brother 


Comus. 


Mr.  Hodgkinson.  I     The  Lady  Miss  Brett. 

"   Martin.  Sabrina  Mrs.  Rankin. 

11    Hammond.      I     Euphrosyne  .    .        .     "  Hodgkinson. 


Bacchanals— Messrs.  Woolls,  Robbins,  West,  Bisset,  &c. 
Bacchantes— Mesdames  Hallam,  Hamilton,  &c. 

The  above  cast  of  the  "  Jealous  Wife  "  is  the  first  found. 

May  31ft,    Mr.  Prigmore's  benefit. 

Firft  time  in  America,  Mrs.  Inchbald's  farce  of 

Animal  Magnetifm  ; 


Marquis  Delancy 
Doct.  Mundungus 
Lafleur    .    .  . 


Mr.  West. 
"  Prigmore. 
"  Hodgkinson. 


Jeffrey 
Constance 
Lisette  . 


Mr.  Martin. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 
"  Pownall. 


Firft  time  in  America,  a  farce  by  the  Rev.  Henry  Knapp, 
called 

Hunt  the  Slipper  ; 


Billy  Bristle  " 
Winterbottom 
Capt.  Clement 
Glib    .    .  . 


Mr.  Prigmore.  I     Miss  Winterbottom.    .    Mrs.  Rankin. 

"  Ashton.             Harriet                            "  King, 

"  West.  [Late  Miss  Brett.] 

"  Martin.            Maid                               "  Kenna. 


and,  firft  time  in  America,  the  grand  ferious  pantomime,  per- 
formed with  extraordinary  succefs  in  London,  called 
The  Death  of  Captain  Cook. 


Capt.  Cook 
Lieutenant 
Terreoboo 
Croondo  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Prigmore. 

"  Bobbins. 

"  Martin. 


Perea  Mr.  West. 

Koah  M  King. 

High  Priest  ..."  Heard. 
Emai  Mrs.  Kenna. 


June  3d,  Mr.  Weft's  benefit. 

The  Chapter  of  Accidents  ;  and  Midas. 


Midas  Mr.  Prigmore. 

Apollo  44  West. 

Pan  "  King. 


Mysis  Mrs.  Rankin. 

Nysa  "  Hodgkinson. 

Daphne     ....     "  Pownall. 


Tickets  of  Mr.  Weft,  at  Mrs.  Fortune's,  next  to  the  Play 
Houfe. 


104 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


This  Mrs.  Fortune  was  the  mother  of  the  young  lady  whom 
Jefferson  the  comedian  married,  a  few  years  later. 

June  5th,  Mr.  Henry's  benefit. 

The  Merchant  of  Venice  ; 

Shylock   Mr.  Henry.  Launcelot   .    .    .  Mr.  Prtgmore. 

Gratiano   "  Hodgkinson.  j     Portia  (1st  time)  .  Mrs.  Henry. 

Bassanio   "  Martin.  Nerissa  ....  "  Kenna. 

Antonio   "  Hallam.  Jessica  ....  "  Hallam. 

and,  firft  time  in  America,  Macready's  farce  of 

The  Irifhman  in  London,  or  the  Happy  African. 


Murtough  Delany 
Mr.  Cullooney  . 
Capt.  Seymour  . 
Edward  .  .  . 
Frost  .... 


Mr.  Henry. 

"  King. 

"  West. 

"  Martin. 

"  Heard. 


Cymon  ....  Mr.  Hallam. 

Caroline     .    .    .  Mrs.  Hallam. 

Louisa  ....  "  Kenna. 

Cubba  ....  "  Hamilton. 


June  7th,     Meffrs.  Durang  and  BifTet's  night. 

The  Fafhionable.  Lover. 

Colin  McLeod  Mr.  Bisset. 

concluding  with  a  new  mifcellaneous  comic  Pantomimical  Enter- 
tainment, in  grotefque  characters,  called 

The  Grateful  Lion,  or  the  Lilliputian's  Power. 

"  *S|J*  Meffrs.  Durang  and  BifTet  refpectfully  inform  the  pub- 
lic, that  the  above  entertainments  are  fo  arranged  as  to  require 
but  a  few  minutes  interval,  and  notwithstanding  their  variety,  the 
audience  will  be  difmifTed  at  an  early  hour  ;  and  in  order  to 
render  this  entertainment  more  worthy  of  their  attention,  there's 
no  pains  fpared  in  completing  the  machinery  and  decorations  for 
this  pantomime,  and  trusts  it  will  give  particular  fatisfaction  to 
thofe  ladies  and  gentlemen  who  intend  honoring  the  Theatre 
this  night."  "  Vivat  Respublica." 

This  was  probably  the  last  night  of  the  season. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


John  Street  Theatre,  1793-4. 

TH  E  theatre  was  re-opened  by  Messrs.  Hallam  and 
Henry  on  the  13th  of  November,  1793,  with  the 
"  Dramatist,"  and  the  "  Romp,"  cast  as  before,  with 
the  exception  of  Mr.  Kenna  as  Willoughby,  vice  Hammond, 
and  of  Mrs.  Miller,  as  Letty  and  Miss  La  Blond,  who  was  prob- 
ably no  other  than  Mrs.  Rankin  under  a  new  name.  On  the 
20th,  Mrs.  Melmoth  made  her  first  appearance  on  the  Ameri- 
can stage  as  Euphrasia  in  the  "  Grecian  Daughter,"  with  tri- 
umphant success,. although  her  great  size  operated  strongly  to 
her  prejudice,  and  nearly  turned  the  feelings  of  her  audience 
to  mirthfulness  rather  than  tears.  This  lady  (who  had  given 
readings  in  New  York  the  previous  winter)  was  the  daughter 
of  a  respectable  farmer,  of  Surrey,  England,  and  was  deceived 
into  a  sham  marriage  while  at  boarding  school,  by  Mr.  Pratt, 
well  known  in  the  literary  and  theatrical  world  as  Courtney 
Melmoth,  whose  assumed  name  she  continued  ever  after  to 
bear.  She  played  one  season  at  Covent  Garden,  where  she 
opened  as  Roxana,  Oct.  4th,  1774,  and  one  season  at  Drury 
Lane,  where  she  first  appeared  as  Lady  Macbeth,  Nov.  25th, 
1776.  Her  greatest  triumphs,  however,  were  on  the  boards  of 
the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  theatres,  where  she  was  an  ac- 
knowledged favorite  for  many  years.  No  actress  of  tragedy 
in  New  York  could  at  this  time  at  all  compete  with  her,  yet 
she  was  past  the  prime  of  life,  and  her  unfortunate  bulk 
adapted  her  to  a  very  limited  range  of  parts.  In  Lady  Mac- 
beth, Lady  Randolph,  Alicia,  Elvira,   Constance  in  "King 

14 


106  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

John,"  Margaret  of  Anjou,  and  other  matronly  characters,  she 
displayed  powers  rarely  equalled.  She  was  also  very  effective 
in  comedy,  in  characters  like  Mrs.  Rackett,  Widow  Volatile, 
&c,  and  in  1812,  played  Mrs.  Malaprop  in  the  Olympic  Circus. 
Age  finally  compelled  her  to  abandon  the  stage,  and  her  last 
years  were  spent  as  a  teacher  of  youth.  We  well  recollect 
her  little  seminary  in  Washington  Street,  near  the  Albany 
Basin.  Throughout  her  entire  residence  in  America  she 
sustained  an  unblemished  repute,  and  won  the  regard  and 
respect  of  all  who  knew  her.  She  died  September  28th, 
1823,  aged  seventy-four,  and  her  remains  repose  in  the  bury- 
ing ground  of  St.  Patrick's  Cathedral  in  this  city. 

Portraits  of  Mrs.  Melmoth  as  Roxana  and  Queen  Elizabeth 
were  engraved  for  Lowndes'  edition  of  British  Dramas. 

Dec.  7th,  Venice  Preferved. 

Pierre  Mr.  Hallam.  Priuli  Mr.  King. 

Jaffier  "   Hodgkinson.     I     Belvidera  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Dec.  13th,  firft  time  here,  Hannah  More's  tragedy  of 

Percy. 


Percy   Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Earl  Douglas  ....  "  Hallam. 

Lord  Raby   "  King. 

Sir  Hubert   "  Prigmoee. 


Edric   Mr.  Martin. 

Harcourt   "  Ashton. 

Elwina   Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Birtha   "  Hallam. 


Dec.  1 8th,  firft  time  here,  Mrs.  Inchbald's  comedy  called 
Pll  tell  you  what  ! 


Mr.  Hallam.  Sir  Harry  Harmless       Mr.  Hammond. 

Lady  Euston    .    .    .    Mrs.  Hallam. 
Lady  Harriet  Cyprus  .     "  Kenna. 
Young  Lady.    ..."  Hodgkinson. 
Bloom  "  Miller. 


Hodgkinson. 
Prigmore. 
Ashton. 
Martin. 
King. 


Col.  Downright  . 
Anthony  Euston  . 
Mr.  Euston.  .  . 
Sir  George  Euston 
Charles  Euston  . 
Major  Cyprus  .  . 

Dec.  26th,  Such  Things  Are. 

Twineall  Mr.  Hodgkinson.     |    Arabella  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

And,  firft  time,  a  trifle  written  for  the  purpofe  of  reftoring  Mrs. 
Pownall  to  the  ftage  (after  a  retirement  of  many  weeks  caufed 
by  the  accidental  fracture  of  her  leg)  entitled 

Needs  Muft  ;  or,  the  Ballad  Singers. 

Hardwell  Mr.  Prigmore.         |     Delia  Mrs.  Hallam. 

Anthony  "   Martin.  Marian  "  Pownall. 

Rushbrook     ....     "  Bergman. 

In  this  piece  Mrs.  Pownall  appeared  on  crutches  and  intro-  ' 
duced  several  favorite  ballads.    She  was  not  able  to  perform 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


107 


in  a  regular  play  for  many  weeks  after.  Mr.  Bergman  was  a 
singer,  and  a  late  addition  to  the  company,  having  appeared 
but  once  before. 

Dec.  28th,  Mr.  Richards  was  announced  to  appear  for  the 
first  time  in  New  York  as  Barbarossa. 

Richards  was  the  assumed  designation  of  Sir  Richard 
Crosby,  an  Irish  baronet,  whom  reverses  of  fortune  had  thrown 
upon  the  stage.  His  height  was  more  than  six  feet,  but  his 
face  was  inexpressive,  and  his  bearing  the  reverse  of  majestic. 
His  manners,  however,  were  those  of  a  gentleman,  and  as  he 
had  the  advantage  of  a  good  education,  his  readings  were 
correct  if  not  spirited,  and  in  serious  old  men,  in  his  latter 
days,  he  was  always  respectable.  After  the  first  season  or 
two,  he  resumed  his  surname  of  Crosby,  without  the  prefix  of 
"  Sir."    He  returned  to  England  and  died  there  in  1806. 

Jan.  6th,  1794,    The  Belle's  Stratagem; 


Doricourt  Mr.  Hodgkinson.  Hardy  Mr.  Prigmorb. 

Flutter  "    Hallam.  Letitia  Hardy    .    .        Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Sir  Geo.  Touchwood .    .     "   King.  |     Widow  Racket  ..."  Mblmotb. 

and,  Cymon  and  Sylvia,  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinfon. 

Jan.  17th,  Richard  3d. 

Richard   Mr.  Hodgkinson.  |     Prince  of  Wales.    ■    .  Mr.  Martin. 

Henry  6th   "  Henry.                 Tressell   "  King. 

Richmond   "  Hallam.  Queen  Elizabeth     .    .  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Buckingham    ....  "  Prigmors.  1     Lady  Anne  ....  "  Hallam. 

Jan.  1 8th,  The  Belle's  Stratagem; 

and,  for  the  rirrt  time  in  America,  O'Keefe's  comic  opera  in 
three  acts,  called 

The  Highland  Reel. 

8helty   Mr.  Hodgkinson.  Capt.  Dash  ....  Mr.  Hammond. 

McGilpin  Prigmore.  Laird  of  Raasay     .    .  "  Kknna. 

Sergt.  Jack      ....     "  King.  Laird  of  Coll     ...  M  Ashton. 

Charley  "  Martin.  Moggy  McGilpin     .    .  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Sandy  "  Bergman.             Jenny   44  Hallam. 


For  nearly  forty  years  the  "Highland  Reel"  stood  second  in 
popularity  to  no  afterpiece  on  the  stock  list  of  the  theatre,  and 
Moggy  McGilpin  was  a  favorite  character,  not  only  with  Mrs. 
Hodgkinson,  but  with  Mesdames  Oldmixon,  Darley,  Barnes, 
Hackett,  G.  Barrett,  Hilson,  Blake,  Clara  Fisher  and  many 
others. 


108 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGB. 


Jan.  24th, 


The  Fair  Penitent  5 


Sciolto 
Horatio  . 
Lothario 


Mr.  Henbt. 

"  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 


Altamont     ....    Mr.  Mabtin. 

Calista  Mrs.  Melmotb. 

Lavlnia  "  Hallam. 


and 

Feb.  3d, 


The  Highland  Reel — reduced  to  two  acts. 
Love  in  a  Village. 


Madge 


Mrs.  Pownall, 


her  first  night  of  resuming  her  regular  duties. 

About  this  time  Mrs.  Long,  who  had  been  the  admired  Miss 
Cheer  from  1767  to  1773,  made  her  reappearance  as  Mrs. 
Oakley  in  the  comedy  of  the  "  Jealous  Wife,"  dissipating  all 
the  pleasant  recollections  of  the  few  who  still  bore  her  in 
mind. 


Feb.  8th, 


The  Mourning  Bride; 


Osmyn  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Manuel  "  Richabds. 

Heli  "  King. 


Gonzales 
Zara.  . 
Almeria 


Mr.  Kenna. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 
"  Long. 


and  The  Irimman  in  London. 

Delany  Mr.  Henbt. 

Feb.  8th,  for  the  fecond  time  in  America,  Cumberland's 
tragedy  of 

The  Carmelite. 


St.  Valori  . 
Hildebrand 
De  Courci  . 
Montgomeri 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Richabds. 
"  King. 
"  Mabtin. 


Gyfford 
Raymond  . 
Fitz  Allan. 
Matilda 


Mr.  Ashton. 

"  Hammond. 

"  Kenna 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 


This  tragedy  was  very  favorably  received,  but  remained 
popular  only  while  in  the  hands  of  its  original  performers. 
Matilda,  Lady  of  St.  Valori,  was  first  represented  by  Mrs. 
Siddons,  whose  brilliant  talents  made  it  one  of  her  most 
effective  characters. 


Feb.  17th, 


Macbeth. 


Macbeth  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Macduff  "  Hallam. 


Woodville  .  . 
Jacob  Gawky  . 

and 

O'Dogherty .  . 
Hamilton  .  . 
Count  Mushroom 
Major  Gamble  . 


Banquo  .  . 
Lady  Macbeth 


Feb.  19th,        The  Chapter  of  Accidents; 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 


Cecelia 
Bridget 


The  Irifh  Fine  Lady, 


Mr.  Henbt. 
"  Riohabdb. 
"  Mabtin. 
"  Pbigmoke. 


Mrs.  Diggerty.  . 
Lady  Kinnegad  . 
Lady  Bab  Frightful 
Katy  Farrel  .  . 


Mr.  Riohabdb. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 


Mrs.  Henbt. 
"  Pownall. 


Mrs.  Henbt. 
"  Kenna. 

"  MlLLEB. 

"  Hallam. 


SHAKESPEARE 

{From  a  print  published  1776) 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE . 


109 


Feb.  2ift,  not  performed  here  in  twenty  years,  Bickerstaff's 
opera  of  Lionel  and  ClarifTa  ;  or,  a  School  for  Fathers  ; 


Lionel  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 


Col.  Oldboy .    .  . 
Sir  John  Flowerdale 
Harman      .    .  . 
Jessamy  .... 


Prigmorb. 
Kino. 
Hammond. 
Martin. 


Jenkins 
Clarissa  . 
Diana  .  . 
Lady  Oldboy 
Jenny  . 


Mr.  Woollb. 
Mrs.  Pownall. 

"  HODGKINSON. 

"  Hamilton. 
"  Hallam. 


and 

Feb.  26th, 
and 

Petruchio   .    .  . 

Feb.  28th, 

Cato  Mr.  Hallam. 


The  Irishman  in  London. 

Lionel  and  ClarifTa ; 
Catharine  and  Petruchio. 

Mr.  Hodgkinson.     I     Catharine  .  . 


Mrs.  Long. 


Cato  i 


Portlus  .  . 
Juba .  .  . 
Semphronius 
Marcius  . 


I  Syphax   Mr.  Ashton. 

Henry.             I  Lucius   "  Kenna. 

Hodgkinson.  Decius   "  Woolls. 

Richards.  Marcia   Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Martin.  Lucia   "  Hallam. 


and 


The  Highland  Reel. 


March  3d,  firft  time  on  any  ftage,  an  operatic  fpectacle  written 
by  Mrs.  Hatton  (a  fifter  of  Mrs.  Siddons  and  the  Kembles)  en- 
titled Tammany  ;  produced  with  new  and  brilliant  fcenery  by 
Charles  Ciceri. 


Tammany 
Columbus 
Perez 
Ferdinand 
Wegaw  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Kino. 
"  Martin. 
"  Prigmorb. 


Indian  Dancers 


Maoana 
Zulbt  . 


Messrs.  Ddrang  i 

Miller. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hamilton. 


Overture  and  Accompaniments  By  Mr.  Hewitt. 

Dunlap  pronounces  the  piece  a  "melange  of  bombast."' 
Mr.  Ciceri,  whose  name  first  appears  in  our  records,  in  connec- 
tion with  the  scenery  of  this  spectacle,  was  a  native  of  Milan, 
whose  life  and  adventures  would  fill  a  volume.  He  was  long 
the  artist  of  the  establishment,  and  was  a  most  excellent 
machinist.  "  He  was  a  man  of  exemplary  habits,  active  mind, 
quick  discernment,  fertile  in  resources,  and  firm  in  purpose." 
He  became  at  length  an  importer  of  French  merchandise,  and 
finally  retired  with  a  handsome  competence  to  his  native 
Italy. 


March  1 2th, 

Widow  Brady 


The  Irifli  Widow. 

.    .    .    Mr§.  Wilson  (her  first  appoarance.) 


March  14th,  a  tragedy,  written  by  Shakefpeare,  called  Julius 
Caefar  ; — u  with  the  death  of  Brutus  and  CaiTius  at  the  Battle  of 


110 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Philippi,  and  the  remarkable  orations  of  Brutus  and  Antony, 

over  the  Body  of  Caefar." 


Julius  Caesar 
Marc  Antony 
Brutus  .  . 
Cassiua  .  . 
Octaviua 
Casca 

Treborius  . 
Pindarus 
Decius  Brutus 


Mr.  Richards. 
"  hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Henry. 
"  Martin. 
"  King. 

44  WoOLLS. 

"  Hammond. 

"  ASHTON. 


Metellus  Clmba 
Lucius 
Cinna  .  . 
Marcellus. 
Titinius  . 
Lucilius  . 
Artimedorus 
Portia 
Calphurnia 


Mr.  Ryan. 

44  Bergman. 

"  Prigmore. 

"  BlSSET. 

"  DURANG. 

"  West. 

"  O'Reilly,, 

Mrs.  Melmoth. 

M  Hallam. 


This  is  the  first  cast  of  "Julius  Caesar"  found  in  New  York. 


March  17th, 


Tamerlane. 


Tamerlane 
Bajazet  . 
Moneses  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson.     I     Axalla  Mr.  Martin. 

"  Hallam.  Arpasia  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

"  King.  Sellma  "  Hallam. 


March  26th,  fir  ft  time  in  twenty  years,  The  Beggars'  Opera, 
alterations). 


(with 


Macheath    .  . 
Peachum 
Lockit    .    .  . 
Filch     .    .  . 
Mat  0'  the  Mint 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Prigmore. 
"  Ashton. 
"  Martin. 
"  King. 


Polly  .... 
Lucy.  .... 
Mrs.  Peachum  . 
Mrs.  Coaxer.  . 
Mrs.  Slammekin 


Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Pownall. 
"  Miller. 
"  Hamilton. 
"  Wilson. 


James  Hewitt  was  at  this  time  leader  of  the  orchestra,  a 
position  that  he  filled  most  acceptably.  His  son  was  after- 
wards a  popular  music  dealer  in  this  city,  and  an  officer  in 
the  Mexican  War. 

March  31ft,  The  Beggars'  Opera  ; 

and  Crofs  Purpofes. 


Chapeau 
Robin  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 
44  Martin. 


Grub  .  . 
Mrs.  Grub 


Mr.  Prigmore. 
Mrs.  Long. 


April  9th,  never  performed  in  America,  O'Keefe's  comedy, 
called  The  World  in  a  Village. 


Doct.  Grigsby . 
Jolly  boy  .  .  . 
Alebut  .... 
Charles  Willows  . 
William  Bellvue  . 
Capt.  Mullenahack 
Sir  Henry  Check  . 
Capt.  Vansluisen  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
44  Hallam. 

Prigmore. 
44  King. 
"  Martin. 
"  Richards. 
"  Ashton. 
44  Ryan. 


Jack   Mr.  Bergman. 

Hedgeworth  ....  "  Hammond. 

Briers   "  Woolls. 

Willows   "  Heard.  ' 

Louisa   Mrs.  Henry. 

Maria   "  Hallam. 

Mrs.  Alebut  ....  44  Pownall. 

Mrs.  Bellvue.    ...  "  Kenna. 


Although  revived  on  several  occasions,  this  comedy  has 
proved  but  moderately  successful. 

April  15th,  Mrs.  Henry's  night. 

Firft  time  in  America,  Colman's  celebrated  drama  called 
The  Surrender  of  Calais  ; 


Eustache  de  St.  Pierre 
La  Gloire  .  . 
Ribbemont  .  . 
John  de  Vienne 
O'Carroll  .  . 
King  Edward  3d 
John  D'Arie  . 


Mr.  Henry. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
"  Martin.  >  > 
44  Richards. 
"  King. 
"  Hammond. 
44  Ashton. 


Sir  Walter  Mauny 
Sergeant  . 
1st  Carpenter 
Old  Man  .  . 
Queen  Philippa 
Julia  .    .  . 
Madelon  .  . 


Mr.  Woollb. 

"  Prigmore. 

44  Hallam. 

44  Heard. 

Mrs.  Hallam. 

44  Henry. 

44  Hodgkinson. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Ill 


and 

Inkle  .  . 
Sir  C.  Curry 


Inkle  and  Yarico. 


Mr.  Kino. 
"  Henry. 


Trudge  Mr.  Hallam. 

Yarico  Mrs.  Hallam. 


St.  Pierre  was  the  last  new  character  portrayed  by  Mr. 
Henry,  and  he  is  said  never  to  have  appeared  to  better 
advantage. 

April  24th,  firft  time  on  any  ftage,  a  tragedy  by  William 
Dunlap,  entitled 

The  Fatal  Deception  ;  or,  the  Progress  of  Guilt ; 


Karl  of  Leicester 
Henry  Cecil 
Dudley  Cecil  . 
Edred     .    .  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Hodokinson. 
M  Kino. 
"  Richards. 


Howard 
Elwina 
Matilda 


Mr.  Martin. 
Mrs.  Hodokinson. 
"  Mblmoth. 


and  a  farce  in  continuation  of  the  "  Highland  Reel,"  entitled 
Shelty's  Travels, — also  written  by  Dunlap. 

Shelty  Mr.  Hodokinson. 

The  tragedy  was  the  first  written  in  America  and  produced 
in  a  regular  theatre  by  professional  actors.  It  was  afterwards 
played  and  published  under  the  title  of  "  Lord  Leicester." 

April  26th,  Mr.  Afhton's  benefit. 

Firft  time  in  New  York,  Mrs.  Inchbald's  comedy  of 

Every  One  has  his  Fault ; 


Lord  Norland  . 
Sir  Robert  Ramble 
Capt.  Irwin 
Placid    .    .    .  . 
Solus     .    .    .  . 
Harmony 


Mr.  Richards. 
"  Martin. 

"  Hodokinson. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Priqmore. 
"  Ashton. 


Hammond 
Edward  . 
Lady  Elinor  Irwin 
Mrs.  Placid  .  . 
Miss  Wooburn  . 
Miss  Spinster  . 


Mr.  Duranq. 
A  Younq  Gent. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

"  Pownall. 

"  Hallam. 

M  Hamilton. 


Masonic  Ode — Music  composed  by  Hewitt, 
Sung  by  Messrs.  Richards,  Priomore,  Bergman  and  Bobbins. 

and  No  Song,  No  Supper. 

April  28th,  Mrs.  PownalPs  night. 

A  comedy  never  performed  in  America,  called 

Liberty  Reftored  ;  or,  All  's  Right  at  Laft  ; 


A  la  Grecque 
Ibrahim  . 
Mastapha 
Azim 
Selim 
Orloff 
Muley  . 


Mr.  Hodokinson. 
"  Kino. 
"  Martin. 
"  Priqmore. 
"  Bergman. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Ashton. 


Ismael  . 

Old  Man 

Son.  . 

Alexina 

Lauretta 

Fatima 

Paulina 


Mr.  Hammond. 

"  Heard. 

"  West. 

Mrs.  Mr  1, moth. 

"  Hamilton. 

u  Wilson. 

'*  Pownall. 


and,  firft  time  in  America,  Dibdin's  comic  operetta  called 
The  Wedding  Ring. 


Zerblno  Mr.  Priqmorb. 

Pandolfo  "  Richards. 

Henrioo  44  Kino. 


Lisetta  Mrs.  Pownall. 

MargaretU    ....     "  Hodokinson. 


112 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Tickets  as  ufual,  "  and  at  Mrs.  Pownall's,  fecond  houfe,  right 
hand  fide,  down  Murray  Street." 

April  29th,         Mrs.  Hodgkinfon's  night. 

Never  performed  in  America,  McNally's  comic  opera  called 

Robin  Hood  ;  or,  Love  in  Sherwood  Foreft  ; 


Robin  Hood  .  . 
Little  John  .  .  . 
Baron  Fitzherbert 
Edwin  .  .  .  . 
Ruttekin  .  .  . 
Will  Scarlet     .  . 


Mr.  King. 
"  Prigmore. 
"  Richards. 
44  Bergman. 
"  hodgkinson. 
"  Martin. 


Allan-a-Dale 
Clorinda  . 
Angelina  . 
Stella  .  . 
Annette 


Mr.  Ashton. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

"  POWNALL. 

"  Hallam. 
"  Wilson. 


with  The  Lyar. 

Young  Wilding  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

May  3d,  Mrs.  Melmoth's  benefit. 

Southern's  tragedy  of  Ifabella ; — (probably  firft  time  in  New 
York;) 


tJiron     .    .  . 
Count  Baldwin 
Carlos    .    .  . 
Villeroy 
Belford  .    .  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Richards. 
"  King. 
*'  Hallam. 
"  Hammond. 


Sampson 
Pedro  . 
Child  . 
Isabella 
Nurse  . 


Mr.  Prigmore. 

"  West. 
Mast.  Pownall. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

"  Hamilton. 


and,  firft  time  here,  BickerftafF's  farce  of 

The  Sultan. 


Solyman 
Osmyn  . 


Mr.  Richards. 
"  Prigmore. 


Elmira  Mrs.  Hallam. 

Ismena  "  Pownall. 

Roxalana  "  Melmoth. 


Mrs.  Melmoth's  acknowledged  tragic  merit  did  not  shield 
her  from  ridicule  for  undertaking  the  girlish  and  romping 
Roxalana. 

May  5th,  Mrs.  Hallam's  benefit. 

Never  a&ed  in  America,  Reynolds'  comedy  called 

How  to  grow  Rich  ; 


Pave  

Hippy   

Latitat  

Warford  .  .  .  . 
Sir  Thos.  Roundhead 
Sir  Charles  Dazzle 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Martin. 
"  King. 
"  Richards. 
"  Ashton. 


Plainly  .  . 
Smalltrade  . 
Lady  Henrietta 
Rosa  .  .  . 
Miss  Dazzle  . 
Betty  .    .  . 


Mr.  Hammond. 

44  Prigmore. 
Mrs.  Hallam, 

44  Hodgkinson. 

44  Wilson. 

44  Hamilton. 


Recitation— 41  Shelah's  Voyage  to  America,  with  her  Lamentation  for 
the  Loss  of  her  Cow."  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

and  The  Highland  Reel. 

Tickets  as  ufual,  and  of  Mrs.  Hallam,  18  John  Street. 


May  7th, 


Mr.  Henry's  benefit. 
Jane  Shore; 


Hastings 
Gloater  . 
Dumont  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
44  Hallam. 
44  Henri. 


Belmour  Mr.  Martin. 

Jane  Shore    ....    Mrs.  Henry. 
Alicia  44  Melmoth. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


113 


and,  never  performed,  a  comedy  called  The  Guardians  Outwitted, 
altered  from  Mrs.  Centlivre's  Bold  Stroke  for  a  Wife. 


Col.  Feignwell  .  . 
Perriwinkle 
Obadiah  Prim  . 
Freeman 

Sir  Philip  Modelove 


Mr  Hallam. 
"  Prigmore. 
M  Henry. 
"  Martin. 

"  A3HT0N. 


Tradelove  . 
Simon  Pure 
Anna  Lovely 
Mrs.  Prim. 
Betty  .  . 


Mr.  King. 

*f  WOOLLS. 

Mrs.  Henry. 
"  Hamilton. 
44  Kenna. 


U  Mr.  Henry  refpeclfully  informs  the  public,  the  comedy  of  the 
Bold  Stroke  for  a  Wife  has  repeatedly  been  applied  for,  but  from 
the  vein  of  licentioufnefs  that  ran  through  it,  in  common  with 
other  productions  of  the  beginning  of  this  century,  it  was  thought 
improper  to  be  brought  forward.  He  has  at  length,  with  great 
care  and  attention,  altered  and  reduced  it  to  two  a£ts  ;  and  while 
lufficient  is  retained  to  render  it  one  of  the  molt  laughable  enter- 
tainments on  the  ftage,  he  pledges  himfelf  that  everything  has 
been  carefully  expunged  which  could  give  offence  to  Morality, 
or  force  a  blufh  from  the  cheek  of  Modefty.  ' 

"  Vivat  Refpublica." 

This  was  probably  the  last  appearance  on  the  stage  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Henry,  as  we  find  their  names  no  longer  in  the  bills. 
Henry  was  entirely  superseded  in  popular  favor  by  Hodgkinson, 
and  his  wife  was  eclipsed  in  tragedy  by  Mrs.  Melmoth,  in 
opera  by  Mrs.  Pownall  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson,  and  in  the 
comedy  of  high  life  was  nearly,  if  not  quite,  equaled  by  Mrs. 
Hallam.  Finding  themselves  thus  fallen  in  public  estima- 
tion, Mr.  Henry  parted  with  his  interest  in  the  Old  Ameri- 
can Company  for  $10,000,  and  at  the  end  of  the  season  re- 
tired from  the  concern.  His  death  and  that  of  his  wife 
occurred  soon  after.  Their  residence  in  New  York  was  for 
many  years  at  No.  5  Fair  Street — now  Fulton  Street — east  of 
Broadway. 

May  1 2th,  Mr.  King's  night. 

A  comedy  by  O'Keefe  (never  a£ted  here)  called  the 


Young  Quaker  ;  or,  the  Fair  American  ; 


Young  Sadboy 
Old  Sadboy 
Chronicle 
Capt.  Ambush 
Spatterdash 
Clod  .    .  . 
Shadrach 
Malsuhi  .  . 

and 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Richards. 

"  Prigmore. 

"  Martin. 

M  KfNG. 

"  Hallam. 

M  Hammond. 

"  WOOLLS. 


Lounge 

Twig  .  .  .  , 
Lady  Rounceval , 
Dinah  Primrose 
Araminta. 
Pink  .  .  .  . 
Judith.  .  .  . 
Mrs.  Milleueur  . 


Mr.  West. 

41  Durang. 

Mrs.  Miller. 

*'  Hallam. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  PO  W.N  ALL. 

44  Hamilton. 

44  Kenna. 


Robinfon  Crufoe. 


"Tickets  as  ufual,  and  of  Mr.  King,  Wall  Street  near 
Broadway." 

15 


114 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


May  19th,  Mr.  Martin's  night. 

Never  performed  in  America,  a  comedy  written  by  Mrs. 
Cowley,  called 

A  Bold  Stroke  for  a  Hufband  ; 


Don  Julio  . 
Don  Y'incentio 
Don  Caesar  . 
Don  Carlos  . 
Don  Garcia 
Gasper   .  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson.  Victoria   Mrs.  Wilson. 

"  Martin.  Olivia  "  Hallam. 

"  Prigmore.  Laura  "  Kenna. 

"  King.  Minette   "  Pownall. 

"  Hammond.  Marcella   "  Hamilton. 

"  Richards.  Sancha   "  Long. 


Flora  ;  or,  Hob  in  the  Well ; 


Hob  Mr.  Hallam. 

Dick  "  Martin. 


Roger  Mr.  Prigmore. 

Flora  Mrs.  Kenna. 


and  a  new  pantomime,  called 

Trick  upon  Trick  ;  or,  Harlequin  Shepherd. 
"  Tickets  of  Mr.  Martin,  No.  14;  facing  the  Theatre." 

May  23d,  Mrs.  King's  night. 

The  Beggars'  Opera; 

Macheath  Mr.  King.  |      Polly  Mrs.  Pownall. 

and  Mrs.  Inchbald's  comedy  (probably  for  the  firft  time)  called 


The  Midnight  Hour. 


Marquis  . 
General  . 
Nicholas 
Sebastian 
Matthias 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Richards. 
"  Prigmore. 
"  Martin. 
"  Hammond. 


Ambrose   Mr.  West. 

Julia   Mrs.  Wilson.  - 

Flora   "  Pownall. 

Cicely   "  Hamilton. 


May  28th, 


Mrs.  Long's  night. 
The  Gamefter  ; 


Beverly  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Stukely  "  King. 


Lewson 

Mrs.  Beverly. 


and  Animal  Magnetifm. 

Tickets  of  Mrs.  Long,  No.  39  Liberty  Street. 


June  2d, 


Mr.  Hallam's  night. 
The  New  Peerage ; 


Vandercrab 
Charles  .  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Hodgkinson. 


Lady  Charlotte 
Miss  Harley  . 


The  Poor  Soldier  ; 


Mr.  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 


Mrs.  Melmoth. 
"  Hallam. 


Patrick  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Darby  "  Hallam. 


Norah  Mrs.  Wilson. 

Kathleen  "  Pownall. 


and 


Harlequin  Collector. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


115 


June  4th,  Mr.  Prigmore's  night. 

A  mufical,  hiftorical  play,  in  three  a&s,  for  this  night  only, 
called  The  Patriot  ;  or,  Liberty  Aflerted  ; 


The  Overture  and  Songs  By  Mr.  Hewitt. 


William  Tell 
Melchdale 
Edwald  .  . 
Grisler  .  . 
Werner  .  . 
Lieutenant  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson.  Provost   Mr.  Ashton. 

Prigmore.  1st  Bowman  ....     "  West. 

"  King.  Austrian  Soldier    .    .     "  Hammond. 

"  Richards.  Serena   Mrs.  Wilson. 

"  Hallam.  Lucella  "  Kenna. 

"  Martin.  Marina  "  Melmoth. 


The  Guardians  Outwitted  ; 

Obadiah  Prim  ....    Mr.  Prigmore.        |     Anna  Lovely  .  . 

and  a  pantomime,  for  this  night  only,  called 

Nootka  Sound. 


Capt.  Douglas 
Sam  Stern  . 
Tom  Grog  . 
Lieutenant  . 


Mr.  Prigmore. 
"  Robbins. 
'*  Woolls. 
"  Bergman. 


Don  Guzman. 
Don  Frederick 
Alknomook  . 
Wampumpoo. 


Mrs.  Hallam. 


Mr.  King. 

"  Martin. 

"  West. 

"  Miller. 


Mr.  Heard's  benefit. 


June  7th, 

"  Mr.  Heard  moft  refpe£fiully  informs  the  public  in  general, 
that  a  long  feries  of  illnefs  prevents  him  the  happinefs  of  appear- 
ing before  his  friends — even  on  his  benefit  night.  He  therefore 
folicits  that  kind  patronage  which  the  Benevolent  will  ever  (hew 
Infirmity,  and  which  at  prefent  he  cannot  claim,  except  from 
long  fervice  and  fthcere  gratitude." 


The  Rivals  ; 


Bob  Acres  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Capt.  Absolute  Hallam. 


Lydia  Languish 
Julia  .... 


Mrs.  Hallam. 
"  Melmoth. 


Collins'  Ode  on  i  he  Passions 


By  Mrs.  Melmoth. 


and 


The  Devil  to  Pay. 


June  nth,  Mrs.  Wilfon,  and  MefTrs.  Miller,  Bergman  and 
Durang's  benefit. 

The  Patriot ; 

A  comic  opera,  called  Patrick  in  Pruflia  ;  or,  Love  in  a  Camp  ; — 
being  the  fecond  part  of  the  Poor  Soldier  ; 


Capt.  Patrick  .  . 
Marshal  Fehrbellin 
Rupert  .... 
Father  Luke  .  . 
Darby  .... 


Mr.  King. 
44  Ashton. 
"  Woolls. 
M  Richards. 
"  Prigmore. 


Quiz  Mr.  Bergman. 

Adjutant   '  Hammond. 

Mabel  Flourish  ..."  Martin. 

Flora  Mrs.  Wilson. 

Norah  "  Pownall. 


and  a  ballet,  called 

The  Huntrefs  ;  or,  Tammany's  Frolics. 

Tammany  Mr.  Ashton.  |     Huntress  Mrs.  Wilbow. 

Dancers  and  Hunter* — Messrs.  Dorang,  Miller,  West,  &o. 


116 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE, 


June  20th,  Meffrs.  Woolls'  and  Richards'  night. 
Burgoyne's  comedy  of 

The  Heirefs; 


Clifford  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 


Sir  Clement  Flint 
Lord  Gayville  . 
Alscrip  ... 
Blandish     .    .  , 
Rightly  .    .  . 


Richards. 

Martin. 

Prigmore. 

Ashton. 

King. 


Prompt.  .  . 
Lady  Emily  . 
Miss  Alscrip  . 
Miss  Alten 
Mrs.  Blandish 
Tiffany     .  . 


and 


No  Song,  No  Supper. 


Mr.  Woolls. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Pownall. 

"  hodgkinson. 

"  Miller. 

"  Wilson. 


The  season,  which  had  been  an  unusually  prosperous  one, 
and  remarkably  prolific  in  new  and  important  pieces,  did  not 
terminate  until  the  28th  of  June. 


CHAPTER  X. 


John  Street  Theatre,  1794-5    Ricketts'  Amphitheatre. 

E  S  S  R  S .  Hallam  and  Hodgkinson,  the  new  partners 
in  the  management  of  the  Old  American  Company, 
reopened  the  theatre  in  John  Street  on  the  evening 
of  December  15th,  1794.  Harmony,  however,  did  not  prevail 
in  their  councils.  Hodgkinson  was  exacting,  monopolizing, 
and  imperious  in  his  actions  and  deportment.  A  conscious- 
ness of  being  the  all-engrossing  favorite  of  the  public  ren- 
dered him  almost  unbearable.  Hallam,  on  the  contrary,  whose 
waning  abilities  had  already  been  perceived  by  the  public, 
was  jealous  and  envious  in  the  highest  degree  of  his  partner's 
more  favorable  position,  and  in  an  underhanded  way  frequently 
endeavored  to  lower  him  in  public  estimation.  During  the  en- 
tire period  of  their  connection,  discord  reigned  supreme  in  the 
theatre.  The  company  engaged  for  the  season  (from  which 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henry,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kenna,  Mrs.  Long,  and 
Messrs.  Heard,  Hammond,  Bisset  and  West  had  retired)  con- 
sisted of  Messrs.  Hodgkinson,  Hallam,  King,  Richards,  Martin, 
Prigmore,  Marriott,  Munto,  Ashton,  Woolls,  Carr,  Hallam,  Jr., 
Berwick,  Durang,  Nelson,  Lee,  Leonard,  Miller,  McKnight, 
Solomons,  Humphreys,  and  Ryan  (the  prompter),  with  Mes- 
dames  Melmoth,  Pownall,  Hodgkinson,  Hallam,  Marriott, 
Solomons,  Wilson,  Miller,  Hamilton,  King,  and  Durang,  Mad- 
ame Gardie,  and  Misses  Chaucer,  Harding,  and  Solomons. 
Mr.  Faulkner  was  still  treasurer,  and  Mr.  Hewitt  leader  of  the 
orchestra,  which  was  the  best  yet  heard  in  New  York.  Per- 
formances were  usually  given  only  on  Mondays,  Wednesdays 
and  Fridays,  though  occasionally  another  evening  was  added. 


118  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YOFK  STAGE. 

The  opera  of  "  Love  in  a  Village  "  was  presented  on  the  open- 
ing night,  with  the  first  appearance  in  New  York  of  Mr.  Carr 
as  Young  Meadows,  Mr.  Munto  as  Eustace,  and  Mrs.  Solomons 
as  Luanda;  with  the  support  of  Hodgkinson  as  Hawthorn, 
Hallam  as  Hodge,  Mrs.  Hodgkinson  as  Rosetta,  and  Mrs. 
Pownall  as  Margery.  In  the  after-piece  of  "  The  Liar,"  Mr. 
Hodgkinson  personated  Young  Wilding,  and  Miss  Chaucer 
made  her  debut  as  Miss  Grantham. 

To  the  bottom  of  the  bill  was  appended  the  following 
notice : 

"  Box  8s.    Pit  6s.    Gallery  4s. 

"  Places  in  the  Boxes  may  be  taken  of  Mr.  Faulkner  every 
day  at  the  Box  Office,  from  Ten  to  Twelve  A.  M.,  and  on  the 
days  of  performance  from  Three  to  Five  P.  M.,  where  alfo 
Tickets  may  be  had,  and  at  Mr.  Gaine's  Book  Store  at  the 
Bible,  in  Hanover  Square.  The  doors  will  be  opened  a  quarter 
after  Five,  and  the  curtain  drawn  up  precifely  a  quarter  after  Six 
o'clock. 

"  *-#*  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  will  pleafe  to  fend  their  fervants 
at  5  o'clock  to  keep  places.  Vivat  Refpublica." 

Mr.  Munto,  Mrs.  Solomons  and  Miss  Chaucer  were  nearly 
worthless  additions  to  the  company,  and  Mr.  Benjamin  Carr, 
whose  voice  was  pleasing,  and  who  had  a  competent  knowledge 
of  music,  possessed  no  attractions  as  an  actor,  and  was  merely 
acceptable  as  a  skillful  singer.  He  soon  left  the  stage,  and 
became  an  eminent  teacher  of  his  art,  principally  in  Phila- 
delphia, where  he  died  in  1836. 

Dec.  17th,  Venice  Preferved. 

Pierre  Mr.  Marriott  [from  Edinburgh,  his  first  appearance.] 

Jaffier  Mr.  Hodgkinson.    |    Belvidera.    .    .    .    Mrs.  Meimoth. 

Mr.  Marriott's  performance  received  little  applause,  and  he 
soon  subsided  into  a  lower  range  of  parts. 

Dec.  19th.  First  night  of  a  grand  serious  pantomime  (music 
by  Pellesier)  entitled  "  Sophia  of  Brabant,"  with  the  debut  in 
New  York  of  Madame  Gardie  as  the  heroine,  who  was  received 
with  unbounded  applause.,  The  critics  of  the  day  pronounced 
her  face,  figure  and  action  enchanting,  and  her  appearance 

M 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


119 


and  manners  as  prepossessing  beyond  any  example  on  our 
stage.  Madame  Gardie  was  the  wife  of  a  musician  in  the 
orchestra,  who  was  the  son  of  a  wealthy  nobleman  of  Rochelle. 
He  had  been  discarded  by  his  father  for  his  connection  with 
the  lady,  who  was  an  accomplished  actress  and  vocalist,  as 
well  as  a  dancer  and  pantomimist.  Seeking  refuge  in  St. 
Domingo,  they  were  obliged,  on  the  insurrection  of  the  blacks 
there,  to  fly  to  America,  where,  for  a  time,  the  wife's  exertions 
principally  procured  them  a  competent  support.  On  the 
excision  of  the  ballet  establishment  from  the  theatre,  their 
resources  became  greatly  reduced,  and  he  resolved  on  return- 
ing to  France,  where  his  father  was  now  willing  to  receive 
him,  but  his  wife  refused  to  accompany  him,  a  separation 
being  agreed  on,  but  whether  for  a  temporary  period  or  in 
perpetuity  is  unknown.  This  seems  to  have  driven  the 
wretched  man  to  madness,  and  in  his  desperation  he  murdered 
the  woman  he  appears  to  have  adored,  and  killed  himself. 
These  events  occurred  in  the  year  1798,  in  a  house  situated 
on  the  corner  of  Pearl  and  Broad  Streets.  Dunlap  gives  many 
additional  details,  and  describes  Gardie  as  reserved  and  mel- 
ancholy, but  of  exemplary  habits  as  a  husband,  a  father  and 
a  man. 

Dec.  22d,  never  a&ed  here,  Garrick's  alteration  of  Wycherly's 
Country  Wife,  entitled 

The  Country  Girl. 

Moody   Mr.  Hodgkinson.  Will   Mr.  Miller. 

8parki8h   "  Martin.  Peggy   Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Harcourt   "  Marriott.  AliUiea   "  Solomons. 

Belville  ...        .    .  "  Hallam,  Jr.  Lucy   "  Pownall. 

Dec.  24th,  The  Carmelite  ; 

with  the  firft  performance  here  of  Dibdin's  mufical  farce,  called 

The  Quaker. 

Lubin  Mr.  Nelson  [his  first  appearance.] 

Steady  Mr.  King.  I    Gillian.    .    .        .    .    Mrs.  Hodqkinson. 

Easy  "  Ashton.  Floretta  "  Solomons. 

Solomon  "  Hodgkinson.     I    Cecily  "  Miller. 

Dec.  26th.  The  School  for  Wives.  A  Sea  Song  by  Mr.  Solo- 
mons, his  first  appearance.  Concluding  with  the  first  per- 
formance in  New  York  of  the  still  popular  afterpiece  written 


120 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


by  Morton,  entitled  The  Children  in  the  Wood.  The  accom- 
paniments and  additional  songs  by  Mr.  Carr.  The  original 
music  by  Dr.  Arnold. 


Walter  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 


Lord  Alford 
Sir  Rowland 
Apathy  .  . 
Gabriel  .  . 
Oliver    .  . 


Carr. 

Marriott. 

Nelson. 

Martin. 

Lee. 


The  Children 


j  Miss  Harding. 
'    "  I  "  Solomons. 
[Their  first  appearance.] 
Lady  Helen  ....    Mrs.  Solomons. 

Josephine  "  Hodgkinson. 

Winifred       ....     "  Hamilton. 


It  proved  the  most  popular  production  of  the  season,  and 
was  repeated  many  times.  Miss  Harding  was  a  ward  of 
Hodgkinson,  and  at  the  time  appeared  an  innocent,  blue-eyed, 
lovely  child.  She  became  a  pleasing  actress  in  light  char- 
acters, was  afterwards  known  as  Mrs.  G.  Marshall,  and  ulti-  • 
mately  became  Mrs.  Clark — a  popular  personator  of  old 
women  in  the  Boston  and  southern  theatres. 

Jan.  ift,  1795,        The  Rival  Queens; 


Alexander  . 
Lysemachus 
Clytus    .  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Marriott. 


Roxana  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Statira  "  Marriott. 

Parisatis  Miss  Chaucer 


and        Harlequin's  Animation  ;  or,  Triumph  of  Mirth. 


Harlequin 
Clown  . 
Pantaloon 
Lover 


Mr.  Martin. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
"  Ashton. 

"  DURANG. 


Gladiator   Mr.  King. 

Mirth   Mrs.  Solomons. 

Pantalina     ....  "  Hamilton. 

Columbine    ....  Mad.  Gardie. 


Mrs.  Marriott,  who  personated  Statira,  was  a  young  and 
pretty  woman,  but,  like  her  husband,  of  little  value  as  an 
artist. 

Jan.  2d,  The  Country  Girl ; 

and  The  Children  in  the  Wood. 


In  the  latter,  by  request,  Mrs.  Melmoth  appeared  as  Lady 
Helen,  a  character  she  retained  to  the  end  of  the  season. 

Jan.  7th,    Never  acted  here,  Cobb's  opera  of 

The  Haunted  Tower  ; 

Music  by  Storace.    Accompaniments  by  Mr.  Pellesier. 


Lord  William  .  . 
Baron  of  Oakland . 
Edward  .  .  .  . 
Charles  .  .  .  . 
Hugo  .  .  . 
De  Courcy  .  . 


and 

Marquis  . 
Nicholas 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  King. 
"  Martin. 
"  Carr. 
"  Richards. 
"  Hallam,  Jr. 


Robert.  . 
Lewis  . 
Lady  Elinor 
Adela  . 
Cicely .  . 
Maud  .  . 


Mr.  Nelson. 

"  Berwick. 
Mrs.  Pownall. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  Solomons. 

"  Hamilton. 


The  Midnight  Hour. 


Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Hallam. 


Julia  Mrs.  Marriott. 

Flora  "  Pownall. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


121 


January  14th.  Macbeth  was  revived  with  unufual  care,  with 
Locke's  mufic,  and  new  fcenery  by  Ciceri.  Selections  of  Scotch 
mufic,  arranged  by  Mr.  Carr,  were  given  between  the  a£ts. 


Macbeth  Mr.  Hodqkinson. 


Duncan  . 
Macduff  . 
Malcolm 
Donalbain 
Lenox  . 
Seyward 
Seyton  . 


Richards. 

Hallam. 

Martin. 

Miller. 

King. 

Munto. 

Ashton. 


Fleance  . 
Apparition 
1st  Assassin 
Hecate 
1st  Witch 
2d  Witch 
3d  Witch. 
Lady  Macbeth 


Miss  Hardino. 
"  Solomons. 
Mr.  Lee. 

"  WOOLLS. 

Mrs.  Hamilton. 
Mr.  Nelson. 
"  Berwick. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 


The  Witches'  Dance  was  led  by  Madame  Gardie  and  Mr. 
Durang ;  and  the  whole  strength  of  the  company,  principals 
included,  was  embodied  in  the  vocal  parts. 

January  26th,  Holcroft's  comedy  of  Love's  Frailties. — (An- 
nounced in  the  bills  as  the  fineft  production  fince  The  School 
for  Scandal.) 


Craig  Campbell 
Muscadel 

Sir  Gregory  Oldwort 

Seymour 

James    .  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Hodqkinson. 
"  Prigmore. 
"  Marriott. 
"  Martin. 


Lady  Fancourt 
Lady  Louisa  . 
Paulina    .  . 
Nanette  . 
Mrs.  Wilkins. 


Mrs.  Hallam. 
M  Marriott. 
"  Hodqkinson. 
"  Pownall. 
"  Miller. 


February  16th,  firft  performance  of  Dunlap's  tragedy  called 
Fontainville  Abbey,  taken  from  Mrs.  RadclifPs  Romance  of  the 
Foreft. 


Marquis 
Lamotte 
Peter 


Mr.  King. 
"  Hodqkinson. 
"  Richards. 


Madame  Lamotte 
Adeline  . 


Mrs.  Melmoth. 
"  Hodqkinson. 


It  was  favorably  received,  but  its  career  was  a  short  one. 

February  18th,  Wild  Oats  ; 

and  Prince  Hoare's  farce  of  The  Prize,  with  the  admired  mufic 
of  Storace. 


Dr.  Lenitive 
Heartwell  . 
Caddy  .  . 
Label     .  . 


Mr.  Hodqkinson. 
"  Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Ashton. 
"  Martin. 


Juba  . 
Mrs.  Caddy 
Caroline  . 


Mr.  Carr. 
Mrs.  Miller. 
"  Potvnall. 


"  The  Prize"  has  continued  a  favorite  afterpiece  until  quite 
lately,  and  Harwood,  Jefferson,  Spiller,  Placide,  Browne,  and 
Master  Burke,  have  delighted  in  the  character  of  the  Doctor, 
while  Caroline  was  no  less  a  favorite  with  the  general  run  of 
singing  actresses. 

February  25th,  never  performed  here,  Cumberland's  comedy 
called  The  Jew  ;  or,  the  Benevolent  Hebrew  ; 


Sheva  .... 
Sir  Stephen  Bertram 
Frederick  Bertram 
Charles  Ratcliff 
Jabal  .... 

and 

Oen.  Worry  .  . 
Biron  .... 


Mr.  Hodqkinson. 
"  Richards. 
"  Fawcett. 
"  Martin. 
M  Hallam. 


Saunders  .  . 
Eliza  Ratcliff. 
Mrs.  Ratcliff  . 
Dorcas 

Mrs.  Goodison 


Mr.  Ashton. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Hamilton. 

"  Miller. 
Miss  Chaucer. 


The  Rival  Candidates. 


Mr.  Richards. 
44  Carr. 


Narcissa  Mrs.  Hodqkinson. 

Jenny  "  PoWNALL. 


"  The  Jew"  was  for  forty  years  a  popular  play,  and  Sheva 

16 


122  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

a  character  attempted  by  our  most  prominent  comedians. 
Its  last  representative,  that  we  remember,  was  Professor  J. 
W.  S.  Hows,  in  1835. 

Mr.  Fawcett,  who  made  his  appearance  as  Frederick  Ber- 
tram, was  a  young  man  who  had  opened  in  the  tragedy  of 
"  Mahomet"  a  few  nights  before.  He  possessed  no  distinguish- 
ing merit. 

March  2d,  The  Gamefter; 

Beverly  Mr.  Hodgkinson.     I     Mrs.  Beverly  ....    Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Lewson  "  Marriott.         |     Charlotte  "  Marriott. 

and  the  new  mufical  farce  of  The  Purfe. 

Will  Steady     ....    Mr.  Hodgkinson.     I     Theodore   Mr.  Fawcett. 

Baron  "  Richards.  Page   Miss  Harding. 

Edmund  "  Carr.  Sally   Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson  secured  for  this  farce  the  same 
popularity  in  New  York  that  Bannister  and  Mrs.  Bland  gained 
for  it  in  London. 

March  9th.  Mrs.  Spencer  made  her  first  appearance  in 
New  York  as  Juliet,  with  slight  success.  She  was  more 
favorably  received  on  the  13th,  when  she  appeared  as  Lady 
Henrietta,  in  "  How  to  Grow  Rich."  On  the  latter  evening 
Mrs.  Hatton's  opera  (so  called)  of  "  America  Discovered,"  or 
"  Tammany  the  Indian  Chief,"  reduced  to  two  acts,  was  re- 
vived, with  Hodgkinson  as  Tammany,  Hallam  as  Columbus, 
and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson  as  Manana. 

March  1 6th,  never  performed  here,  Waldron's  comedy  en- 
titled,                    Heigho  for  a  Hufband  ! 

Justice  Rackrent  .    .    .    Mr.  Prigmore.        I  Maria  Mm.  Spenceb. 

Timothy  "  Hallam.  Charlotte  "  Marriott. 

Frank  "  Martin.  Dorothy  "  Pownall. 

Squire  Edward     ..."  Hallam,  Jr.  Mrs.  Millclack  ..."  Miller. 
Gen.  Fairlove  ....     "  Marriott. 

and  The  Highland  Reel. 

March  20th,     Every  One  Has  His  Fault ; 
and,  firft  time  here,  a  grand  ferious  Pantomime,  entitled 
La  Foret  Noire. 


La  Terreur  .    .    .  . 

.   Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Peasant  . 

.    .    Mr.  Woolls. 

"  Hallam. 

Lucille     .    .  . 

Mad.  Gardie. 

"■Confidante    .  . 

.    .   Mrs.  Hamilton. 

March  2 1  ft, 

George  Barnwell ; 

George  Barnwell  .  . 

.    Mr.  Martin. 

.    .    Mrs.  Marriott. 

and  the  farce  0 

f  The  Spoiled  Child,  written  by  Prince  Hoare. 

Harding. 

Old  Pickle  .    .    .  . 

.    Mr.  Prigmore. 

Tag  

Miss  Pickle   .  . 

.    .    Mrs.  Hamilton. 

.     "  Lee. 

MR.  FAWCETT  AS  TOUCHSTONE 

(From  an  original  drawing,  i8rg> 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


123 


This  is  the  first  cast  found  of  this  still  favorite  farce,  by 
which  it  would  seem  that  Miss  Harding  was  the  earliest  rep- 
resentative here  of  the  mischievous  urchin,  (originally  played 
in  London  by  Mrs.  Jordan)  and  successfully  followed  by  Miss 
Fontenelle,  Mrs.  Jones,  Mrs.  Poe,  Mrs.  Young,  Mrs.  Barnes, 
Miss  Clara  Fisher,  Miss  Watson,  Kate  Bateman,  and  innumer- 
able others,  none  of  whom,  probably,  have  surpassed,  if 
equaled,  the  excellence  of  Clara  Fisher,  now  Mrs.  Maeder. 

March  27th,  King  Lear  ; 


Lear  Mr.  Hallam. 


Edgar 
Edmund  . 
Kent  .  . 
Gloster  . 
Albany  . 
Cornwall 


Hodgkinson. 

Hallam,  Jr. 

Prigmore. 

Richards. 

Marriott. 

Fawcett. 


Burgundy   Mr.  Ashton. 

Gentleman  Usher    .    .  "  Martin. 

Peasant   "  Woolls. 

Cordelia   Mrs.  Hallam. 

Regan   "  Marriott. 

Goneril   "  Hamilton. 

Arantbe    .....  Miss  Chaucer. 


and  Murphy's  elegant  petit-comedy,  entitled 

Three  Weeks  After  Marriage. 


Sir  Charles  Rackett 
Drugget .... 
Lovelace  .  .  . 
Woodley.    .    .  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Prigmore. 
"  Martin. 
"  King. 


Lady  Rackett 
Mrs.  Drugget. 
Nancy  . 
Dimity.    .  . 


Mrs.  Hallam. 
u  Miller. 
"  King. 
"  Pownall. 


Still  occasionally  revived,  and  always  with  applause. 
April  15th,  The  Duenna  ; 


Don  Jerome . 
Ferdinand  . 
Carlos    .  . 
Antonio  . 
Father  Paul 


Mr.  Richards.  Isaac  Mendoza    .    .    .  Mr.  Prigmore. 

"  Hodgkinson.  Lopez   "  Martin. 

"  Nelson.  Clara   Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

• "  Carr.  Louisa   "  Pownall. 

"  King.  Margaret   "  Miller. 


with  the  Bufy  Body,  reduced  to  two  a£b. 


Marplot      .    .  . 

Sir  George  Airey  . 
Sir  Francis  Gripe  . 

20th. 


Mr.  Hallam.  Charles  Mr.  Martin. 

"  Hallam.  Jr.  Miranda  Mrs.  Hallam. 

••  Prigmore.  Patch  "  Hamilton. 


April  20th,         Mr.  Hodgkinfon's  benefit. 

Never  performed  here,  a  celebrated  comedy  by  Mrs.  Cowley, 
called  The  School  for  Greybeards  ; 


Don  Henry  . 
Don  Alexis  . 
Don  Caspar. 
Don  Octavio 
Don  Sebastien 
Peter .    .  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 
44  Prigmore. 
"  Martin. 
"  Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Ashton. 


Antonia   Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Seraphina     ....     "  Hallam. 

Rachel  "  Pownall. 

Viola  M  Marriott. 

Clara  "  King. 

Carlotta  "  Miller. 


Sbelty's  Travels — Written  by  Dunlap,  and  related  by  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

and  No  Song,  No  Supper. 

April  22d,  Mr.  Carr's  benefit. 

The  Highland  Reel ; 

Shelty  Mr.  Hodgkinson.    |     Sandy  Mr.  Carr. 

Pantomimic  Interlude  entitled  Poor  Jack,  with  New  Muiic, 
and  an  Overture  compiled  from  Naval  Melodies,  by  Mr.  Carr. 

Poor  Jack  Mr.  Dlrang.  I     Landlady  Mr.  Lei. 

Ben  Bobatay    ....     44  Munto.  Orange  Girl  ....    Mad.  Gardie. 

and  Children  in  the  Wood. 


124 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


April  24th,        Mrs.  Hodgkinfon's  benefit. 

A  comedy  (never  acted  here)  called  Know  Your  Own  Mind, 
"  written  by  Mr.  Murphy,  and  efteemed  equal  to  any  production 
of  this  century,  The  School  for  Scandal  not  excepted." 


Dashwould  .  .  . 
Millamour  .  .  . 
Sir  John  Millamour 
Bygrove  .... 
Capt.  Bvgrove  .  . 
Malvil  .... 
Sir  Harry  Lovewit 


Mr.  HODGKINSON. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Richards. 
"  Prtgmorb. 
"  Fawcett. 
"  Marriott. 
"  Martin. 


Charles  . 
Robert.  . 
Lady  Bell. 
Lady  J  ane 
Miss  Neville 
Mrs.  Bromley 
Madame  Larouge 


Mr.  King. 

"  Munto. 

Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Marriott. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Hamilton. 

"  Pownall. 


The  comedy  was  brilliantly  successful,  and  for  many  years 
retained  great  popularity ;  and  it  is  remarkable  that,  notwith- 
standing its  extraordinary  merit,  it  has  been  so  long  left 
to  sleep  undisturbed,  its  last  performance  that  we  remember 
having  been  at  the  Park,  in  1838,  with  Charles  Mathews  and 
Madame  Vestris. 

April  27th,  Mrs.  Hallam's  benefit. 

Never  a&ed  here,  Cumberland's  comedy  of  The  Natural  Son  ; 


Sir  Jeffrey  Latimer 
Blushenly  . 
Major  O'Flaherty  . 
Jack  Hastings  .  . 
Rueful  .... 


Mr.  Richards. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
"  Kino. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Marriott. 


Dumps  Mr.  Prigmore. 

David  "  Ashton. 

Lady  Paragon  .    .    .    Mrs.  Hallam. 
Miss  Phoebe  Latimer  .     "  Hamilton. 

Penelope  Miss  Chaucer. 

.    .    By  Mr.  Hallam. 


Hippieley'a  Soene  of  the  Drunken  Man 

and  Selima  and  Azor. 

May  2d,  Mrs.  Melmoth's  benefit. 

Firft  time  in  New  York,  Murphy's  tragedy  of  Zenobia. 


Rhadamistus 
Pharasmanes 
Teribazus  . 
Megistus.  . 
Tigranes.  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  King. 
"  Fawoitt. 
"  Richards. 
"  Marriot. 


Zopiron   Mr.  Ashton.  ' 

Zenobia    .....  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Zelmira  "  Marriott. 

Ariadne  "  "Wilson. 

Irene   Miss  Chaucer. 


May  6th,  never  performed  here,  Mrs.  Cowley's  comedy, 
entitled  Which  is  the  Man  ?  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Hallam. 


Beauchamp .  . 
Lord  Sparkle  . 
Bobby  Pendragon 
Fitzherbert  .  . 
Belville  .  .  . 
Tom  .... 

and 

Skirmish  .  . 
Henrj    .    .  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Richards. 
"  Martin. 

u  DURANG. 


Lady  Bell  Bloomer 
Sophy  Pendragon 
Julia  .... 
Kitty  .... 
Clarinda  .    .    .  , 
Mrs.  Johnson 


Mrs.  Hallam. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
"  Marriott. 
"  Pownall. 
"  Hamilton. 
"  Miller. 


The  Deferter. 


Mr.  Hallam. 
u  Hodgkinson. 


Louisa  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Jenny  "  Pownall. 


May  8th, 


Richard  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Satan's  Soliloquy  to  the  Sun" 


Mrs.  King's  benefit. 
Richard  3d  ; 

I     Richmond  . 


.  .  .  .  Mr.  King. 
By  Mrs.  Melmoth. 


and,  firft  time  here,  a  comedy  altered  from  the  Country  Lanes, 
and  entitled  The  Farm  Houfe. 


Modely  Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 

Heartwell  "  Martin. 

Freehold  "  Marriott. 


Shacklefigure . 
Flora  .  .  . 
Aura    .    .  . 


.    Mr.  "Woolls. 
.    Mrs.  King. 
"  Marriott. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


125 


May  nth,  Mr.  Martin's  benefit. 

Know  Your  Own  Mind  j 

Pantomimical  Ballet  By  Madame  Gardie,  kc. 

and  Edgar  and  Emmeline. 


Edgar  Mr.  Hodgkinjon. 

Florimond  "  Martin. 


Emmeline  Mrs.  Marriott. 

Klfina  ....        .    Miss  Hardi.no. 


Tickets  of  Mr.  Martin,  197  Broadway. 

The  bills  had  the  announcement  of  "  Never  performed 

here"  appended  to  the  farce,  but  it  was  advertised,  and  no 

doubt  performed,  in  1773. 

May  22d,  Mrs.  Marriott's  benefit. 

The  Earl  of  Ellex  ; 

Interlude  of  44  The  Birdcatcher"    ...    By  Madame  Gardie,  Mr.  Durang,  kc. 

and  a  Farce  written  by  Mrs.  Marriott,  called  The  Chimera. 


Lord  Aberford 
Capt.  Rupert 
Frolic     .  . 


Mr.  Priqmore. 
"  Marriott. 
"  Martin. 


Miss  Martin 
Matilda  . 
Dolly  .  . 


Mrs.  Hamilton. 
"  Marriott. 
"  Miller. 


May  25th,         benefit  of  Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 

Firft  time  in  America,  a  comedy  written  by  Reynolds,  entitled 
The  Rage. 


Gingham  .  .  . 
Darnley  .... 
Hon.  Mr.  Savage  . 
Sir  Paul  Perpetual 
Sir  George  Gauntlet 
Flush  .... 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Prigmore. 
"  Marriott. 
"  Richards. 


Signor  Cygnet 
Ready  .... 
Mrs.  Darnley.  . 
Hon.  Mrs.  Savage 
Clara  Sedley  .  . 


Mr.  Martin. 

"  Munto. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 
"  Wilson. 
"  Marriott. 


May  29th,  benefit  of  Mr.  Faulkner,  Box  Book-keeper. 

The  Rage  ; 

Jack  in  Diftrefs — with  Madame  Gardie  ; 
and  a  new  farce  by  O'Keefe,  called 

Modern  Antiques  ;  or,  the  Merry  Mourners. 


Cockletop 
Frank  . 
Joey 

Napkin  . 
Hearty  . 


Mr.  Priqmore. 
44  Martin. 
"  Hallam. 

44  ASHTON. 
"  MONTO. 


M'-s.  Cockletop 
Belinda  .  . 
Mrs.  Camomile 
Nan  .  .  . 
Flounce    .  . 


Mrs.  Hamilton. 
"  Marriott. 
"  Wilson. 
44  Miller. 
"  King. 


June 


ft,  Mr.  Fawcett's  benefit. 

The  Critic,  for  the  firft  time  this  feafon  ; 


Puff  Mr  Hodgkinson. 


8ir  Fretful 
Dangle  .... 
Leicester  .  .  . 
Raleigh  .  .  .  . 
Don  Whiakerandos 


Prigmore. 

King. 

Richards. 

Munto. 

Martin. 


>neer  .  . 
Prompter. 
Governor. 
Mrs.  Dangle 
Tilberina  . 
Confidante 


Mr.  Fawcett. 

44  Humphreys. 
Mr.  Woolls. 
Mrs.  Hamilton. 
Mrs.  Mill;;;. 

"  Hamilton. 


Irifhman  in  London  ; 

Murtough  Delany  Mr.  Richards. 

and  Garrick's  fele&ion  from  the  Winter's  Tale,  entitled 
Florizel  and  Perdita. 


Floriiel  . 
Polixenes 
AntigoDui 
Autolycus 
Camillo  . 


Mr.  Fawoett. 

"  Richards. 
"  Marriott. 
44  Hodgkinson. 
4>  Munto. 


Clown  .  . 
Perdita 
Mopsa  .  . 
Dorcas.  . 
Shepherdess 


Mr.  Durang. 
Mrs.  Marriott. 

44  Wilson. 

M  Miller. 
Mad.  Gardie. 


126 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


June  3d,  for  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Miller  and  Mifs  Harding. 
Farquhar's  comedy  of  the  Inconftant,  altered  and  reduced  to 
three  a&s,  by  Mr.  Hodgkinfon. 


Young  Mirabel . 
Old  Mirabel.  . 
Duretete . 
Dugard  .    .  . 
Petit  .        .  . 


Mr.  HODGKINSON. 

<;  Prigmore. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Fawcett. 
"  Martin. 


Bravo  . 
Page  . 
Bisarre 
Oriana 
Lamorse 


Mr.  Ashton. 
Miss  Harding. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

"  Marriott. 

"  Wilson. 


Of 


A  Scene  from  the  Regifter  Office,  called   The  Authorefs  ; 

Gulwell  Mr.  Ashton.  |     Mrs.  Doggerel    .    .    .    Mrs.  Miller. 

Melpomene  Doggerel  Miss  Harding. 

and  The  Children  in  the  Wood. 

Tickets  of  Mrs.  Miller,  No.  4  Lumber  Street,  corner 
Cedar  Street. 

Lumber  Street  is  now  Trinity  Place. 

June  5th,  Mr.  King's  benefit. 

He  would  be  a  Soldier  ; 

Capt.  Crevelt  ....    Mr.  King.  |    Harriet  Mrs.  King. 

and  the  admired  Paftoral  of  the  Gentle  Shepherd,  as  altered  from 
the  text  of  Allan  Ramfay,  for  Drury  Lane. 

Symon   Mr.  Nelson. 

Peggy   Mrs.  Pownall. 

Jenny  "  Wilson. 

Mause   "  Miller. 

Elspa  "  Hamilton. 

35  Chapel  Street  (now  College 


Patie  .    .  . 
Roger     .  . 
Bauldy  .  . 
Sir  W.  Worthy 
Glaud  . 


Mr.  Carr. 
"  Martin. 

"  HODGKINSON. 

"  Richards 
"  Prigmore. 


Tickets  of  Mr.  King,  No. 
Place). 

June  1 8th,  Benefit  of  Mr. 
family  of  Mr.  Ryan,  Prompter. 


Humphreys,  and  the  diftrefTed 
A  comedy,  called 


The  Benevolent  Merchant 


Freeport.    .    .  . 
Lord  Falbridge 
Sir  William  Douglass 
Spatter  .... 
Owen  

and 


Mr.  HODGKINSON. 

"  Martin. 

"  Richards. 

"  Prigmore. 

"  W00LL8. 


Tripwell  .  . 
Lady  Alton  . 
Amelia.  .  . 
Molly  .  .  . 
Mrs.  Goodman 


Mr.  Munto. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Pownall. 

"  Hamilton. 


The  Critic. 

Tickets  of  Mr.  Humphreys,  No.  4  Barley  Street,  now  Duane 
Street. 

The  "Benevolent  Merchant"  was  a  comedy  of  the  elder 
Colman's,  and  was  played  originally  at  Drury  Lane,  under  the 
name  of  "  The  English  Merchant." 

June  23d,  benefit  of  Mrs.  Marriott,  in  confequence  of  her 
previous  attempt  proving  a  failure. 

A  new  comedy  in  two  acts,  entitled  Try  Again  ! 


Sidney  . 
Du  Chesne 
Antoine  . 
Picard  . 


Mr.  Martin. 
"  Marriott. 
"  Barwick. 
<;  Munto. 


La  Fourbe   Mr.  Pbigmore. 

Lauretta   Mrs.  Marriott. 

Rosalie   "  Hallam. 

Marinette   "  Millbk. 


A  grand  ferious  Pantomime,  called  Tyranny  Supprefled  j 


Capt.  Douglass. 
Terizabes 


Mr.  Prigmore. 
"  Martin. 


Mrs.  Douglas  .  .  .  Mrs.  Marriott. 
Mellamor  Mad.  Gardie. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


127 


and  No  Song,  No  Supper. 

June  25th,       Mr.  and  Mrs.  King's  benefit. 

The  Young  Quaker,  and  a  mufical  piece  in  two  a&s,  with 
new  fcenery,  &c,  called 

The  Demolition  of  the  Bastile,  or  Liberty  Triumphant. 

Mods.  Mereau  de  St.  Merry  (with  Marseilles  Hymn)    .    .    .    Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

La  Braint  Mr.  Hallam.  Leontine  Mr.  Martin. 

Henry  Dubois  ....     "  King.  Sophia  Mrs.  Wilson. 

De  Lany  "  Fawoett.  Matilda  "  Pownall. 

June  27th.  Last  night  of  the  season,  which  ended  the  en- 
gagements of  Mesdames  Pownall,  Marriott,  Miller,  Hamilton, 
and  Wilson ;  and  Messrs.  Richards,  Martin,  Marriott,  Carr, 
Fawcett,  Nelson,  Berwick,  and  others.  Several  of  the  gentle- 
men re-appeared ;  of  the  ladies,  we  believe,  none, — Mrs.  Pownall 
being  the  only  one  of  whose  after-life  we  have  any  knowl- 
edge. She  went  South,  and  died  at  Charleston  in  the  ensuing 
year. 

During  the  past  season  a  circus,  bearing  the  designation  of 
the  New  Amphitheatre,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Ricketts,  a 
skillful  equestrian,  was  in  successful  operation  in  the  lower 
part  of  Greenwich  Street.  Admission  to  the  Boxes,  $1. 
Pit,  50cts. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

John  Street  Theatre,  1796. 

URING  the  fall  of  1795,  the  yellow  fever  pre- 
vailed with  great  violence  in  New  York,  causing  732 
deaths  in  a  population  of  less  than  50,000.  The 
thickly-settled  area  of  the  city  then  occupied  but  a  small 
portion  of  its  now  incorporated  limits.  On  the  east  side  of 
the  town,  above  Peck  Slip,  Water  Street  and  Cherry  Street 
skirted  the  margin  of  the  river.  Division  Street  was  in  part 
built  on  as  far  as  Jefferson  Street,  but  the  houses  were  few 
and  scattering  in  the  neighborhood  of  Market  and  Pike  Streets 
— then  George  Street  and  Charlotte  Street.  Houses  faced 
the  Bowery  as  far  north  as  Grand  Street,  but  Broadway  was 
unoccupied  above  Leonard  Street.  Greenwich  Street  was 
partially  built  up  to  Laight  Street,  and  at  that  point  was  the 
most  westerly  street  in  the  city. 

At  this  period,  when  New  York  was  deserted  by  most  of  its 
inhabitants,  and  those  who  remained  were  clothed  in  mourn- 
ing, Messrs.  Hallam  and  Hodgkinson  visited  Boston  with 
their  company,  and  the  theatrical  season  here  did  not  com- 
mence until  the  evening  of  Wednesday,  February  10th,  1796, 
when  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tyler,  Mr.  Jefferson 
and  Mrs.  Brett  made  their  first  appearance  in  New  York.  An 
opening  address,  written  by  Mr.  Milne,1  was  delivered  by  Mr. 
Hodgkinson,  but  was  not  announced  in  the  bill,  of  which  the 
following  is  a  fac-simile  : 


1  Mr.  Milne  was  an  English  teacher  of  elocution  residing  in  the  city,  a  man  of  taste  and  literary 
culture,  and  on  terms  of  close  intimacy  with  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


129 


N  E  W  -  Y  O  R  K,  February  9,  1796. 

THEATRE. 

The  Public  are  refpe&fully  informed,  The  Entertainments  for  the 
Seafon  will  commence  on  Wednesday,  February  10th, 
with  the  celebrated  C  O  M  E  D  Y  of  the 

Provok'd  Hufband, 

Or,  A  Journey  to  London. 


Lord  Townly, 
Sir  Francis  Wronghead, 
Squire  Richard, 

John  Moody, 

Count  Baflet, 

Poundage, 

Conftable, 

James, 

William, 
And,  Manly, 

Lady  Grace, 
Lady  Wronghead,  j 

Mifs  Jenny, 

Myrtilla, 

Trufty, 

Andy  Lady  Townly,  {Her  first  Appearance) 

To  which  will  be  added, 


From  England, 
his  firft  Appearance, 

From  England, 
his  firft  Appearance, 


(         From'  England, 
\     his  firft  Appearance, 

(Her  firji  Appearance) 
\         From  England, 
her  firft  Appearance, 


Mr.    H  A  L  L  L  A  M, 
Mr.  JOHNSON, 
Mr.  JEFFERSON, 
Mr.    P  R  I  G  M  O  R  E, 
Mr.    H  A  L  L  A  M,  jun. 
Mr.    W  O  O  L  L  S, 
Mr.  LEE, 
Mr.  LEONARD, 
Mr.    D  U  R  A  N  G, 
Mr.  TYLER. 


Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 


TYLER, 
BRETT, 
H  A  L  L  A  M, 
M  U  N  T  O, 
D  U  R  A  N  G, 
JOHNSON. 


the  FARCE  of  the 


SPOIL' D  CHILD. 


Little  Pickle, 
Old  Pickle, 
John, 
Thomas, 
And,  Tagg, 

Maria, 
Sulan, 
And,  Mils  Pickle, 

Nights  of  Performance 


Mifs  HARDING, 

Mr.  P  R  I  G  M  O  R  E 

Mr.  LEE, 

Mr.  D  U  R  A  N  G, 

Mr.  JEFFERSO 

Mrs.  M  U  N  T  O, 

Mrs.  D  U  R  A  N 

Mrs.  BRETT. 

Wednesday, 


N, 

Friday, 


and 


this   Week,  are 
Saturday. 

N.  B.  A  Report  having  been  circulated,  that  no  Number  of 
Places  lefs  than  a  whole  Box  could  be  taken,  the  Managers  beg  Leave 
to  inform  Ladies  and  Gentlemen,  there  is  no  fuch  Rule  exifting. 

PLACES  in  the  BOXES  may  be  taken  of  Mr.  Faulkner  at  the  Box- 
Office,  from  Ten  to  Twelve,  A.  M.  and  on  the  Days  of  Perform- 
ance, from  Three  to  Five,  P.  M.  where  alfo  Tickets  may  be  had, 
and  at  Mr.  Gaine's  Book-Store,  at  the  Bible,  in  Pearl-Street. 

The  Doors  will  be  opened  a  Quarter  after  Five,  and  the  Curtain 
drawn  up  a  Quarter  after  Six  o'Clock.  Vivat  Refpublica. 

17 


130 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


An  "N.B."  attached  to  the  newspaper  advertisement,  in- 
formed the  public  that  u  the  house  had  been  newly  orna- 
mented and  thoroughly  aired." 

So  valuable  an  addition  to  the  company  had  not  before  been 
made  in  a  body,  for  most  of  them  were  not  only  creditable  to 
the  stage  professionally,  but  personally. 

John  Johnson  was  a  most  respectable  man,  and  a  creditable 
actor  in  the  first  line  of  old  men.  He  had  played  with  success 
in  London,  and  in  New  York  was  long  a  favorite.  He  died  at 
the  age  of  60,  while  attached  to  the  Park  Theatre,  October 
25th,  1819,  leaving  a  widow  and  one  daughter,  afterwards  Mrs. 
Hilson,  long  the  pride  and  ornament  of  the  New  York  stage. 
His  wife,  whose  debut  proved  a  signal  triumph,  was  a  daughter 
of  Major  Ford,  of  the  British  army,  and  had  been,  as  she  was 
again  a  few  years  later,  a  successful  actress  at  Covent  Garden. 
Tall  and  elegant  in  her  person,  refined  in  her  manners,  highly 
cultivated  in  her  mind,  exquisitely  tasteful  in  costume,  and 
with  singular  ease  and  gracefulness  of  carriage,  she  particu- 
larly excelled  in  the  delineation  of  the  fashionable,  high-bred 
lady ;  yet  her  tragic  merit  was  so  great  that  she  was  not  un- 
frequently  styled  the  Siddons  of  America.  Respected  and 
admired,  both  as  a  woman  and  an  actress,  her  visit  to  Eng- 
land in  1806,  which  was  extended  through  a  period  of  ten 
years,  was  a  source  of  great  regret  to  all  American  play-goers. 
She  subsequently  returned  here,  and  died  in  the  arms  of  her 
beloved  and  most  worthy  daughter,  at  Whitestone,  L.  I.,  June 
16th,  1830,  aged  about  sixty  years. 

Joseph  Tyler,  who  made  his  first  appearance  as  Manly,  was 
a  fine-looking  man,  of  dignified  and  gentlemanly  manners. 
In  serious  elderly  characters,  requiring  an  aristocratic  bearing, 
he  bore  away  the  palm  from  all  competitors ;  and,  possessing 
a  voice  of  rare  excellence,  he  was  intrusted  with  many  im- 
portant singing  parts,  and  in  these,  after  Hodgkinson's  seces- 
sion, he  had  no  rival.  He  also  died  in  New  York,  of  disease 
of  the  heart,  at  the  ripe  age  of  72,  on  the  26th  of  January, 
1823,  having  appeared  the  previous  night  as  General  Wash- 
ington, in  the  "  Glory  of  Columbia."     In  early  life  he  is  said 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


131 


to  have  been  a  barber's  apprentice,  and  in  later  years  he  was 
the  popular  host  of  a  summer  resort  in  New  York,  known  as 
Washington  Garden. 

Mr.  Joseph  Jefferson  soon  became  a  favorite  of  the  first 
importance.  He  was  the  son  of  an  eminent  English  actor 
and  manager,  and  was  born  in  Plymouth,  England,  in  1774. 
He  remained  in  New  York  until  1803,  when  he  removed  to 
Philadelphia,  and  was  permanently  engaged  in  that  city  for 
a  period  of  twenty-seven  years,  and  during  the  whole  time 
was  justly  considered  as  one  of  the  brightest  ornaments 
of  the  stage,  occasionally  during  that  period  giving  New 
Yorkers  a  brief  opportunity  of  witnessing  his  delightful  and 
irresistible  delineations.  Mr.  Jefferson's  last  engagement 
here  was  at  the  Chatham  Garden  Theatre,  where  he  opened 
on  the  22d  of  JulylJ£24,'as'£oto  and  Fixture.  On  the  5th 
of  August  in  that  year,  for  his  benefit,  he  appeared  as  Sir 
Benjamin  Dove,  in  the  "Brothers,"  and  Sancho,  in  "Lovers' 
Quarrels,"  being  the  last  characters  he  personated  on  the 
New  York  stage. 

Owing  to  the  great  depression  of  theatricals  in  Philadel- 
phia, in  1830,  he  left  that  city  and  sought  other  situations ; 
but  newer  actors,  not  better  ones,  were  absorbing  what  little 
attention  was  given  to  the  drama,  and  wearied  with  disap- 
pointment and  oppressed  with  grief  at  the  rapidly  succeeding 
deaths  of  his  wife  and  three  children,  his  health  finally  gave 
way,  and  sinking  under  an  accumulated  load  of  sorrows,  he 
died  at  Hamsburg,  Pa.,  August  6th,  1832,  aged  fifty-eight 
years. 

Though  tall  and  slender,  he  was  well  formed,  with  a  hand- 
some face  and  pleasing,  gentlemanly  manners.  In  low  or 
eccentric  comedy  he  has  been  rarely  equaled,  yet  his  excel- 
lence in  other  lines  was  very  great.  Speaking  of  his  Farmer 
Ashfield  in  "  Speed  the  Plough,"  an  eminent  critic  remarked 
"  that  no  man  possessed  such  happy  requisites  for  exhibiting 
the  character  in  the  true  colors  of  nature  as  Mr.  Jefferson. 
In  the  rustic  deportment  and  dialect,  in  the  artless  effusions 
of  benignity  and  undisguised  truth,  and  in  those  masterly 


132 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


strokes  of  pathos  and  simplicity  with  which  the  author  has 
finished  the  inimitable  picture,  Mr.  Jefferson  showed  uniform 
excellence ;  and  as  in  the  humorous  parts  his  comic  powers 
produced  their  customary  effect,  so  in  the  serious  overflow- 
ings of  the  honest  farmer's  nature — the  mellow,  deep,  impress- 
ive tones  of  the  actor's  voice  vibrated  to  the  heart  and  pro- 
duced the  most  intense  and  exquisite  sensations. 

Mr.  Wemyss  truly  says  of  him,  "  that  he  was  the  model  of 
what  a  gentleman  should  be — a  kind  husband,  an  affectionate 
father,  a  warm  friend,  and  a  truly  honest  man." 

By  his  wife,  formerly  Miss  Fortune  of  New  York,  whom  he 
married  in  1800,  he  had  a  large  family  of  children,  of  whom 
his  daughter  Elizabeth,  (successively  Mrs.  S.  Chapman,  Mrs. 
Richardson  and  Mrs.  C.  B.  Fisher)  is  well  known  here  as  the 
pre-eminent  favorite  of  the  Park  Theatre  during  the  season 
of  1834-5.  His  daughter  Jane,  (Mrs.  Anderson)  and  his  sons, 
John  and  Thomas,  all  died  in  the  bloom  and  freshness  of 
youth  ere  the  promise  of  their  talent  was  fully  developed. 
His  son  Joseph  (who  married  Mrs.  Burke,  the  sweetest  uncul- 
tivated warbler  New  York  has  ever  known)  became  a  very 
excellent  actor  in  "old  men,"  and  died  in  Mobile  in  1842, 
also  leaving  a  son  of  the  same  name,  who  during  the  run"  of 
"The  American  Cousin"  in  1858,  in  the  character  of  Asa 
Trenchard  won  a  fame  that  has  carried  him  with  success  over 
nearly  every  corner  of  the  globe  where  the  English  language 
is  spoken.  Two  other  daughters,  Mrs.  Wright  (formerly  Mrs. 
Ingersoll)  and  Mrs.  McKenzie,  have  been  on  the  stage  with- 
out attracting  much  attention. 

Mrs.  Brett  was  the  mother  of  Mrs.  Hodgkinson,  and 
a  creditable  actress  of  old  women  and  coarse  chamber- 
maids. She  retired  from  the  stage  on  the  death  of  her 
daughters  in  1803. 

Mrs.  Tyler  added  to  the  numbers  rather  than  the  strength 
of  the  company,  but  was  occasionally  useful. 

These  performers  had  all  made  their  American  debut  at 
Boston,  when  the  old  American  company  occupied  the  Fed- 
eral Street  Theatre  there,  in  the  fall  of  1795. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


133 


Feb.  12th. 


Inkle  . 
Trudge  . 
Medium 
Yarico  . 
Narcissa 

and, 


Inkle  and  Yarico  ; 

Mr.  Tyler.  |    Sir  Christopher 

*'  Hodgkinson.  Wowski.  .  . 
"   Jounson.  Patty    .    .  . 

.  .  [her  first  appearance  in  New  York] 
.    .    [her  first  appearance  on  any  stage] 


Mr.  King. 

Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Brett. 
Miss  Broadhdrst. 

"   A.  Brett. 


The  Guardian. 


Heartly  Mr.  H ALLAH. 

Young  Clackett  ..."  Jefferson. 


Harriet 
Lucy 


Mrs.  Hallam. 
"  Brett. 


Miss  Broadhurst  came  to  America  with  WignelFs  great 
company  in  1794,  and  had  already  appeared  at  Annapolis  and 
Philadelphia.  Dunlap  represents  her  as  an  amiable  and 
genteel  young  lady,  with  science  and  fine  quality  of  voice  as 
a  musician,  but  neither  personal  beauty  nor  skill  as  an  actress 
to  recommend  her.  The  Thespian  Dictionary  says  that  "  she 
made  her  debut  at  Covent  Garden  as  Polly,  in  1791,  evincing 
that  artless  simplicity  which  is  the  charm  of  youth  ;  possess- 
ing a  good  figure,  pleasing  face,  and  a  voice  clear,  sweet  and 
of  great  compass,  and  that  she  married  and  settled  in  Amer- 
ica." 

Miss  Arabella  Brett  was  the  youngest  sister  of  Mrs.  Hodg- 
kinson, and  had  as  yet  scarcely  passed  beyond  the  bounds  of 
childhood.  As  a  singer  she  had  many  requisites  of  excel- 
lence, and  was  soon  an  acknowleged  favorite ;  as  an  actress 
she  was  rapidly  improving  when  she  was  seized  with  con- 
sumption and  hurried  to  an  early  grave  in  September,  1803, 
a  few  days  before  the  death  of  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

On  Saturday,  February  13th,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cleveland  made 
their  first  appearance  in  the  tragedy  of  "  Mahomet,"  in  the 
characters  of  Zaphna,  and  Palmyra.  Dunlap  says  they  were 
genteel  and  useful  performers,  young  and  handsome,  but  in 
talent  not  above  mediocrity.  They  were  in  New  York  but  a 
single  season. 

Feb.  15th,  The  Surrender  of  Calais  5 

Eustace  St.  Pierre 
La  Gloire  .  .  . 
O'Carrol    .    .  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Jefferson. 
"  Tyler. 


Queen  Philippa 
Julia 

Madelon     .  . 


Mrs.  Ttler. 
14  Johnson. 
"  Hodgkinson. 


and  The  Midnight  Hour. 

Marquis  Mr.  Tyler.  I     Julia  Mrs.  Cleveland. 

Sebastien  "   Jefferson.        I     Flora  "  Hodgkinson. 

Feb.  17th,  The  Earl  of  Eflex  j 

Queen  Elizabeth    .    .    [Her  first  appearance  this  season]     .    .    .    Mrs.  Melmoth. 

and  the  opera  of  Rofina. 

With  new  orchestral  accompaniments  by  Mr.  Pellesier. 

°elville  Mr.  Tyler.  I     Rosina  Miss  Broadhurst. 

S™c  "   Johnson.  Phoebe  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

wu,,am  "   Jefferson.  Dorcas   "  Brett. 


134 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


It  will  be  perceived  that  Mrs.  Hodgkinson  was  the  suc- 
cessor of  Mrs.  Pownall  in  some  of  her  most  favorite  characters. 

Monsieur  Victor  Pellesier,  who  arranged  much  of  the 
music  for  the  theatre,  was  a  performer  on  the  horn  in  the 
orchestra — a  short  old  gentleman,  and  so  near  sighted  as  to 
be  nearly  blind,  yet  apparently  always  cheerful  and  happy. 
He  composed  the  music  for  Dunlap's  opera  of  "Sterne's 
Maria,"  and  several  other  pieces. 

Feb.  19th,  I'll  Tell  You  What  ! 

Sir  Harry  Harmless  .    .    Mr.  Jefferson.        |     Mrs.  Euston.    .    .     .    Mrs.  Johnbon. 

and,  The  Children  in  the  Wood. 

The  Children  by  Miss  Harding  and  Master  Stockwell. 

Little  Stockwell  had  made  his  debut  the  previous  season 
during  the  latter  part  of  the  run  of  this  piece,  and  for  several 
years  after  was  kept  constantly  employed  in  the  most  promi- 
nent of  children's  characters.  He  will  perhaps  be  more 
memorable  as  the  stepfather  of  the  beautiful  Mrs.  George 
Barrett,  whose  mother  (Mrs.  Catherine  Henry)  he  married  in 
Boston  in  1810,  and  who,  in  the  days  of  her  girlhood,  was 
known  as  Miss  Stockwell. 

Feb.  22d,    By  particular  defire, 

The  School  for  Soldiers ;  or,  the  Deferter  ; 

Major  Bellamy     .    .    .    Mr.  Hodgkinson.  Frederick   Mr.  Woolls. 

Bellamy  "  Hallam.  Jr.  Hector   "  Johnson. 

Capt.  Valentine    ..."  Cleveland.  Mrs.  Mildmay     .    .    .  Mrs.  Ttler. 

Col.  Valentine     ..."  Prigmore.        |     Clara   "  Cleveland. 

The  Merry  Girl  ;  or,  the  Two  Philofophers  ; 

The  Philosophers  Messrs.  Durang  and  Jefferson. 

The  Merry  Girl    .    .    .    [Her  first  appearance  this  season]         .    .    Mad.  Gardie. 

and  The  Purfe. 

Feb.  24th,  never  performed  here,  Holcroft's  comedy  of 
The  Deferted  Daughter  ; 

Cheveril   Mr.  Hodgkinson.     i     Donald   Mr.  Johnson. 

Mordent   "   Ttler.  Lady  Ann     ....  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Item   "   Prigmore.  Joana   "  Johnson. 

Clement   "    Cleveland.  Sarsnet   "  Hodgkinson. 

Grime   "   Jefferson.  Mrs.  Enfield  ....  "  Brett. 

Lenox   "   King.  |     Betty   "  King. 

and  The  Agreeable  Surprife. 

Lingo  Mr.  Hodgkinson.     I     Mrs.  Chesshire  .    .    .    Mr.  Lee  ! 

Sir  Felix  Friendly    .    .     "  Johnson.  Laura  Miss  Broadhubst. 

Eugene  "  Ttler.  I     Cowslip  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

The  farce  was  changed  to  "  the  Padlock"  (Miss  Broadhurst 
being  indisposed),  with  Tyler  as  Leander,  and  Hallam  in  his 
ever  favorite  part  of  Mungo. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


135 


Feb.  26th.  "  Robin  Hood,"  with  Miss  Broadhurst  as  Angelica  ; 
and  "  The  Irish  Widow,"  with  Mrs.  Johnson  as  Mistress  Brady. 

Feb.  27th.  "  A  Bold  Stroke  for  a  Husband,"  with  Jefferson 
as  Don  Vincentio,  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson  as  Minette  [vice  Mrs. 
PowDall) ;  and  "  Don  Juan,"  with  Mad.  Gardie  as  Donna  Anna. 

Feb.  29th.  "The  Carmelite;"  and  "The  American  Captive;" 

(altered  from  "  The  Sultan ")  Roxalana,  Mrs.  Hodgkinson ; 

Ismena,  Miss  Broadhurst. 

March  3d,  performance  by  a  French  troupe. 

Pygmalion  ;  a  Lyric  Scene  of  J.  J.  RoufTeau  ; 

Pygmalion      ....    Mr.  Yal.  |      Galatee        ....    Mrs.  Yal. 

"  The  Two  Huntfmen  and  the  Milkmaid" — a  grand  comic 
pantomime  dance,  compofed  by  Mons.  Francifquy  and  executed 
by  Mellieurs  Francifquy,  Dubois,  Val  and  Madame  Val. 

And  the  "  Cooper,"  a  grand  pantomime  dance,  by  the  fame  ; 
concluding  with  a  Triple  Allemande  by  Madame  Gardie,  Mad- 
ame Val  and  Mons.  Francifquy. 

They  reappeared  on  several  occasions,  but  never  after  with- 

out  the  support  of  the  regular  company. 

March  14th,  firft  time  in  New  York,  Cumberland's  long- 
admired  comedy  of  The  Wheel  of  Fortune  ; 

Penruddock    ....    Mr.  Hodgkixsox.     j     Sydenham    ....  Mr  Tyler. 

Governor  Tempest    .    .     "    Prigmore.  Lawyer  Weazle  ...  "  Johxsox. 

Sir  David  Daw    .    .    .  Jeffersox.  Mrs.  Woodville  .    .    .  Mrs.  Tyler. 

Woodville  "   Kixg.  Emily  Tempest  ...  "  Johxsox. 

Henry  Woodville     .    .     "    Clevelaxd.  Dame  Dunckley .    .    .  "  Brett. 

with  The  Spoiled  Child. 

Hodgkinson  was  not  specially  adapted  to  the  character  of 
Penruddock,  but  a  few  years  later  Cooper  appeared  in  it  with 
unbounded  applause,  and  rendered  the  play  extremely  popu- 
lar.   Its  last  revival  was  at  Wallack's  in  1854. 

March  nth,  The  Young  Quaker  ;  and  No  Song,  No  Supper. 

Robin    .    .        ...    Mr.  Hodgkixsox.     I     Margaretta   .    .    .        Mrs.  Hodgkixsox. 

Endless  "   Jeffersox.  Dorothy  Miss  Broadhurst. 

Frederick  "    Tyler.  |     Nelly  Mrs.  Brett. 

March  14th,  The  School  for  Scandal  ;  and  The  Quaker. 

Steady  Mr.  Tyler.  |     Flor >;ita  Miss  Broadhurst. 

March  1 6th,  The  Deferter's  Daughter;  and,  firft  time  here, 
Dibdin's  burletta  of  Poor  Vulcan  ;  or,  Gods  upon  Earth. 

Yulcan   Alias  Crump,  the  Blacksmith    .    .    .  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Mars    Pike,  the  Sergeant  "  Kino. 

Mercury   "  Drug,  the  Apothecary      .    .  Mrs.  Munto. 

Adonia   i4   Joe,  the  Shepherd   Mr.  Jefferson. 

Apollo   "  Wiseman,  the  Attorney    ...      "  Duraxg. 

Bacchus   '*  Gauge,  the  Exciseman.    ..."  Lee. 

Jupiter   "  Stud,  the  Sportsman   ....     "  Tyler. 

Venus   "  Maudlin,  the  Landlady    .    .    .  Miss  Broadhurst. 

One  of  the  Graces    ...  11  Grace,  the  Barmaid     ....  Mrs.  HuDGKiNaON. 


136 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


March  1 8th,         Know  your  own  Mind. 


Millamour  .  .  . 
Dashwould  .  . 
Malvil  .... 
Sir  Harry  Lovewit 
Charles  .... 


Mr.  Hallam.  Lady  Bell. 

"   Hodgkinson.  Lady  Jane  . 

"    Cleveland.  Miss  Neville  . 

"    Tyler.  Mrs.  Bromley 

"   Jefferson.  Mad.  Larouge 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Val,  in  the  ballet  of  The  Cooper. 


Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 
Miss  Broadhurst. 
Mrs.  Cleveland. 

"  Brett. 
Mad.  Gardie. 


and  No  Song,  No  Supper. 

In  the  comedy  the  fascinating  Madame  Gardie  played  the 
amusing  but  odious  character  of  Madame  Larouge,  in  broken 
English. 

March  26th.  "  Jane  Shore,"  with  Mrs.  Johnson  as  the  heroine, 
and  Mrs.  Mel  moth  as  Alicia  ;  with  a  new  pastoral  pantomime, 
called  "  The  Whims  of  Galatea ;  or,  the  Power  of  Love ;"  with 
new  scenery  painted  by  Mr.  Jefferson. 


Damon   Mr.  Francisquy. 

Dorilas  "  Jefferson. 

Alexis  "  Durang. 

Strephon  "  Munto. 

Palemon  "  Leonard. 

Damaeteus  "  MoKnight. 


Cupid   Mast.  Stockwell. 

Sylvia   Mis.  Cleveland. 

Laura  "  Munto 

Phillida   "  Durang. 

Phillis   Miss  A.  Brett. 

Galatea   Mad.  Gardie. 


March  28th. 


Lord  William 
Edward 
Lewis    .  . 


and 


The  Haunted  Tower. 

Mr.  Tyler.  I     Lady  Elinor  ....  Miss  Broadhurst. 

"   Jefferson.  Adela   Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

"   Johnson.  Cecily   Miss  A.  Brett. 

The  Liar. 


Papillion  Mr.  Jefferson. 

March  30th,  nrft  time  in  New  York,  Column's  celebrated 
mufical  play  of  The  Mountaineers  ;  or,  Love  and  Madness  ; 


Count  Virolet 

Octavian 
Kilmallock 
Roque  . 
Lope  Tocho 
Ganem  .  . 


[his  first  appearance  on  the  stage] 


Hodgkinson. 
King. 
Johnson. 
Hallam. 
Cleveland. 


Bulchazin  Muley 
Sadi  .... 
Floranthe. 
Agnes  .... 
Zorayda  .    .  . 


Mr.  Hogg. 
.    Mr.  Tyler 

"  Jefferson. 
.    Mrs.  Cleveland. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  Johnson. 


and  The  Irifh  Widow. 

Hodgkinson  made  a  decided  impression  in  Octavian,  but 
the  most  applauded  portions  of  the  play  were  in  the  hands  of 
Jefferson  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson.  The  piece  was  popular  for 
many  years,  and  Octavian  long  a  favorite  character  with  Mr. 
Cooper,  but  the  elder  Booth  has  probably  excelled  in  it  every 
actor  known  to  the  American  stage.  It  has  not  of  late  years 
been  brought  forward. 

John  Hogg  who  made  his  debut  in  Virolet  was  so  unsuc- 
cessful that  he  did  not  again  appear  this  season.  He  gained 
but  little  favor  from  the,  audience,  until  several  years  later, 
when  he  made  his  mark  in  the  line  of  honest,  blunt,  bluff  old 
countrymen  and  other  comic  parts,  in  some  of  which  he  had 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


137 


points  of  rare  excellence.  He,  as  well  as  Mr.  Tyler,  was  at 
one  period  the  host  of  a  popular  place  of  resort  in  the  city, 
and  his  friends  delighted  to  designate  him  as  "  honest  old 
Hogg."    He  died  in  New  York,  February  14th,  1813,  aged  43. 

April  8th,  The  Mountaineers  ;  and,  for  the  firft  time  here, 
Garrick's  farce  entitled  Bon  Ton. 

Prologue    By  Mr.  IIallam. 

Sir  John  Trotly   .    .    .  Mr.  Priomore.             Davy   Mr.  Jefferson. 

Lord  Minikin  ....  "  Cleveland.  Lady  Minikin    .    .    .  Mrs.  Cleveland. 

Col.  Tivey   "  King.  Miss  Tittup  ....  "  Johnson. 

Jessamy   "  Hallam,  Jr.           Gimp   "  Munto. 


Popular  as  this  farce  was  for  many  years,  it  has  long  been 

totally  forgotten. 

April  nth,  The  Maid  of  the  Mill. 

Lord  Aiiuworth   .    .    .    Mr.  Tyler.  I     Lady  Sycamore  . 

Giles  "    Hodqkinson.  Fanny .... 

Fairfield  "   JOHNSON.  Patty  .... 

April  1 8th,  firft  time  on  any  ftage,  Dunlap's  (fo-called)  opera 
of  The  Archers  ;  or,  the  Mountaineers  of  Switzerland, — with 
original  mufic  by  Mr.  Carr. 


Mrs.  Brett. 

"  Hodqkinson. 
Miss  Broaduurst. 


William  Tell  . 
Walter  Furst  . 
Werner .  .  . 
Arnold  Melcthal 
Duke  Leopold  . 
Gesler  .  . 


Mr.  Hodqkinson. 
"  Johnson. 
"   Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Kinq. 
"  Cleveland. 


Lieutenant    .  . 
Conrad     .  . 
Tell's  Son     .  . 
Portia  (Tell's  Wife) 
Rodolpha .    .  . 
Cecily  .... 


Mr.  Jefferson. 

"  Hallam. 
Miss  Harding. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 
Miss  Broaduurst. 
Mrs.  Hodqkinson. 


The  new  play  which  was  not  without  merit,  was  very  favor- 
ably received  by  the  press  and  the  public. 

April  2ift,  Madame  VaPs  benefit.  Children  in  the  Wood 
and  a  new  ballet  pantomime,  called  Rural  Waggifh  Times. 

April  22d,  The  Archers, 
and  The  Critic. 

Puff  .... 

Sneer  .... 
Don  Ferolo     .  . 


.    .    .    .    Mr.  Hodqkinson.     I     Mrs.  Dangle  ....    Mrs.  Cleveland. 

.    .    .    .     "  Cleveland.  Tilberina   "  Hodqkinson. 

.    .    .    .     "  Jefferson.  CoDlidante    ....      "  Brf.tt. 

Italian  Singers        Mr.  Tyler,  Miss  Broaduurst  and  Miss  A.  Brett. 


April  25th,  Mrs.  Hallam's  benefit.    Romeo  and  Juliet ; 


Romeo  Mr.  Hodqkinson.  Peter  

Mercutio  "    Hallam.  Juliet 

Friar  I^wrence    ..."   Tyler.  Lady  Capulet 

Prince  "    Hallam,  Jr.  Nurse      .    .    .  . 

and                   Three  Weeks  After  Marriage. 

Sir  Charles  Rackett  .    .    Mr.  Hodqkinson.  I     Lady  Kackett    .  . 

Droggett    ......     "  Johnson.  |     Mrs.  Druggett    .  . 


Mr.  Jffferson. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Brett. 


Mrs.  IIallam. 

"  Brett. 


April  27th,         Mrs.  Cleveland's  benefit. 
The  Roman  Father  ;  and,  never  a£ted  here,  The  Sicilian  Ro- 
mance;— Cafts  not  given. 

May  4th,  Mifs  Broadhurft's  benefit.  The  School  for  Greybeards  ; 
and,  firft  time  here,  a  musical  romance,  entitled  The  Prifoner. 


Marcus  . 
Bernardo 
Pasqual . 


Mr.  Hodqkinson. 
M  Tyler. 
"  Kinq. 
"  Jefferson. 


Lewis   Mr.  Johnson. 

Clara   Miss  Broadhurst. 

Nina  "A.  Brett. 

Theresa   Mrs.  Munto. 


18 


138 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


May  6th,  Mrs.  Hodgkinfon's  benefit. 

Firft  time  in  New  York,  Reynolds'  comedy  of  Speculation. 


Tanjore  .  .  . 
Aid.  Arable.  . 
Capt.  Arable  . 
Jack  Arable  . 
Sir  Felix  Faintly 


Mr.  Hodqkinson. 
"  Prigmore. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Jefferson. 
M  Cleveland. 


Project  .  . 
Meanwell  .  . 
Lady  Project. 
Cecilia.  .  . 
Emmeline.  . 


Mr.  Johnson. 

'*  Liz. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Johnson. 


Mr.  Hodgkinson  sung  his  favorite  new  "  Bow-wow"  song. 

"Speculation"  lived  about  twenty  years,  and  will  probably 

never  be  raised  from  the  dead. 

May  9th,  Mrs.  Brett's  benefit.  Never  performed  here,  Rey- 
nolds' drama  of  Charlotte  and  Werter. 


Werter  Mr.  Hodqkinson. 

Sebastian  "  Cleveland. 

Albert  "  Hallam. 


Lenthrop  Mr.  Johnson. 

Charlotte  .....  Mrs.  Johnson. 
Laura  "  Munto. 


and  Slaves  in  Algiers. 

May  nth,  Mr.  Woolls'  benefit.  The  Mountaineers  ;  and, 
never  performed  here,  the  farce  of  Crochet  Lodge. 

May  1 8th,  Mr.  Tyler's  benefit.    Tancred  and  Sigifmonda  ; 


Tancred  Mr.  Hodqkinson.     I     Rodolpho  . 

Osmond  "  Tylee.  Sigismonda 

Sififredi  "  Cleveland.      I     Laura .  . 


Mr.  Kinq. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 
M  Tyleb. 


and  O'Hara's  farce  of  The  Two  Mifers. 


Gripe   Mr.  Hallam. 

Hunks  "  Johnson. 

Lively   "  Tyler. 

Osman  "  Jefferson. 


Ali .  .  . 
Mustapha. 
Harriet  . 
Jenny  .  . 


Mr.  Priqmorb. 

"  King. 
Miss  Broadhurst. 
44    A.  Brett. 


May  20th,  Mrs.  Johnfon's  benefit.  Firft  time  here,  Cumber- 
land's Comedy  of  Firft  Love  ;  or,  the  French  Emigrant ; 


Sir  Miles  Mowbray 
Frederick  Mowbray 
David  Mowbray  . 
Lord  Sensitive.  . 
Billy  Bustler  .  . 


Mr.  Johnson. 
"  Hodqkinson. 
"  Jefferson. 
"  Tyler. 
*'  Munto. 


Wrangle  .  . 
Lady  Ruby  . 
Sabina  Rosni 
Mrs.  Wrangle 
Kate     .  . 


Mr.  Cleveland. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 

"  Hodqkinson. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Brett. 


and,  Thomas  and  Sally. 

Tickets  as  ufual,  and  of  Mrs.  Johnfon,  No.  1,  South  Side  of 
Albany  Bafon. 

May  23d,  Mr.  Jefferfon's  benefit.  Speculation ;  and,  firft 
time,  Birch's  fine  drama  of 

The  Adopted  Child. 


Michael  .  . 
Sir  Bertrand 
Le  Sage.  . 
Record  .  . 


Mr.  Jefferson. 
"  King. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Johnson. 


Boy   Miss  Harding. 

Clara   Mrs.  Hodqkinson. 

Lucy   Miss  A.  Brett. 

Nell   Mrs.  Brett. 


May  25th.  Mrs.  Melmoth's  benefit.  Franklin's  tragedy  of 
The  Earl  of  Warwick.  Margaret  of  Anjou^  Mrs.  Melmoth. 
and  The  Poor  Soldier. 

May  30th.    Mr.  Hodgkinfon's  benefit. 

Much  Ado  About  Nothing. 


Benedict 
Don  Pedro 
Don  John 
Leonato  . 
Claudio  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Johnson. 
"  Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Cleveland. 


Dogberry     ....  Mr.  Hallam. 

Verges    "  Jefferson. 

Beatrice   Mrs.  Johnson. 

Hero   "  Cleveland. 

Ursula   "  Munto. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


139 


We  believe  this  is  the  first  record  that  we  have  of  the  per- 
formance of  this  charming  comedy  of  Shakspeare's. 

June  3d.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tyler's  benefit.  The  Child  of 
Nature ;  and,  firft  time  here,  O'Keefe's  farce  of  The  Son-in- 
Law.  Arionelli  (the  Singing  Mafter)  by  Mr.  Tyler, — a  character 
in  which  he  gained  great  applaufe,  and  which  he  retained  until 
his  death. 

June  8th,  Mr.  Cleveland's  benefit.    Love  Makes  a  Man  j 

Mr. 


Don  Lewis 
Don  Duart 
Carlos  . 
Clodio  . 
Charlno 


Mr.  Prigmore. 
"   Hallam,  Jr. 
"  hodgkinson. 
"  Cleveland. 
"  Johnson. 


Antonio  . 
Governor 
Sancho 
Angelina  , 
Louisa 


King. 
11  Tyler. 
44  Jefferson. 
Mrs.  Jounson 
"  Cleveland. 


and  a  new  national  pantomime,  The  Independence  of  America. 


President 
Governor 
Senator 
Officer  . 


Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Tyler. 
M  Cleveland. 
"  Jefferson. 


America   Mad.  Gardie. 

Britannia   Mrs.  Cleveland. 

Goddess  of  Liberty  .    .  "  Hallam. 

Old  Woman   ....  M.  Fkancisquy. 


June  13th.  Mr.  Johnfon's  benefit.  A  comedy  by  M.  P. 
Andrews,  called  Better  Late  than  Never  ;  and  The  Farmer. 

June  2 1  ft.  Benefit  of  MelTrs  Gill,  Vincent,  Handafy,  Munto, 
and  Mafter  Stockwell.  Shakfpeare's  comedy  of  As  You  Like  It ; 


Jacques   Mr.  Hodqkinson. 

Duke,  Sen   "  Tyler. 

Duke  Frederick  ...  "  King. 

Orlando   "  Cleveland. 

Touchstone     ....  "  Hallam. 


Labeau   Mr.  Jefferson. 

Adam   "  Johnson. 

Rosalind   Mrs.  Jounson. 

Celia   "  Cleveland. 

Audrey   "  Brett. 

Dancing,  by  Master  Stockwell  and  Master  Gabdie. 

and  The  Adopted  Child. 

June  25th.  Laft  night  of  the  feafon.  Benefit  of  Mifs  Ara- 
bella Brett  and  Mifs  Harding. 

Inkle  and  Yarico  ; 

and,  Catharine  and  Petruchio. 

Tetruchio  Mr.  Hodqkinson.     |    Catharine   Mrs.  Jounbon. 


CHAPTER  Xll. 


John  Street  Theatre,  A.  D.  1796-7. 


H  E  New  York  Theatre  was  re-opened  on  the  26th  of 
September,  1796.  An  addition  had  been  made  to  the 
managerial  firm,  which  now  consisted  of  Lewis  Hal- 
lam,  John  Hodgkinson  and  William  Dunlap.  Mrs.  Hallam 
had  been  withdrawn  from  the  company  in  consequence  of 
some  indiscretions  which  rendered  her  performance  disgust- 
ing to  the  public,  and  annoying  to  her  fellow  performers. 
Madame  Gardie,  Miss  Broadhurst,  Mr.  Prigmore,  and  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Cleveland  also  retired.  Mr.  King  was  attached  to  the 
Virginia  company,  and  died  in  October.  Sir  Richard  Crosby, 
who  had  played  under  the  designation  of  Mr.  Richards, 
returned  as  Mr.  Crosby;  Mr.  Martin  also  rejoined  the  com- 
pany, to  which  were  added  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Seymour,  Mr. 
McGrath  and  Mr.  J.  D.  Miller. 

An  Occasional  Address,  written  by  Mr.  Milne  and  spoken 
by  Mr.  Hodgkinson  on  the  opening  night,  preceded  the  comedy 
of  the  "Wonder,"  in  which  Mr.  Hodgkinson  played  Don 
Felix,  and  Mrs.  Johnson,  Violante.  The  farce  was  the  "  Poor 
Soldier,"  with  Hallam  as  Darby,  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson  as 
Kathleen. 

Colman's  play  called  the  "  Battle  of  Hexham,"  produced  on 
the  7th  of  October,  was  the  first  novelty.  It  was  received  with 
applause  and  continued  to  be  performed  for  several  years. 
Jefferson's  Gregory  Gubbin  was  a  masterpiece  in  its  way. 
The  cast  stood  thus  : 


Gondibert  . 
Barton  .  . 
Montague  . 
Somerset  . 
Lieutenant  . 
La  Varrenne 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Johnson. 
"  Crosby. 
"  Miller. 
"  Tyler. 
"    Hallam,  Jr. 


Fool  .... 
Gregory  Gubbin 
Prince  of  Wales 
Queen  Margaret 
Adeline 


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Jefferson. 
Miss  Harding. 
Mrs.  Melmotb. 

,k  Johnson. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


141 


Mr.  Miller,  a  native  of  New  York,  and  afterwards  a  wealthy 
grocer  and  an  alderman,  was  "a  good-looking  young  man" 
with  little  talent  for  the  stage,  on  which  he  remained  but 
two  or  three  years. 

On  the  14th,  Mrs.  Seymour  made  her  first  appearance  in 
America  as  Narcissa,  in  "  Inkle  and  Yarico."  Her  second 
character  was  Rosina,  and  her  third,  Molly  Maybush,  in  the 
"Farmer,"  on  the  20th  October,  when  her  husband  made 
his  first  appearance  as  Farmer  Blackberry.  Mrs.  Seymour  was 
an  illiterate  woman,  but  she  was  called  a  great  beauty,  and 
her  strong,  powerful  voice  found  many  admirers,  although 
it  lacked  sweetness  and  cultivation.  Besides  many  singing 
parts  she  afterwards  played  a  long  list  of  chambermaids  and 
rustic  characters.  Her  engagement  in  New  York  terminated 
in  1804,  but  she  played  for  many  years  afterwards  in  Phila- 
delphia and  New  Orleans  as  Mrs.  Bloxton.  Mr.  Seymour  was 
of  no  value  to  the  company. 

The  "  Grecian  Daughter"  was  played  on  the  24th,  with  the 
following  fine  can:  : 

Dyonisius  Mr.  Hodgkinson.    I     Phocion  Mr.  Tyler. 

Evander  "    Hallam.  Melanthos     ....     "  Crosby. 

Philotas  "   Martin.  I     Euphrasia    ....    Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Oct.  31st,  Mr.  Dunlap  produced  a  new  tragedy,  entitled 
"The  Mysterious  Monk," — afterwards  published  as  "Ribbe- 
mont ;  or,  The  Feudal  Baron."  It  proved  successful,  and  was 
repeated  occasionally  for  a  few  years. 

Ribbemont  Mr.  Hodgkinson.     I     Jacques        .  ■  .    .    .    Mr.  Johnson. 

Manuel  "    Tyler.  Francis  "  Mcnto. 

Theodore  "   Martin.  I     Countess  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

November  18th.  After  the  comedy  of  "  The  Young  Quaker," 
in  which  Hodgkinson  played  Young'  Sadboy ;  Hallam,  Clod ; 
Martin,  Spatterdash ;  and  Mrs.  Johnson,  Dinah  Primrose  ;  the 
farce  of  "My  Grandmother,"  by  Prince  Hoare,  was  per- 
formed for  the  first  time  here,  with  the  following  excellent 
cast: 

Vapour  Mr.  Hodgkinson.         Souffrance    ....    Mr.  Martin. 

Dicky  Gossip  ....     "   Jefferson.  Florella  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

8ir  Matthew  Medley  .    .     "   Johnson.  Charlotte  Miss  A.  Ubetx. 

Woodley  -   Tyler.  1 

The  popularity  of  this  farce  was  for  thirty  years  nearly 
unbounded.  Dicky  Gossip  was  among  the  most  favorite 
characters  of  Jellerson,  Twaits,  Hilson,  Barnes  and  Roberts, 


142 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


while  Vapour  was  equally  a  favorite  with  Hodgkinson,  Har- 
wood,  Simpson,  Moreland  and  Thayer. 

Dec.  19th.  For  the  firft  time  on  any  ftage,  a  mufical  drama 
by  Elihu  Hubbard  Smith,  entitled  Edwin  and  Angelina,  or  The 
Banditti  ->  the  Songs  partly  from  Goldfmith,  and  partly  original  ; 
mufic  by  Pellesier. 

Edwin  Mr.  Tyler.  I     Hugo  Mr.  Miller. 

Ethelbert  "    Martin.  Walter  "  Munto. 

Sifred  "    Hodgkinson.    |     Angelina  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

This  production,  which  the  Biographia  Dramatica  pro- 
nounces "  not  uninteresting,"  but  which  Dunlap  says  "  though 
like  its  author,  pure  and  energetic,  was  not  sufficiently  dra- 
matic in  its  structure,"  did  not  attain  popularity.  Doctor  E. 
H.  Smith  was  the  son  of  Doctor  Reuben  Smith,  of  Litchfield, 
Conn.,  and  born  there  in  1771.  He  was  distinguished  for  his 
private  virtues,  his  professional  skill,  and  his  literary  culture. 
In  connection  with  Docts.  Edward  Miller  and  Samuel  L. 
Mitchell,  he  established  and  edited  "The  Medical  Reposi- 
tory," a  work  of  eminent  scientific  ability.  He  fell  a  victim 
to  yellow  fever  in  New  York,  September,  1798.  Docts.  Smith, 
Miller  and  Mitchell,  with  Charles  Brockden  Brown,  Noah 
Webster,  James  Kent,  William  Johnson,  Richard  Alsop,  and 
the  Rev.  Samuel  Miller  were  the  friends  and  companions  of 
Dunlap,  and  his  literary  critics  and  advisers.  To  them  he 
submitted  his  dramatic  works  previous  to  their  performance. 

Dec.  30th.    Cobb's  opera,  called  the  "Siege  of  Belgrade 
mufic  by  Storace, — accompaniments  by  Pellefier, — was  pro- 
duced in  fine  ftyle,  with  new  drefles,  and  new  fcenery  painted  by 
Mr.  Jefferfon. 


The  Seraskier  ....  Mr.  Tyler. 

Count  Cohenberg .    .    .  "  Hodgkinson. 

Leopold   "  Jefferson. 

Peter   "  Munto. 

Usef   "  Johnson. 

Iamael   "  Seymour. 


Anselm  Mr.  Magrath. 

Michael  "  Miller. 

Lilla  Mrs.  Seymour. 

Catharine    .    .    .    .  ■   "  Hodgkinson. 

Fatima  "  Munto. 

Ghita  Miss  A.  Brett. 


This  opera  was  for  thirty  years  an  ever-attractive  per- 
formance. Its  last  representation  at  the  Park,  was  in  1840, 
with  Braham  as  the  Seraskier,  and  Mesdames  Bailey  and 

Maeder  as  Lilla  and  Catharine. 

January  6th,  never  performed  here,  Holcroft's  comedy,  en- 
titled The  Man  of  Ten  Thoufand  ! 


Dorrington 
Hairbrain . 
Herbert  . 
Curfew.  . 
Consol  .  . 
Lord  Laroon 


Mr.  Hodgkinson.     i     Major  Rampart .    .    .    Mr.  Crosby. 


Hallam. 
Jefferson. 
Johnson.' 
Tyler. 
Martin. 


Hudson  "    Hallam,  Jr. 

Sir  P.  Pitiful  ..."  Munto. 
Lady  Taunton  .    .    .     Mrs.  Tyler. 

Annabel  "  Seymour. 

Olivia  "  Johnson. 


RECORDS  OF  THK  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


143 


It  was  repeated  several  times  during  the  season,  and  for 
several  successive  seasons,  but  Las  now  slept  quietly  for  more 
than  forty  years. 

January  9th.    The  Rival  Queens,  with  Mefds.  Melmoth  and 
Johnfon ; — and,  firft  time,  a  farce  by  Dunlap,  called 
Tell  Truth  and  Shame  the  Devil  ! 

Semblance  Mr.  Johnson.  Tom  Holton.    .    .    .    Mr.  Jefferson. 

Whitely  "    Tyler.  Susan  Mrs.  Hodokinson. 

This  was  received  with  great  applause,  and  when  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Johnson  played  at  Covent  Garden,  was  brought  out 
there  for  the  lady's  benefit,  May  18th,  1790 — the  characters 
represented  by  Messrs.  Johnson,  Murray,  H.  Johnson  and  Mrs. 
Litchfield. 

January  16th.  Never  performed,  a  ferious  drama  by  John 
Blair  Linn,  a  popular  poet  of  the  day,  entitled  Bourville  Caftle. 
The  mufic  by  Carr,  harmonized  by  Pelleuer. 


Charles  Bourville    .    .  Mr.  Hodqkinson. 

Alfred  ......  "  Tyler. 

Guthrum   "  Crosby. 

Bernard   "  Johnson. 


James   Mr.  Jefferson. 

Strabo  "  Mdnto. 

Marcia.   Mrs.  Tyler. 

Julia   "  Hodqkinson. 


It  was  performed  on  the  25th,  for  the  third  time,  for  the 
author's  benefit.  Mr,  Linn,  we  think,  died  in  1804,  having 
been  for  some  years  pastor  of  a  church  in  Philadelphia. 

January  30th.  A  Mr.  Collins  made  his  first  appearance  in 
America  as  Killmallock  in  "The  Mountaineers."  He  subse- 
quently played  several  important  characters,  but  appears  not 
to  have  been  a  man  of  much  note.  His  real  name  was 
Phipps. 

February  ift,  first  time  here,  a  comedy  by  Mr.  Milne,  called 
The  Comet  ;  or,  He  would  be  a  Philofopher. 

Plotwell  Mr.  Hodgkinson.  i     Lady  Candour   .  Mrd.  Seymodb. 

Belmont  "   Tyler.  Emily  "  Johnson. 

Sir  Credulous  Testy  "   Johnson.  I    Fanny  M  Hodqkinson. 

Prologue  by  Mr.  Martin.  Epilogue  by  Mrs.  Johnson. 

This  piece  was  originally  played  at  the  Haymarket,  and 

was  afterwards  cut  down  to  a  farce,  and  in  America  became 

very  popular.  It  has  been  frequently  played  as  "  The  Eclipse." 

February  20th,  never  performed  in  America,  Holcroft's  comedy 
entitled  The  School  for  Arrogance. 


Count  Conolly  Villers  Mr.  IIodqkihson. 
Sir  I'aul  Peckham  "  Johnson. 

Sir  Samuel  Sheepy  .    .     "  Jefferson. 

McDermot  "  Crosby. 

Dorimont  ....  "  Tyler. 


Edmond  . 
Picard. 

Lady  Peckham 
Lucy  .    .  . 
Lydia      .  . 


Mr.   Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Martin. 
Mrs.  Mklmotii. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Seymour. 


The  comedy  was  favorably  received,  but  has  not  now  been 
heard  of  in  fifty  years. 


144 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


February  29th,    The  Faftiionable  Lover. 

Mortimer  .    .    .    .  .  .  Mr.  Hallam.  I  Tyrrel  .    ...    .    .    .    Mr.  Martin. 

Aubrey.    .....     "   Tyler.  |  Colin  McLeod    ..."  Hodgkinson. 

Bridgemore    ......     "   Johnson.  Augusta  Aubrey .    .    .    Mrs.  Johnson. 

Dr.  Druid  "   Crosby.  |  Mrs.  Bridgemore    .    .     "  Brett. 

On  this  occcasion  a  riot  occurred  in  the  Theatre,  caused  by 
the  surreptitious  appearance  of  Mrs.  Hallam,  who,  while 
Hodgkinson  was  on  the  stage  engaged  in  the  performance, 
stealthily  advanced  to  the  footlights  by  his  side,  and  ap- 
pealed to  the  audience  for  their  aid  and  protection,  charging 
upon  him  her  forced  retirement  from  the  boards.  Parties 
were  at  once  formed,  and  for  a  while  discord  reigned  su- 
preme. A  large  majority  of  the  audience,  however,  finally 
supported  Mr.  Hodgkinson's  view  of  the  subject,  Mr.  Hallam 
promised  again  to  withdraw  his  wife,  and  the  play  proceeded 
to  its  termination  with  applause.  The  next  night,  notwith- 
standing his  apparent  triumph,  Mr;  Hodgkinson  was  so  loudly 
hissed  (probably  by  the  emissaries  of  Hallam)  that  he  refused 
to  continue  the  performance,  and  declined  attending  to  his 
duties  either  as  actor  or  manager  for  the  remainder  of  the 
season. 

April  7th,  never  performed  here,  Morton's  capital  comedy  of 
The  Way  to  get  Married. — (Still  occalionally  played  with  great 
applaufe.) 


Tangent 
Capt.  Faulkner 
Toby  Allspice  . 
Dashall  .  .  . 
Caustic  .  .  . 
McQuery    .  . 


Mr.  Martin. 
"  Tyler 
"  Jefferson. 
"  Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Johnson. 
"  Crosby. 


Landlord  .... 
Solicitor  .  .  .  . 
Lady  Sorrell.  .  . 
Julia  Faulkner  . 
Clementina  Allspice 
Fanny  


Mr.  Munto. 

"      WOOLLS.  - 

Mrs.  Brett. 
"  Johnson. 
"  Seymour. 
"  Munto. 


The  Theatre  was  closed  during  Passion  Week,  re-opening 
on  Monday,  April  17th,  for  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Hodgkinson, 
with  a  new  farce  by  Mrs.  Inchbald,  called  Next-Door  Neigh- 


bors, cast  as  follows : 


Sir  George  Splendorville. 
Lord  Hazard   .    .    .  . 

Manly  

Blackman  

Mil  ford  

Bluntly  


Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Miller. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Johnson, 

"  Crosby. 

"  Jefferson. 


Henry   

Lucre  

Lady  Caroline  .  .  . 
Lady  Bridget  Squander 

Eleanor   

Evans  


Mr.  Martin. 

"  Munto. 
Mrs.  Seymour. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Brett. 


Mrs.  Hodgkinson  also  appeared  as  Priscilla  Tomboy  and 
Moggy  McGilipin. 

April  2 1  ft,  Mr.  Martin's  benefit.    The  Sufpicious  Hufband  ; 


Ranger  . 
Bellamy. 
Strictland 
Frankly . 
Tester 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Martin. 
"  Collins. 
"  Tyler.  , 
"  Johnson. 


Jack  Meggott 
Mrs.  Strictland 
Clarinda  .  . 
Jacintha  . 
Lucetta    .  . 


Mr.  Jefferson. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Munto. 

"  Brett. 


with  the  pantomime  of  Alonzo  and  Imogine. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


145 


April  24th,  Mrs.  Johnfon's  benefit. 

Firft  time  in  thirty  years,  Cymbeline ; 

I 


Cymbeline  . 
Posthumus 
Cloten  . 
Belariua 
Iachimo 


Mr. 


Collins. 
Hallam. 
Jeffekson. 
Ceosby. 
Tyler. 


Guiderus 
Pisanio 
Philario 
Queen  . 
Imogen 


Mr. 


Mrs 


Martin. 
Johnson. 
Hallam,  Jr. 
Tyler. 

Johnson. 


and,  firft  time  in  New  York,  Prince  Hoare's  admired  mufical 
farce  of  Lock  and  Key. 

Old  Brummagem.    .    .    Mr.  Johnson.  Ralph  Mr.  Jefferson. 

Capt.  Cheerly  .    ...     "    Tyler.  Laura.    .  )  p    uahl_  \  Mrs.  Seymour. 

Capt.  Vain  "    Martin.  !     Fanny     .  J  rr0DaDiy  j   «  Hodqkinson. 


April  25th,  Mrs.  Melmoth's  benefit.  The  School  for  Wives  ; 
and,  Ariadne  abandoned  by  Thefeus  in  the  Ifland  of  Naxos — a 
ferious  pantomime.    Mrs.  Bellville,  and  Ariadne  by  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

May  5th,  Mr.  Johnfon's  benefit.    King  Lear; 

Lear  Mr.  Hallam.  |     Cordelia  Mrs.  Johnson. 

Firft  time  in  New  York,  a  farce  by  the  Rev.  John  Rofe,  called 
A  Quarter  of  an  Hour  before  Dinner ; 


Mr.  Mcnto. 

Jefferson. 
Johnson. 


Level  Mr.  Tyler.  I     Col.  Modish 

Lord  Simper  ....     "   Hallam,  Jr.  Plainwell  .    .  '  .  . 

Sir  Wm.  "Wealthy     .    .     "   Collins.  John  .... 

Mrs.  Level  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

and,  Half  an  Hour  after  Supper,  with  the  following  performers, 
and  probably  caft  to  the  characters  that  we  have  afligned  them. 


Sturdy  .  . 
Bentley .  . 
Capt.  Berry 
Frank  .  . 


Mr. 


Johnson. 
Martin. 
Hallam,  Jr. 
Jefferson. 


Tabitha  . 
Eliza  .  . 
Susina 
Nanny 
Mrs.  Sturdy 


Mrs.  Brett. 
Miss  A.  Brett. 

"  Harding. 
Mrs.  Hodqkinson. 

"  Tyler. 


May  10th,  Mr.  Hodgkinfon's  benefit.  Never  performed  in 
America,  Reynolds's  comedy  called  Fortune's  Fool. 


Ap-Hazard. 
Sir  Bamber  Blackletter. 
Sir  Charles  Danvers. 
Tom  Seymour.    .    .  . 


Mr. 


Martin. 
Johnson. 
Hallam,  Jr. 
Jefferson. 


Orville 
Lady  Danvers 
Mrs.  Seymour 
Miss  Union  . 


Mr.  Mcnto. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 
"  Melmoth. 
"  Brett. 


and  Selima  and  Azor. 

Azor  Mr.  Tyler.  |    Selima  Mrs.  Hodqkinson. 

May  15th,  Mr.  Tyler's  benefit,  and  firft  performance  in  New 
York  of  O'Keefe's  comic  opera  of 


Fonta.'nbleau 

Sir  John  Bull 
Sir  Shenkin 
Lord  Winlove 
Henry  . 
Lackland  . 
Col.  Epaulette 


,  or,  John  Bull  in  Paris, — thus  cast : 

Mr.  Johnson.  Lapoche  Mr.  Martin. 

"   Jefferson.  Lady  Bull  Mrs.  Brett. 

"   Mcnto.  Miss  Dolly  Bull    ..."  Johnson. 

"   Tyler.  Kosa  "  Hodqkinson. 

"   Hallam.  Celia  "  Seymour. 

"   Hallam,  Jr.  Mrs.  Casey     ....     "  Melmoth. 


The  character  of  Sir  Shenkin  Ap  G-riffin  was  afterwards 

transformed  by  the  author  into  Squire  Tallyho. 

May  17th,  benefit  of  Mrs.  Brett  and  Mrs.  King. 
The  Siege  of  Belgrade  ;    and,  never  performed  in  America, 
O'Keefe's  farce,  called  the  Doldrum  ;  or,  1797  and  1804. 


Sir  Marmaduke 
Septimus  .  . 
Capt.  Septimus 
Capt.  Slash 
Gyp.    .    .  . 


Mr.  Johnson. 
Jefferson. 
Tyler. 
Collins. 
Martin. 


Flam  . 
Looby  .    .  . 
Mrs.  Auburn. 
Emmeline 
Jenny .  . 


Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Ml'NTO. 

Mrs.  Brett. 
44  Collins. 
44  King. 


19 


146 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mr.  Hodgkinson  re-appeared  on  the  22d,  as  Odavian,  for 
the  benefit  of  Miss  A.  Brett  and  Miss  Harding.  On  the  same 
occasion,  "  The  Tragedy  of  Tragedies,"  with  the  "  Life  and 
Death  of  Tom  Thumb  the  Great,"  was  revived. 

Tom  Thumb   ....    Mast.  Stockwell.  Glumdalca    ....    Mr.  Crosby. 

King  Arthur  ....    Mr.  Johnson.  Queen  Dollalolla    .    .    Mrs.  Seymour. 

Lord  Grizzle  ....     "    Jefferson.  Princess Huncamunca.    Miss  A.  Brett. 

May  29th.  Benefit  of  the  Box  Bookkeeper,  whose  name 
in  the  bills  was  now  spelled  Falconer.  Love  Makes  a  Man ; 
and  the  farce  of  The  First  Floor. 

Whimsey  Mr.  Johnson.  Furnish  Mr.  Crosby. 

Johnoy  Whimsey    .    .     "   Martin.  Charlotte    ....    Mrs.  Seymour. 

Tim  Tartlet    ....     "   Jefferson.  Mrs.  Pattipan  ..."  Brett. 

May  31st.    Benefit  of  Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 

The  School  for  Scandal.  Sir  Peter  Teazle,  Mr.  Hallam ;  Lady 
Teazle  Mrs.  Hallam ;  (her  first  appearance  this  season)  previous 
to  which  the  lady  addressed  the  audience  in  the  following 
prologue,  written  by  Mr.  Milne  : 

"  These  flattering  plaudits  cannot  fail  to  raise 
A  wish  to  merit  such  transcendent  praise  ; 
It  can  but  be  a  wish,  for  ah!  my  heart 
Knows  merit  could  not  claim  a  thousandth  part : 
But  like  the  lavish  hand  of  heaven,  you 
Give  largely  e'en  though  nothing  should  be  due. 
O'ercome  with  joy,  my  anxious  throbbing  heart, 
Disdaining  all  the  little  tricks  of  art, 
Conceals  those  feelings  in  a  grateful  breast 
Which  may  be  felt,  but  cannot  be  expressed. 
Time  has  now  swept  ten  rolling  years  away 
Since  flattering  plaudits  graced  my  first  essay  ; 
Young,  giddy,  rash,  ambitious  and  untaught 
You  still  caressed,  excusing  many  a  fault; 
With  friendly  hand  safe  led  me  through  the  way 
Where  lurking  error  watches  to  betray  : 
And  shall  I  such  advantages  forego 
With  my  consent?    I  frankly  answer,  No  : 
I  may  through  inadvertency  have  strayed 
But  who  by  folly  never  was  betrayed  ? 
If  e'er  my  judgment  played  the  foolish  part, 
I  acted  not  in  concert  with  my  heart. 
I  boldly  can  defy  the  world  to  say 
From  my  first  entree  to  the  present  day, 
Whate'er  my  errors,  numerous  or  few, 
I  ever  wanted  gratitude  to  you. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


147 


On  your  indulgence  still  I'll  rest  my  cause  ; 
Will  you  support  me  with  your  kind  applause  ? — 
You  verify  the  truth  of  Tope's  fine  line, 
'  To  err  is  human  ;  to  forgive,  divine  !'  " 

June  2d.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Munto's  benefit.  Never  performed 
here,  The  Bank  Note  ;  or,  a  Leflbn  for  Ladies  ;  and  a  farce  in 
which  Mrs.  Hallam  will  appear. 

June  5th.   First  time  in  New  York,  Colman's  comedy  of 

the  Spanish  Barber;  and  Two  Strings  to  Your  Bow.  The 

casts  are  not  found,  that  of  the  former  was  probably — 

Count  Almaviva  .    .    .    Mr.  Tyler.  I     Tallboy  Mr.  Jefferson. 

Doctor  Bartolo     ..."   Johnson.  Rosina  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Figaro  "  Martin. 

June  7th.  Never  performed,  a  drama  called  the  Man  of 
Fortitude,  purporting  to  have  been  written  by  Mr.  Hodgkin- 
son, but  which  Dunlap  claims  to  have  been  stolen  bodily 
from  a  manuscript  called  "The  Knight's  Adventure,"  left  by 
him  in  the  pretended  author's  hands,  with  additions  and  in- 
terpolations.   It  was  thus  cast : 

Sif  Bertrand  ....    Mr.  Hodgkinson.  Peasant  Mr.  Johnson. 

Carlos  "   Jefferson.  Spectre  "  Ttler. 

Sancho  "    Martin.  Traveller  "  Woolls. 

Bernard  "   Miller.  Captive  Mrs.  Johnson. 

and  The  Mogul  Tale. 

Great  Mogul  ....    Mr.  Ttler.  Johnny  Atkins  .    .    .    Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Doctor  "   Johnson.  Fanny  Atkins  .    .    .    Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

June  14th.    Laft  night  of  the  feafon.    Mrs.  Hallam's  benefit. 

"  Mrs.  Hallam  feels  a  confidence  that  the  public  patronage 
will  not  be  withheld  on  account  of  her  not  participating  in  the 
fatigues  of  the  feafon,  as  her  abfence  was  in  oppofition  to  her  in- 
clination, and  has  been  the  caufe  of  considerable  pecuniary  loss." 

Pieces  to  be  performed  not  advertised. 

Thus  ended  a  season  that  had  proved  a  constant  scene  of 
discord  and  crimination  between  the  two  older  managers, 
which  their  new  partner,  Dunlap,  in  vain  endeavored  to  pre- 
vent or  allay.  The  result  was  that  Mr.  Hallam  disposed  of 
his  interest  in  the  concern  to  Hodgkinson  and  Dunlap,  and 
remained  connected  therewith  only  as  a  salaried  actor,  his 
wife  by  agreement  being  also  engaged.  Mr.  Dunlap's  History 
gives  minute  details  of  these  events  as  they  transpired. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

John  Street  Theatre,  1797 — Solee's  Company — Greenwich  Street  Theatre— 
Wignell  and  Reinagle's  Company — Mrs.  Merry — Mr.  Cooper — Last  Perform- 
ance in  John  Street. 


HE  Old  American  Company,  during  the  summer 
and  fall  of  1797,  visited  Newport  and  Boston,  and  in 
return  their  territory  was  invaded  by  the  managers 
of  the  Philadelphia,  Boston,  and  Charleston  Theatres.  An 
advertisement  from  the  latter  was  thus  issued : 

"  The  inhabitants  of  the  City  of  New  York,  and  its  vicinity, 
are  refpeclfully  informed  that  a  company  of  comedians  engaged 
by  Mr.  Solee  of  the  City  Theatre,  Charlefton,  S.  C,  and  com- 
pofed  of  moft  of  the  principal  performers  of  the  Bofton  and 
Charlefton  Theatres,  are  arrived  in  town  on  their  way  to  Phila- 
delphia, and  having  permiflion  of  Meffrs.  Hodgkinfon  and  Dun- 
lap  to  open  the  Theatre,  John  St. ,  for  two  nights  only,  the  firft 
performance  will  be  this  evening,  Auguft  18th,  1797,  when  will 
be  prefented  the  comedy  of  The  Wonder  ! 


Don  Felix  . 
Col.  Britton. 
Don  Pedro  . 
Don  Lopez  . 
Frederick 


Mr.  Barrett. 

"  Williamson. 

"  Hughes. 

"  Crosby. 

"  Dowine. 


Liflardo 
Violante 
Ifabella 
Flora  . 
Inis  . 


Mr.  Jones. 
Mrs.  Barrett. 

"  Graupner. 

"  Jones. 

"  Hughes. 


with  the  farce  of 


The  Spoiled  Child. 


Little  Pickle 
Old  Pickle  . 
Tag  .  .  . 
John .  . 


Mrs.  Williamson. 
Mr.  Hughes. 

"  Jones. 

"  Dickson. 


Mifs  Pickle  .    .    .  Mrs.  Allen. 

Maria      ....  Mifs  Arnold. 

Sufan   Mrs.  Graupner. 

Margery  ....       "  Hughes. 


Being  the  first  appearance  of  all  in  New  York,  Mr.  Crosby 
alone  excepted. 

Mr.  Giles  Leonard  Barrett,  the  representative  of  Don  Felix, 
had  seen  his  best  days,  and  though  his  figure  was  still  fine, 
his  action  graceful  and  his  general  performance  respectable, 
his  face  was  inexpressive,  and  his  standing  below  that  of 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


149 


Hodgkinson,  and  of  the  new  stars,  Fennell  and  Cooper,  who 
were  soon  after  pitted  against  him.  He  made  his  American 
debut  at  Boston,  Dec.  28th,  1796,  as  Ranger,  in  the  "Sus- 
picious Husband,"  played  in  the  Park  Theatre  in  1798-9,  and 
last  appeared  here  at  a  summer  theatre,  in  Vauxhall  Garden, 
1808.  In  England  he  had  been  a  popular  leading  performer 
in  several  provincial  establishments.  He  died  at  Boston, 
where  he  had  been  a  great  favorite,  Nov.  18th,  1809,  aged  65 
years.  His  son,  Mr.  George  Barrett,  who  retired  from  our  stage 
in  1855,  will  be  remembered  as  one  of  our  very  best  light 
comedians. 

Mrs.  Barrett  (who  had  played  in  England  as  Mrs.  Rivers) 
was  a  skillful  and  accomplished  actress,  but  rather  beyond 
the  period  of  life  adapted  to  such  characters  as  Violante.  In 
tragedy  she  was  more  highly  esteemed.  Her  height  was  tow- 
ering, but  her  figure  was  well  proportioned  and  her  bearing 
majestic.  She  was  said  to  have  been  a  pupil  of  Macklin,  and 
made  her  debut  in  London  as  Portia.  She  commenced  her 
vocation  in  America  at  Boston,  as  Mrs.  Beverly,  in  the  "  Game- 
ster," January  2d,  1797.  She  was  at  the  Park,  in  1798,  and 
again  played  there,  in  "old  women,"  during  the  season  of 
1821-2.  She  was  engaged  for  the  latter  line  at  the  first 
opening  of  the  Bowery  Theatre,  in  1826,  but  had  then  too 
"  far  declined  into  the  vale  of  years  "  to  sustain  it  effectively, 
and  another  actress  was  substituted.  She  died  at  Boston 
in  1832. 

Mr.  J.  B.  Williamson  was  an  actor  of  considerable  ability 
having  held  a  leading  position  in  the  Haymarket  Theatre, 
London,  1783.  He  first  appeared  there  as  Hamlet,  and  made 
his  American  debut  as  Othello,  at  Boston,  1796.  He  played  in 
New  York  only  during  this  short  summer  season.  His  death 
occurred  at  Charleston,  S.  C,  March  28th,  1802.  His  wife 
(formerly  Miss  Fontenelle)  was  an  excellent  comic  actress  in 
romps  and  mischievous  boys.  She  was  the  original  Moggy 
McGilpin,  in  the  "Highland  Reel,"  in  which  character  she 
appeared  at  Covent  Garden  in  1788.  Her  American  debut  was 
at  Boston  in  1796,  and  her  final  exit  from  the  stage  of  life, 


150 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


at  Charleston,  S.  C,  Oct.  31st,  1799.  She  was  little  known 
in  New  York,  but  was  highly  praised  by  the  few  who  saw  her. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jones  had  first  appeared  in  Boston,  1794.  The 
gentleman  was  reputed  a  good  low  and  eccentric  comedian. 
He  also  died  at  Charleston  soon  after  his  arrival  there,  in  1797. 
His  wife  was  admired  in  Boston,  in  chambermaids  and  rustics. 

Mrs.  Graupner  (previously  Mrs.  Heelyer)  was  the  wife  of  a 
German  musician  in  the  orchestra.  She  was  a  favorite 
vocalist  and  walking  lady,  and  was  long  attached  to  the 
Boston  Theatre,  where  she  first  appeared  in  1794. 

Miss  Arnold  was  young  and  beautiful.  She  was  afterwards 
Mrs.  Poe,  and  mother  of  the  unhappy  poet,  Edgar  Allen  Poe. 
She  became  a  very  pleasing  comedienne  and  songstress,  and 
was  attached  to  the  Park  Theatre  in  1809. 

Mr.  Dickson,  or  as  his  name  commonly  appeared  in  the 
Boston  bills,  Dickinson,  never  became  familiarly  known  to 
New  Yorkers.  He  was  born  in  London,  1774, — made  his 
American  debut  at  Boston  as  Saville,  in  the  "  Belle's  Stratagem," 
1794, — became  afterwards  eminent  as  an  actor  of  comic  old 
men, — was  manager  of  the  Boston  Theatre  1806,  and  continued 
so  with  various  partners  for  many  years, — married  Miss  Har- 
rison, sister  of  the  more  celebrated  Mrs.  Powell,  of  the  Boston 
Theatre, — retired  from  the  stage  in  the  character  of  Cosey,  in 
"Town  and  Country,"  April  14th,  1817, — and  died  in  Boston, 
April  1st,  1853,  aged  79  years : — admired  as  an  actor,  approved 
as  a  manager,  and  respected  as  a  man. 

The  next  performance  by  the  new  company  was  on  the  20th 
of  August,  and  consisted  of  "  The  Mountaineers,"  and  "  The 
Spoiled  Child  f — the  tragedy  thus  cast : 

Octavian  Mr.  Barrett.  Bulchazin  Muley    .    .    Mr.  Crosby. 

Roque  "   Hughes.  Floranthe  Mrs.  Hughes. 

Kilmallock  "   Collins.  Agnes  "  Arnold. 

Lope  Tocho     ....     "   Villiers  Zorayda  "  Tubbs. 

Mr.  Villiers,  who  made  his  first  appearance  as  Lope  Tocho, 
was  a  native  of  England,  and  for  several  years  an  admired  low 
comedian  in  Boston,  where  he  first  played  in  America.  He 
married  the  youngest  Miss  Westray  (afterwards  Mrs.  T waits), 
and  died  about  1804. 

The  third  performance  was  advertised  for  the  22d,  but 


ROGER  KEMBLE 

From  an  original  painting  owned  by  Mrs.  Siddons 
(Father  of  Mrs.  Siddons  and  John  Philip  Kemble) 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


151 


postponed  to  the  24th,  when  "The  Gamester"  was  thus 
performed : 

Beverly  Mr.  Barrett.  i  Bates  Mr.  Clocgh. 

Stukely  "    Collins.  Mrs.  Beverly     .    .    .    Mrs.  Barrett. 

Lewson  "   Downie.  Charlotte  "  Jones. 

with  The  Romp. 

Priscilla  Tomboy  Mrs.  Williamson. 

Mrs.  Barrett  made  a  powerful  impression  in  Mrs.  Beverly, 
and  Mrs.  Williamson's  "  Romp  "  was  warmly  applauded  by  an 
audience  familiar  with  Mrs.  Hodgkinson's  merit  in  the  same 
part. 

On  the  30th,  Mrs.  Whitelock  made  her  first  appearance  in 
New  York,  as  Isabella,  in  "  The  Fatal  Marriage." 

Mrs.  Elizabeth  Whitelock  was  one  of  the  many  children  of 


Roger  Keinble,  and  of  course  sister  to  the  matchless  Mrs.  Sid- 
dons,  whom  she  closely  resembled,  and  in  many  parts  is  said 
to  have  closely  imitated.  She  was  born  in  1761,  and  in  early 
life  apprenticed  to  a  mantua-maker.  Her  sister's  great  success 
induced  her  to  attempt  the  stage,  and  having  played  at 
various  provincial  theatres,  she  was  engaged  at  Drury  Lane, 
in  1783,  where  she  remained  until  her  marriage  with  Mr. 


Charles  E.  Whitelock,  in  whose  theatre  at  Newcastle  she  was 
afterwards  leading  actress.  In  1791,  she  became  a  favorite  at 
the  Haymarket,  London,  and  in  1794,  being  one  of  Wignell's 
engagements  for  Philadelphia,  made  her  first  appearance  in 
America  at  that  city,  as  Isabella.  In  1800,  she  played  again 
in  London,  and  was  afterwards  at  Boston,  whence  she  came 
to  New  York  in  1802  as  the  leading  lady  at  the  Park  Theatre, 
where,  though  really  a  fine  actress,  she  never  superseded  Mrs. 
Melmoth,  Mrs.  Johnson,  or  Mrs.  Merry  in  the  favor  of  the 
public.  Mrs.  Whitelock's  person  was  large  and  heavy,  and 
bore,  as  did  her  countenance  and  voice,  a  marked  resemblance 
to  the  house  of  Kemble.  She  visited  America  again  in  1812, 
and  played  in  Boston,  a  city  that  had  always  held  her  in  the 
highest  estimation.  She  is  represented  to  have  borne  an 
exemplary  character,  and  to  have  graced  society  as  well  as  the 
stage.  She  died  in  1835,  at  the  age  of  74,  in  her  native  land, 
where  she  had  lived  for  many  years  in  comfortable  retirement. 
Mr.  Whitelock  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York, 


152 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


September  2d  (postponed  from  September  1st),  as  Sir  Oliver 
Surface,  in  "  The  School  for  Scandal,"  to  the  Joseph  of  Mr.  Wil- 
liamson, the  Charles  of  Mr.  Barrett,  and  the  Lady  Teazle  of 
Mrs.  Barrett.  Mr.  Whitelock,  a  most  excellent  actor  in  serious 
fathers  and  Irish  characters,  was  well  known  in  England, 
where,  many  years  before,  he  had  had  the  management  of 
several  provincial  theatres,  in  connection  with  the  celebrated 
Munden.  He  made  his  American  debut  at  Philadelphia,  with 
Wignell's  company,  took  the  management  of  the  Boston 
Theatre  in  1800,  which  proved  an  unfortunate  speculation, 
made  his  first  appearance  at  the  Park  Theatre,  as  Major 
O  Flaherty,  in  "The  West  Indian,"  October  27th,  1802, and  was 
last  in  America  in  1812.  He  returned  with  his  wife  to 
England  and  died  there. 

Sept.  5th,  The  Roman  Father  ; 


Horatius   Mr.  Whitelock. 

Publius ......  "  Barrett. 

Valerius  "  Downie. 

Tullus  Hostilius  ...     "  Crosby. 


Ventidius   Mr.  Collins. 

Volcinius   "  Sully. 

Horatia   Mrs.  Whitelock. 

Valeria   "  Hughes. 


with  The  Highland  Reel. 

Moggy  McGilpin  Mrs.  Williamson. 

The  name  of  Sully  is  first  noticed  in  the  above.  Its  pro 
prietor,  Matthew  Sully,  was  a  very  popular  comedian  of 
Charleston,  S.  C,  who  appeared  at  the  Park,  June,  1806,  and 
died  at  Augusta,  Ga.,  April,  1812. 

Sept.  8th,  by  permiffion  of  the  author,  John  D.  Burke,  a 
drama  performed  with  great  applaufe  in  Bofton,  entitled 

Bunker  Hill ;  or,  the  Death  of  General  Warren. 


Gen.  Warren 
Lord  Percy 
Abercrombie 
Gen.  Prescott 
Gen.  Putnam 


Mr.  Barrett. 

"  Whitelock. 

"  Williamson. 

"  Downie. 

"  Hughes. 


Sir  Wm.  Howe  .    .    .  Mr.  Sully. 

Harman  "  Clough. 

American  Grenadier  .     "  Crosby. 

Elvira   Mrs.  Barrett. 

Anna  "  Hughes. 


The  success  of  the  play,  though  not  at  all  equal  to  the 
author's  expectations,  was  more  than  commensurate  with  its 
deserts.  Mr.  Burke  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  lately  arrived  in 
America.  He  published  a  History  of  Virginia,  and  was  the 
author  of  three  dramas,  "Bunker  Hill,"  "Bethlem  Gabor," 
and  "  Joan  of  Arc."  He  was  killed  in  a  duel  with  Coquebert, 
a  Frenchman,  in  1808.  - 

Sept.  13th.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barrett  were  announced  as  Mr. 


RECORDS  OP  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


153 


and  Mrs.  Oakley ;  and  Mr.  Jones  as  Barnaby  Brittle,  in  the 
farce  of  that  name. 

Sept.  16th.  Morton's  play  of  "Columbus,  or  a  World  Dis- 
covered," was  announced  with  new  scenery  painted  expressly 
for  the  occasion.    Cast  not  found. 

Sept.  21st.  "A  young  gentleman  "  made  his  first  appearance 
as  Douglas,  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Whitelock  as  Old  Norval  and 
Lady  Randolph;  and  Mrs.  Williamson  as  Roxalana,  in  "The 
Sultan." 

Oct.  2d.  Ticket  night.  "Jane  Shore."  Jane  Shore\n& 
Alicia,  by  two  young  ladies,  their  first  appearance  on  the 
stage.    Repeated  on  the  7th. 

Oct.  17th.  Announced  as  positively  the  last  night,  with  the 
attendance  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  (John 
Adams)  and  one  fourth  of  the  net  proceeds  for  the  poor 
sufferers  in  Philadelphia,  (by  yellow  fever) — the  entertain- 
ments to  consist  of  "  Bunker  Hill,"  the  song  of  "  Jacob  Gawky's 
Rambles,"  by  Mr.  Jones,  and  "  The  Sultan." 

The  season  (which  lasted  much  longer  than  the  two  nights 
originally  engaged  for)  had  been  a  most  unprosperous  one, 
attributable  not  only  to  bad  management  (Mr.  Solee  being  a 
Frenchman,  almost  unacquainted  with  the  English  tongue) 
but  to  the  presence  of  an  opposition  company  under  the 
direction  of  Wignell  and  Reinagle  of  Philadelphia,  who  occu- 
pied Ricketts'  Circus,  in  the  lower  part  of  Greenwich  Street, 
which  had  been  fitted  up  for  a  summer  theatre,  and  where  a 
combined  excellence  of  acting  was  exhibited,  superior  to  any 
before  seen  in  New  York. 

The  opening  of  the  latter  establishment  was  announced  as 
follows : 

New  Theatre — Greenwich  Street. 

Managers  ....    Wignell  and  Reinagle. 

The  public  are  refpe&fully  informed  that  the  entertainments 
of  the  Theatre  in  Greenwich  Street  will  commence  on  Monday, 
Auguft  2ift,  1797,  with  an 

Occafional  Addrefs    ...    By  Mr.  Wignell. 

After  which,  Otway's  tragedy  of 

20 


154  records  of  the  new  york  stage. 

Venice  Preserved. 


Pierre     ....    Mr.  Cooper. 
Jaffier     ....      "  Moreton. 


Priuli  ....    Mr.  Warren. 
Bedamar  ...      "  L'Estrange. 
Belvidera  .    .    .    Mrs.  Merry. 


Father  Luke  .    .    Mr.  Doctor. 
Kathleen's  Mother    "  Mitchell. 
Kathleen  .    .    .    Mrs.  Byrne. 


Duke  "  Warrell. 

A  grand  pantomimic  ballet,  entitled 
Dermot  and  Kathleen. 

Dermot  ....    Mr.  Byrne. 
Patrick   ....      "    Warrell,  Jr. 
Darby      ....       "  Blissett. 

and  the  farce  of  Who's  the  Dupe  ? 

Gradus    ....    Mr.  Harwood.  |      Old  Doiley    .     .    Mr.  Warren. 

The  opening  was  postponed  until  the  23d,  when  all  of  the 
above  performers  (Wignell  excepted)  made  their  first  saluta- 
tions to  a  New  York  audience.  Mrs.  Merry,  as  the  most  dis- 
tinguished, deserves  our  first  notice. 

This  lady,  better  known  to  fame  in  England  as  Miss  Brun- 
ton,  was  the  eldest  daughter  of  Mr.  John  Brunton,  manager 
of  the  Norwich  Theatre,  and  was  born  May  30th,  1769.  Her 
father  had  no  intention  of  preparing  her  for  the  stage,  and 
she  had  seldom  visited  the  theatre ;  but  accidentally  dis- 
covering that  she  was  letter  perfect  in  several  characters,  he 
was  induced  to  bring  her  forward  on  his  benefit  night  at 
Bath,  where,  in  February,  1785,  she  made  her  first  theatrical 
attempt  in  "  The  Grecian  Daughter."  She  was  received  with 
astonishment  and  rapture,  and  repeatedly  performed  the  char- 
acter, as  well  as  Horatia  in  "  The  Roman  Father,"  and  Pal- 
mira in  "  Mahomet,"  to  crowded  and  admiring  houses.  The 
report  of  her  triumphs  soon  reached  London,  and  she  was 
immediately  engaged  by  Mr.  Harris,  and  on  the  17th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1785,  first  appeared  at  Covent  Garden  as  Horatia,  intro- 
duced by  a  prologue  from  the  pen  of  Arthur  Murphy,  spoken 
by  Mr.  Holman.  Her  success  there  was  even  greater  than  at 
Bath — learning  poured  forth  her  praise  in  deep  and  erudite 
criticism,  poetry  lavished  its  sparkling  encomiums,  and  per- 
sonal anecdote,  bon  mots  and  epigrams  filled  every  magazine. 
The  reputation  thus  quickly  acquired  she  firmly  retained, 
and  continued  in  the  highest  favor  until  her  retirement  in 
1792,  on  her  marriage  with  Mr.  Robert  Merry. 

This  gentleman,  well  known  to  the  literary  world  as  the 


RKCORDS  OF  THK   NEW  YORK   STAGE.  '  155 

author  of  the  Delia  Crusca  poetry,  had  a  fine  face  and  person, 
and  united  to  a  naturally  brilliant  genius  and  amiable  dispo- 
position,  elegant  manners  and  a  superior  education.  Al- 
though his  pecuniary  affairs  were  at  a  low  ebb,  he  being  a 
bon  vivant  and  addicted  to  all  the  extravagances  of  high  life, 
the  pride  of  his  family  forced  him  to  withdraw  his  wife  from 
the  stage,  but  poverty  afterward  staring  them  in  the  face,  the 
offer  of  high  terms  induced  them  to  visit  America,  and  in  the 
character  of  Juliet,  on  the  Philadelphia  stage,  December  5th, 
1796,  Mrs.  Merry  was  first  presented  to  the  Western  hem- 
isphere. Mr.  Merry  dying  suddenly  in  1798,  she  married,  on 
the  first  of  January,  1803,  Mr.  Wignell,  who  survived  the 
union  only  seven  weeks.  Surrounded  with  admirers  and 
llattered  by  all  who  knew  her,  she  once  more,  on  the  15th  of 
August,  1806,  entered  the  matrimonial  state  with  Mr.  Warren, 
of  Philadelphia.  For  nearly  two  years  nothing  occurred  to 
mar  the  felicity  of  this  match,  when,  contrary  to  any  antece- 
dent prognostic,  she  was  seized  in  her  confinement  with  epi- 
leptic fits,  which  terminated  her  existence  on  the  28th  of  June, 
1808,  at  Alexandria,  Va.  Mrs.  Merry  played  several  engage- 
ments at  the  Park  Theatre,  which  will  be  noticed  in  their 
order.  Her  person  was  rather  under  size,  but  her  figure  was 
elegant,  and  her  action  and  deportment  graceful  and  easy. 
Without  possessing  great  beauty  of  countenance,  she  had 
highly  expressive  features,  and,  with  a  fine,  clear  articulation, 
her  sweetness  of  voice  struck  every  ear  like  a  charm.  Entirely 
devoid  of  stage  rant,  she  read  with  perfect  ease  and  freedom, 
laying  her  accent  and  emphasis  naturally,  and  with  critical 
correctness.  In  America  she  has  since  been  equaled  in  pathos 
by  Mrs.  Duff,  and  surpassed  in  sublimity  by  Fanny  Kemble,  but 
excepting  these  two,  every  tragic  actress  seen  here  would  suffer 
by  comparison  with  this  highly  gifted  woman.  Other  mem- 
bers of  the  Brunton  family  became  distinguished  as  European 
performers — Mrs.  Merry's  brother  occupied  a  respectable  posi- 
tion for  many  years,  and  her  sister,  who  married  the  Earl  of 
Craven,  and  her  niece,  famous  as  Mrs.  Frederick  Yates,  were 
prominent  favorites  in  the  British  metropolis. 


156 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Thomas  Abthorp  Cooper  next  deserves  our  attention.  He 
was  horn  in  1776,  his  father  being  an  Irish  gentleman,  who 
died  in  the  service  of  the  East  India  Company  while  our 
hero  was  still  a  child.  Intrusted  to  the  guardianship  of 
William  Godwin,  young  Cooper  acquired,  under  his  supervi- 
sion, a  superior  classical  education.  His  attention  being 
turned  to  the  stage,  Holcroft  became  his  dramatic  preceptor, 
and  his  first  essay  in  public  was  made  in  Edinburgh,  at  the  age 
of  seventeen,  as  Malcolm,  in  "Macbeth,"  resulting  however, 
in  an  entire  failure.  In  nowise  disheartened,  he  pursued  his 
studies  with  renewed  vigor,  and  before  he  was  nineteen  had 
passed  the  ordeal  of  a  London  audience,  in  the  characters  of 
Hamlet  and  Macbeth,  with  triumphant  success.  His  first  ap- 
pearance on  the  American  stage  was  at  Philadelphia,  Decem- 
ber 9th,  1796,  as  Macbeth,  and  his  first  appearance  at  the  Park 
Theatre,  New  York,  where  for  many  years  admiration  for  his 
talents  knew  no  bounds,  occurred  on  the  28th,  of  February, 
1798,  in  the  part  of  Hamlet.  With  a  handsome  face  and 
noble  person,  a  fine  mellow  voice,  unusual  dignity  of  manner 
and  grace  of  action,  and  in  his  declamation  most  forcible  and 
eloquent,  as  a  tragedian  he  was  without  a  rival. 

In  1806,  he  became  manager  of  the  Park  Theatre,  and 
afterward  associated  with  him  Mr.  Stephen  Price,  with  whom 
he  continued  several  years,  till  he  resigned  management  for 
the  more  profitable  career  of  starring.  His  first  wife,  formerly 
Mrs.  Upton,  a  daughter  of  David  Johnson,  Esq.,  of  New  York, 
died  in  1808,  and  by  his  marriage,  in  1812,  with  the  most 
beautiful  and  brilliant  belle  of  the  city,  (the  Sophy  Sparkle  of 
Irving's  Salmagundi)  Miss  Mary  Fairlie,  daughter  of  the 
celebrated  wit,  Major  James  Fairlie,  and  grand-daughter  of 
Gov.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Cooper  became  allied  to  some  of  the 
most  eminent  families  of  the  State,  and  his  society  was 
eagerly  courted  by  all  who  made  pretensions  to  taste  or 
fashion. 

'  For  thirty  years  Mr.  Cooper  was  the  paramount  favorite  of 
the  public,  successfully  resisting  the  encroachments  of  all 
rivalry,  even  Cooke's  visit  leaving  his  professional  repute  un- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


157 


affected ;  but  the  subsequent  appearance  of  Kean,  Booth  and 
Macready,  and  the  discovery  of  his  many  faulty  readings, 
threw  him  into  comparative  neglect  and  into  a  line  of  char- 
acters in  which  he  was  ultimately  superseded  by  younger 
and  fresher  actors. 

Notwithstanding  the  accumulation  of  a  large  fortune  in 
the  exercise  of  his  profession,  his  extravagant  style  of  living, 
and  fondness  for  the  gaming  as  well  as  the  dinner  table, 
finally  reduced  him  to  comparative  poverty,  and  a  benefit  for 
his  family,  under  the  patronage  of  influential  individuals,  was 
given  in  almost  every  city  in  the  Union.  An  entertainment 
for  this  purpose  took  place  at  the  Bowery  Theatre,  November 
7th,  1833,  which  yielded  a  gross  amount  of  $4,500,  the  largest 
sum  then  ever  received  for  a  single  night's  performance  at 
any  theatre  in  America.  His  last  appearance  on  the  Park 
stage,  the  scene  of  his  greatest  triumphs,  was  for  the  benefit 
of  Mr.  Barry,  January  29th,  1833,  when  he  played  Iago  to 
Mr.  Forrest's  Othello,  Mr.  Barry  personating  Cassio,  Mr.  Clarke 
Brabantio,  Mr.  Placide  Roderigo,  Miss  Clara  Fisher  (now  Mrs. 
Maeder)  Desdemona,  and  Mrs.  Sharpe  Emilia,  a  combination 
of  excellence  that  has  never  been  surpassed  in  America.  Mr. 
Cooper  appeared  for  the  last  time  in  New  York  at  the 
Bowery,  in  the  character  of  Marc  Antony,  November  24th, 
1835,  though  he  afterward  played  repeatedly  at  the  South. 
His  daughter's  marriage  with  the  son  of  President  Tyler  gave 
him  a  claim  on  the  liberality  of  that  gentleman,  who  ulti- 
mately provided  him  with  a  situation  in  the  Custom  House 
of  New  York. 

A  portly  old  gentleman,  with  rubicund  face  and  silvery 
hair,  clothed  in  summer  in  an  entire  suit  of  white,  with  an 
eye-glass  hanging  jauntily  from  his  neck,  and  a  certain  inde- 
scribable air  of  high  breeding  about  him,  was  for  several 
years,  frequently  observed  in  the  neighborhood  of  Wall  Street, 
by  many  who  little  imagined  that  in  his  person  was  once  con- 
centrated all  the  matchless  elegance  of  the  tragedian  Cooper. 

He  died  at  his  country  residence,  Bristol,  Pennsylvania, 
April  21st,  1849,  aged  nearly  73  years. 


158  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

Mr.  Moreton,  whose  real  name  was  Pollard,  was  a  native  of 
America.  He  had  resided  in  England,  and  in  India,  where 
he  was  assistant  cashier  of  the  Calcutta  Bank.  An  impru- 
dence not  reflecting  on  his  moral  character  lost  him  his  situ- 
ation, and  returning  to  England,  he  was  engaged  by  Wignell, 
and  made  his  first  appearance  on  the  stage  at  Annapolis,  in 
1793.  In  a  short  time  his  early  good  breeding  and  close 
study  made  him  the  first  high  comedian  in  America.  Mr. 
W.  B.  Wood,  who  was  familiar  both  with  the  English  and 
American  stage,  pronounced  him  the  best  actor  of  easy 
comedy  he  had  ever  seen — Lewis,  the  prince  of  Vapids,  alone 
excepted.  In  youthful  tragedy,  previous  to  the  arrival  of 
Cooper,  he  was  also  unapproached.  This  was  his  only  visit 
to  New  York,  his  theatrical  career  being  a  brief  one.  He 
died  of  consumption  at  Philadelphia,  April  2d,  1798,  while 
still  a  young  man. 

Mr.  William  Warren  was  the  next  most  valuable  member 
of  the  company,  and  the  best  actor  of  old  men  that  our  West- 
ern world  had  then  seen.  He  was  born  in  the  city  of  Bath, 
England,  in  1767.  His  father  was  a  cabinet-maker,  and  in- 
tended him  for  the  same  trade,  but  disliking  the  business,  he 
joined  a  strolling  company,  and  at  the  age  of  seventeen  made 
his  debut  as  Young  Norval.  After  many  vicissitudes,  he 
finally  became  an  esteemed  member  of  the  York  company, 
under  Tate  Wilkinson,  in  1788,  remaining  there  till  he  was 
engaged,  in  1796,  for  Philadelphia,  where  he  first  appeared 
as  Friar  Lawrence,  and  Bundle  in  "  The  Waterman."  In  con- 
nection with  Mr.  Wood  and  others,  he  was  long  a  manager  of 
the  Philadelphia  Theatre,  having,  in  1806,  married  the  widow 
of  Wignell,  whom  we  have  alluded  to  as  Mrs.  Merry.  After 
a  long  career  of  prosperity,  his  latter  days  were  clouded  by 
misfortune,  and  he  retired  from  the  management  of  the 
Chestnut  Street  Theatre,  on  the  31st,  of  December,  1829.  In 
November,  1831,  he  played  an  engagement  at  that  establish- 
ment, making  his  last  appearance  on  the  stage  as  Sir  Robert 
Bramble,  on  the  25th,  of  that  month,  giving  melancholy  evi-  j 
dences  of  decay,  both  mental  and  physical.    He  died  at  Bal- 

H 


WILLIAM   WAR  REM   AS    "llERR  WEIGF.L. 


WILLIAM    WARREN    AS    "  J EF PERSON    SCATTERING  HATKINS." 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


159 


timore,  October  19th,  1832,  aged  66  years,  surviving  his  old 
friend  and  partner,  Jefferson,  but  a  few  weeks. 

A  distinguished  critic,  in  1812,  remarked  of  him,  that  "he 
was  the  only  stock  actor  in  America  who  would  be  able  to 
maintain  in  any  theatre  in  Britain  the  same  rank  that  he 
held  here."  His  private  character  as  son,  brother,  husband, 
father  and  friend,  was  such  as  to  command  universal  esteem. 
His  children,  who  have  attempted  the  stage  with  success, 
were  Hester,  (subsequently  Mrs.  Willis  and  Mrs.  Proctor,  now 
deceased)  Annie,  (Mrs.  D.  Marble)  Mary  Ann,  (Mrs.  J.  B. 
Rice)  and  a  son,  William  Warren,  Jr.,  the  long  popular  come- 
dian at  Boston. 

In  the  ballet,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Oscar  Byrne  were  the  most  dis- 
tinguished dancers  yet  seen  in  America,  and  had  been  em- 
inent on  the  boards  of  Coveut  Garden,  where  the  former  had 
made  his  debut  in  1786.  They  were  not  appreciated  in 
America,  and  soon  after  returned  to  England,  where  Mr. 
Byrne  died  in  1842,  at  the  age  of  75.  Beyond  the  character 
of  the  profession  in  which  they  were  engaged,  there  was 
nothing  in  their  course  of  life  to  distinguish  them  from  the 
most  respectable  and  worthy  members  of  the  commuuity. 

Mr.  Blissett  was  one  of  the  best  of  actors  in  a  small  part,  or 
French  character,  and  was  also  one  of  Wignell's  original  en- 
gagements. As  Dr.  Cains,  Dr.  Dablancoeur,  Jerri/  Sneak, 
Canton,  Shecpface  and  Bagatelle,  he  was  perfection.  He  re- 
turned to  England  in  1821,  and  some  few  years  after  inherited 
property  on  which  he  retired  in  ease  and  independence. 

In  the  afterpiece,  Mr.  John  E.  Harwood  made  his  first  ap- 
pearance on  the  New  York  stage  as  Gradus.  Intended  for 
the  practice  of  the  law,  his  education  was  of  the  highest  ex- 
cellence, and  by  nature  he  was  calculated  to  shine  either  on 
or  off  the  boards.  High  comedy  was  his  forte,  but  increasing 
corpulence  compelled  him  to  adopt  a  broader  line,  and  he 
was  perfectly  at  home  in  any  character  of  humor.  His  Fal- 
staffw&s  the  best  seen  in  America  until  the  arrival  of  Cooke. 
He  had  first  appeared  at  Annapolis  and  Philadelphia,  in 
1793-9-1,  and  was  afterward  on  the  Park  stage  for  several 


160 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NfW  YORK  STAGE. 


years.  His  wife  was  Miss  Bache,  a  granddaughter  of  our 
great  Franklin,  and  her  taste  for  extravagance,  which  harmo- 
nized with  his  own,  was  the  cause  of  innumerable  difficulties 
and  embarrassments.  To  gratify  the  pride  of  her  family,  he 
for  a  while  left  the  stage  and  engaged  in  the  business  of  book- 
selling which  his  poor  management  rendered  unprofitable. 
Mr.  Harwood  died  at  Germantown,  Penn.,  September  21st, 
1809,  aged  38  years,  leaving  at  the  time  no  equal  in  comedy 
on  the  American  stage. 

On  the  25th  of  August,  1797,  Mr.  Bernard,  from  London 
and  Dublin,  made  his  first  appearance  in  America  as  Gold- 
finch in  "  The  Road  to  Ruin,"  with  Mr.  Warren  as  Old  Dorn- 
ton. 

John  Bernard  belonged  to  the  old  school  of  actors,  and  was 
the  intimate  associate  of  the  most  eminent  men  of  fashion, 
wit  and  literature  of  his  time.  He  was  the  son  of  a  lieu- 
tenant in  the  navy, — born  at  Portsmouth,  England,  in  1756, 
and,  contrary  to  the  wishes  of  his  family,  determined  on 
attempting  the  stage.  Leaving  home  surreptitiously  under 
an  assumed  name,  he  made  his  first  public  attempt  in  the 
village  of  Chew  Magna,  May,  1773,  as  Jaffier.  Connected  with 
various  strolling  companies,  through  the  various  difficulties, 
discouragements,  and  embarrassments  inseparable  from  tbem, 
he  finally  worked  his  way  up  to  a  prominent  situation  at  Co- 
vent  Garden,  playing  comedy  of  various  grades  with  perfect 
success,  and  was  the  first  gentleman  enjoying  a  metropolitan 
reputation  who  was  induced  to  cross  the  Atlantic.  Mr.  Wig- 
nell  took  him  to  Philadelphia,  and  he  remained  there  six 
years,  after  which  he  went  to  Boston,  where  in  1806  he  be- 
came joint  manager  with  Mr.  Powell.  In  1807  he  made  his 
first  bow  in  the  Park  Theatre  as  Lord  Ogleby,  and  afterward 
played  several  temporary  engagements  there.  He  is  last  recol- 
lected at  the  Commonwealth  Theatre,  formerly  a  circus,  on 
the  easterly  side  of  Broadway,  corner  of  White  Street,  where 
he  played  in  conjunction  with  a  very  brilliant  company.  His 
benefit  and  last  appearance  there  took  place  December  9th, 
1813,  when  he  personated  Dashwould,  in  "  Know  your  own 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


161 


Mind,"  and  Mungo,  in  "  The  Padlock."  He  afterward  returned 
to  Europe,  and  died  in  destitute  circumstances  at  London,  No- 
vember 29,  1828,  aged  72  years.  His  son,  W.  B.  Bernard,  born 
in  America,  is  the  author  of  "  The  Nervous  Man,"  and  other 
successful  dramas,  and  edited  his  father's  entertaining  "Retro- 
spections of  the  Stage." 

Sept.  4th,  The  Way  to  Get  Married. 


Tangent 
Capt.  Faulkner 
Toby  Allspice  . 
Caustic  .  .  . 
Dashall  .  .  . 
McQuery    .  . 


Mr.  Moreton. 
Cooper. 
Harwood. 
Warren. 
Wignell. 
L'Estrakge. 


CeolTrey   Mr.  Francis. 

Ned   "  Blissett. 

Lady  Sorrell  ....  Mrs.  L'Estrange. 

Julia  Faulkner   .    .  "  Merry. 

Clementina  Allspice.    .  M  Francis. 

Fauny   "  Doctor. 


Sept.  8th,  Toward  the  relief  of  the  unfortunate  fufferers 
by  the  late  dreadful  fire  at  Albany,  will  be  performed  the  tragedy 
of  The  Revenge. 

Zanga  [His  first  appearance  in  New  York]    .    .    .    Mr.  Fennell. 

Alonzo  Mr.  Moreton.  Manuel  "  Wignell. 

Carlos  "   Cooper.  Leonora  Mrs.  Merry. 

Alvarez  "    Warren.  I     Isabella  "  Hervjjy. 

Mr.  James  Fennell  was  a  perf  ormer  of  great  excellence,  and 
might  have  enjoyed  the  honor  of  being  the  finest  tragedian 
on  the  American  stage,  had  he  combined  ordinary  discretion 
with  his  great  natural  abilities.  His  height  was  six  feet  two 
inches ;  his  face  was  pleasant,  not  handsome.  He  had  an  ex- 
cellent classic  education,  and,  under  the  assumed  name  of  Cam- 
bray,  had  first  appeared  in  Edinburgh  in  1787  with  great  suc- 
cess, but  becoming  involved  in  quarrels  with  his  brother 
actors,  he  left  that  city  for  London,  and  played  at  Covent  Gar- 
den, without  creating  much  of  a  sensation.  He  finally  came 
to  America,  and  made  his  debut  at  Philadelphia  in  1794,  re- 
ceiving the  highest  encomiums  of  the  press,  and  playgoers  in 
general.  He  shone  conspicuously  both  as  Othello  and  Iago  ; 
his  Glenalvon  was  a  masterly  personation,  and  as  Zanga  he 
soared  beyond  all  competition.  But  he  was  extravagant,  dis- 
sipated, and  reckless,  continually  projecting  schemes  for  ad- 
vancing his  own  interests  at  the  expense  of  others'  pockets, 
repeatedly  in  jail,  and  forever  disappointing  managers  and 
audiences.  He  first  appeared  at  the  Park  Theatre  in  1800, 
and  was  there  again  in  1802.  He  finally  sunk  into  imbecility, 
and  on  his  last  appearance,  in  1814,  seemed  to  have  become  a 
driveling  idiot.  He  died  at  Philadelphia  in  June,  1816,  aged 
nearly  50. 

21 


162 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


The  next  performance  was  Romeo  and  Juliet,  on  the  11th, 
with  the  following  fine  cast : 


Romeo  .  .  . 
Mercutio 
Benvolio  .  . 
Tybalt .  .  . 
Friar  Lawrence 
Capulet     .  . 


Mr.  Moreton. 
"  Bernard. 
"  Fox. 

"  WlGNELL. 

"  Warren. 
"  Morris. 


Montague. 
Peter  .    .  . 
Apothecary  . 
Juliet  .  . 
Lady  Capulet 
Nurse  .    .  . 


Mr.  Warrell. 

"  Blissett. 

"  Francis. 
Mrs.  Merry. 

"  L'Estrange. 

"  Hervey. 


The  funeral  dirge  was  rendered  by  Mrs.  Oldmixon,  Mrs. 
Warrell,  Mrs.  Warren,  Mrs.  Green,  Mrs.  Anderson,  Miss  Mil- 
bourne,  Messrs.  Darley,  Warrell,  Jr.,  L'Estrange,  and  others. 

Several  of  these  performers  will  be  met  with  hereafter  on 
the  boards  of  the  Park  or  other  New  York  theatres,  and  will 
then  be  noticed.  Mrs.  Warren,  (the  first  wife  of  the  comedian) 
the  Warrell  family,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  L'Estrange,  and  others,  are 
never  after  heard  of  in  New  York.  Mr.  L'Estrange  is  said  to 
have  lived  beyond  the  age  of  80  years. 

Sept.  15th,  Firft  time  in  New  York,  Morton's  play,  entitled  : 
Columbus,  or   a  World  Discovered. 

With  entirely  new  Scenery,  Machinery,  and  Drefles. 
The  Prologue  By  Mr.  Wignell. 


The  Mufic  arranged  

The  Pageant  and  Proceflions  

The  principal  part  of  the  Scenery  defigned 
and  executed  by,  or  under  the  direction  of 

The  Temple  of  the  Sun  

The  Scene  of  the  Volcano  defigned    .    .  . 


Mr.  Reinagle. 
Mr.  Byrne. 

Mr.  Milbourne. 


.    .     "    Mr.  J.  J.  Holland. 
"    Mr.  J.  Richards, 
[of  Theatre  Royal,  Covent  Garden,] 
and  executed  by    Mr.  Milbourne. 


Columbus 
Alonzo  . 
Harry  Herbert 
Dr.  Dolores  . 
Bribon 
Roldan  . 
Valverde . 


Mr.  Cooper. 

"  Moreton. 

'*  Wignell. 

"  Harwood. 

"  Francis. 

«  Fox. 

"  Darley. 


Mofcoco  . 
Orozembo 
Telafco  . 
Catalpo  . 
Cora  . 
Nelti .  . 


Mr.  Blissett. 

"  Warren. 

"  L'Estrange. 

"  Warrell. 
Mrs.  Merry. 

"  Francis. 


and  the  Farce  of 


The  Author. 


Cadwallader  . 
Mrs.  Cadwallader 


Mr.  Bernard. 


Mr.  Fennell. 
Mrs.  Bernard. 


Young  Cape, 
[her  firft  appearance] 

Of  the  artists  connected  with  the  "getting  up"  of  the  above 
drama,  we  have  not  heretofore  noticed  Mr.  Reinagle,  the  mu- 
sician and  composer,  and  joint  partner  with  Mr.  Wignell* 
He  was  distinguished  in  his  profession,  and  for  many  years 
leader  of  the  Philadelphia  orchestra.  His  son,  Hugh  Rein- 
agle, was  afterward  an  eminent  artist  in  the  scenic  depart- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


163 


ment.  The  family  name  stands  high  in  European  repute. 
Milbourne  was  an  excellent  scene-painter,  brought  by  Wig- 
nell  from  England  in  1792  for  his  theatre  in  Philadelphia, 
which  he  ornamented  and  furnished  with  scenery  far  sur- 
passing in  merit  any  stage  decorations  then  seen  in  the 
country. 

Mr.  Holland  was  a  fresher  addition  to  the  same  depart- 
ment, and  his  taste,  skill  and  industry  soon  rendered  him 
second  to  none  in  the  Union. 

Mr.  Richards  was  a  brother-in-law  of  Wignell,  and  secre- 
tary to  the  Royal  Academy  of  London.  He  furnished  the 
model  of  the  Chestnut  Street  Theatre,  and  presented  to  the 
managers  a  beautiful  drop-curtain  and  several  fine  scenes. 

Of  the  performers,  Mr.  William  Francis  is  mentioned  in 
Theatrical  Biography  as  being  unknown,  until  connected 
with  Wignell's  company,  but  that  he  had  been  in  early  life 
a  dancer.  Perhaps  he  had  appeared  in  that  capacity  on  the 
John  Street  stage  in  1773,  a  dancer  of  that  name  having 
then  been  there.  He  was  now  an  excellent  representative  of 
bluff  and  blustering  old  men  and  other  comic  parts,  and  still 
occasionally  joined  the  dance.  In  Philadelphia,  he  was  a 
member  of  the  stage  for  more  than  thirty  years,  and  his 
dancing  academy  was  long  the  most  fashionable  in  the  city. 
He  last  played  in  New  York  in  1812.  He  retired  from  the 
profession  in  1826,  and  died  of  gout,  the  same  year,  at  his 
residence  in  Philadelphia,  aged  69  years. 

Dunlap  speaks  of  Mrs.  Francis  as  always  respectable  in 
her  profession,  and  in  private  life  a  model  of  cheerful  benev- 
olence. Having  no  children,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Francis  adopted 
and  educated  several  orphans  who  lived  to  attest  their  pa- 
rental care  and  beneficence.  The  forte  of  Mrs.  Francis  was 
in  old  women,  and  in  certain  characters  of  broad  humor, 
such  as  Clementina  Allspice,  Sally  Downright,  Mrs.  Candour, 
Nelly,  (No  Song)  Beatrice,  (Anatomist)  &c,  in  which  at  the 
time  she  was  unsurpassed.  She  was  for  many  years  on  the 
Philadelphia  stage,  but  we  believe  never  re-appeared  in  New 
York.    She  died  of  paralysis,  in  1834,  at  the  age  of  68. 


164  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

Mr.  Fox  had  been  brought  up  as  an  engraver,  was  still 
quite  young,  and  had  both  vocal  and  histrionic  abilities.  He 
will  be  found  in  New  York  again,  in  1799,  on  the  Park  stage. 

Mr.  Darley,  a  favorite  vocal  performer  both  in  England  and 
America,  had  been  bred  a  buckle-maker  in  Birmingham,  but 
his  uncommon  sweetness  and  power  of  voice  induced  him  to 
appear  in  public,  first  as  a  concert  singer  and  then  on  the 
stage  of  that  city,  whence  he  was  transferred  to  the  boards  of 
Covent  Garden,  London,  where  he  succeeded  Charles  Ban- 
nister in  several  of  his  most  favorite  vocal  characters.  He 
came  with  Wignell  to  America  in  1792,  and  after  an  agree- 
able sojourn  of  some  ten  years,  returned  to  England,  and  re- 
appeared professionally,  but  finally  renounced  the  stage  and 
for  many  years  was  the  host  of  a  popular  place  of  public 
entertainment.  He  died  in  1819,'  aged  66  years.  His  son, 
Mr.  John  Darley,  will  hereafter  be  met  with  as  a  prominent 
and  esteemed  member  of  the  profession. 

In  the  afterpiece  of  "  The  Author,"  Mrs.  Bernard  (formerly 
Miss  Fisher)  made  her  first  appearance  in  the  amusing  char- 
acter of  Mrs.  Cadwallader.  She  was  the  second  wife  of  her 
husband,  married  in  1795,  and  died  in  Boston,  1805,  scarcely 
known  to  the  playgoers  of  New  York. 

Sept.  22d,  was  performed  the  comedy  of  the  "  Country  Girl," 
Harcourt  and  Peggy,  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Marshall;  with  the 
operetta  of  "Bosina,"  Belville  and  Rosina,  by  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Marshall,  their  first  appearance  in  New  York.  This  couple 
also  came  over  in  1792,  and  were  both  valuable  in  their  re- 
spective lines.  Mr.  Marshall  was  the  leading  singer,  and  also 
played  fops  and  Frenchmen.  He  had  been  well  known  at 
Covent  Garden  as  the  successor  of  Wewitzer  in  his  French 
parts.  He  returned  to  England  in  1801,  became  totally  blind, 
received  an  annuity  from  the  theatrical  fund  for  several 
years,  and  died  in  1819.  Mrs.  Marshall  was  admired  for  her 
skill  in  singing,  as  well  as  for  personal  beauty.  She  was  also 
a  great  favorite  as  a  genteel  comedienne,  and  as  the  repre. 
sentative  of  boys  and  romps.  She  was  originally  a  Miss  Webb, 
and  after  revisiting  England,  and  an  unhappy  separation  from 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


165 


her  husband,  contracted  a  second  marriage  with  a  Mr.  Wil- 
mot,  by  whose  name  she  afterward  appeared  in  New  York. 
Next  to  Mrs.  Merry,  she  was  the  most  admired  lady  in  Wig- 
nell's  company. 

The  Merchant  of  Venice. 


Sept.  25th, 

Shylock.  .  .  . 
Duke  .... 
Bassanio  .  . 
Antonio. 

Gratiano        .  . 
Lorenzo 


Mr.  Cooper. 

44  Morris. 

11  Moreton. 

44  Warren. 

44  Bernard. 

44  Marshall. 


Tubal  .  . 
Old  Gobbo 
Launcelot 
Portia 
Nerissi.  . 
Jessica 


Mr.  Bltssett. 

44  Francis. 

44  Harwood. 
Mrs.  Merry. 

44  Francis. 

44  Warrell. 


Sept.  27th,  Mr.  Hardinge's  name  appeared,  cast  to  the  part 
of  Ralph,  in  "Lock  and  Key."  He  was  the  general  repre- 
sentative of  Irishmen  and  old  men,  afterward  well  known  in 
Philadelphia.  His  wife  was  also  a  pleasing  member  of  the 
company. 

Sept.  29th,  Othello. 


Othello  . 
Iago 
Cassio 
Roderigo 


Mr. 


Fennell. 
Warren. 
Moreton. 
Bernard. 


Duke  .  . 
Brabantio 
Desdenionr 
Emelia 


Mr.  L'Estrangi. 
'4  Morris. 
Mrs.  Merry. 
Francis. 


Oct.  2d,  "  Henry  4th."    Fal/laff,  Mr.  Harwood. 

•  Oct.  9th,  Mr.  Bernard  played  Ruttekin,  in  "  Robin  Hood ;" 

and  on  the  12th,  Mrs.  Inchbald's  comedy  of  "  Wives  as  they 

Were,  and  Maids  as  they  Are,"  was  performed  for  the  first 

time  in  America.    Cast  not  given. 

Oct.  1 6th,  For  the  benefit  of  the  Diftrefled  Sufferers  (by 
yellow  fever)  in  Philadelphia, 

Every  One  has  his  Fault. 


Sir  Robert  Ramble 
Lord  Norland 
Capt.  Irwin 
Placid  .... 
Solus  .... 


Mr.  Bernard. 
44  Cooper. 
44  Fennell. 
44  Moreton. 
44  Harwood 


F.dward  .    .    .  . 
Lady  Elinor  Irwin 
Miss  Spinster  . 
Mrs.  Placid      .  . 
Miss  Wooburn  . 


Mrs.  Marshall. 
44  Merrt. 
44  Francis. 
44  Oldmixon. 
44  Hardinge. 


Nov.  1st,  Mrs.  Marshall  played  Rosalind,  in  "  As  You  Like 
It,"  with  Mr. Bernard's  Touchstone;  and,  on  the  17th,  "A  Cure 
for  the  Heartache"  was  performed  for  the  first  time  in  Amer- 
ica.   Cast  not  given. 

Nov.  22d,  Messrs.  Cooper  and  Bernard  took  a  benefit,  when 
the  former  personated  Hamlet,  with  Mrs.  Marshall  as  Ophelia, 
and  Mrs.  Merry  as  the  Queen. 

Nov.  25th.  Mr.  Fennell  and  Mrs.  Merry's  night.  "The 
Orphan,"  Mrs.  Merry  as  Monimia,  Warren  as  Acaslo,  Cooper  as 
Chamont,  Marshall  as  Polydore,  and  Fennell  as  Castalio. 

Nov.  27th.    Probably  last  night  of  the  season.    Mrs.  Old- 


166  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

mixon  gave  a  grand  concert  for  her  benefit,  combining  the 
musical  powers  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Marshall,  Miss  Broadhurst,  Mrs.  Warren  and  Mrs.  Oldmixon. 
Mr.  Reinagle  presided  at  the  piano-forte,  and  Mr.  Gilling- 
ham, afterward  of  the  Park  Theatre,  led  the  orchestra.  The 
daughters  of  the  latter,  Miss  Louisa  Gillingham  and  Mrs. 
Emma  Gillingham  Bostwick,  will  be  remembered  as  very 
charming  concert-singers,  and  members  of  the  choir  in  the 
Church  of  the  Ascension. 

Mrs.  Oldmixon  at  this  time  was  the  most  brilliant  and  sci- 
entific vocalist  in  America.  She  had  neither  youth  nor  per- 
sonal beauty  to  recommend  her ;  in  fact,  a  peculiar  twist  in 
the  position  of  her  mouth  gave  her  face  almost  a  ludicrous 
appearance  ;  but  she  possessed  great  skill  as  a  comic  actress, 
a  remarkably  fine  voice,  and  a  thorough  musical  education, 
and,  with  these  aids,  ranked  as  one  of  the  most  popular  artistes 
of  the  time.  She  was  a  favorite  on  the  London  stage  as  Miss 
George  as  early  as  1785,  where  she  was  the  original  Wow  ski 
in  "Inkle  and  Yarico."  She  married  Sir  John  Oldmixon,  a 
noted  beau  of  Bath,  from  whom,  it  is  said,  Mrs.  Cowley  drew 
her  celebrated  character  of  Lord  Sparkle,  in  "  Which  is  the 
Man  f*  She  played  chambermaids  and  country  girls  with  very 
great  spirit  and  effect,  and  in  one  line  of  old  women,  the  dash- 
ing, fashionable  dowager,  eclipsed  all  contemporary  effort. 
Although  younger  and  fairer  singers  were  more  pleasing  to 
the  multitude,  the  critics  of  the  day  awarded  her  a  position  as 
a  songstress  in  advance  of  every  one  before  heard  here.  She 
made  her  first  appearance  in  America  with  Wignell's  company, 
in  1793,  and  first  appeared  at  the  Park  Theatre,  as  Mrs.  Can- 
dour, Dec.  3d,  1798.  Mrs.  Oldmixon  was  on  the  New  York 
stage,  at  different  periods,  until  1814,  and  after  that  time  re- 
sided principally  at  Philadelphia  or  Germantown,  where  she 
kept  a  seminary  for  young  ladies,  and  where  she  finally  died 
at  an  advanced  age,  in  the  winter  of  1835-6. 

This  was  the  only  visit  to  New  York  of  Wignell  and  Rein- 
agle's  company.  Mr.  Morris,  one  of  its  members,  who  had 
played  here  in  1759,  now  made  his  last  appearance. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


167 


A  new  theatre  had  been  erected  in  New  York,  and  a  promise 
made  to  have  it  in  readiness  for  the  fall  season  of  1797,  which 
was  not  fulfilled.  The  John  Street  Theatre  was  therefore  re- 
opened on  the  11th  of  December,  1797,  with  the  following 
announcement : 

"  The  Managers  of  the  Old  American  Company  refpectfully 
acquaint  the  Public  in  general  that  performances  will  commence 
this  evening.  Impelled  once  more  to  appear  in  the  old  Theatre, 
they  feel  it  necellary  to  give  an  affurance  that  the  molt  careful 
examination  of  the  building  has  been  attended  to,  and  the  houfe 
newly  decorated,  fo  as  to  make  it  an  object  worthy  general  pat- 
ronage, until  the  New  Theatre  is  ready  for  their  reception." 

"  The  Young  Quaker,"  and  "  The  Purse,"  were  performed 
with  their  usual  casts. 

Dec.  13th.  Mr.  J.  Simpson,  from  the  Dublin  and  Boston 
theatres,  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  Old 
Hardy,  in  "  The  Belle's  Stratagem,"  the  same  part  in  which 
he  had  made  his  American  debut  at  Boston,  December  26th, 
1796.  He  was  an  actor  of  old  men  and  Irish  characters,  from 
which  latter  circumstance  he  gained  the  soubriquet  of  "  Irish" 
Simpson.  He  was  last  on  the  Park  stage  in  1801,  and  died 
soon  after.  He  must  not  be  confounded  with  Edmund  Simp- 
son, afterward  manager  of  the  Park  Theatre. 

Dec.  15th.  In  the  afterpiece  of  the  "  Adopted  Child,"  his 
step-daughter,  Miss  Ellen  Westray,  made  her  first  appearance 
in  New  York  as  Clara.  Radiant  with  youth  and  beauty,  easy 
and  graceful  in  her  deportment,  with  a  soft,  musical  voice,  and 
an  exuberance  of  natural,  artless  gayety,  she  soon  won  every 
heart.  She  became  Mrs.  John  Darley  in  1801,  and,  with  the 
exception  of  a  season  or  two  at  Boston,  remained  on  the  New 
'York  stage,  enjoying  unbounded  favor,  till  she  removed  to 
Philadelphia  in  1819,  where  she  continued  until  her  retire- 
ment, about  the  year  1832,  playing  once,  during  that  period, 
a  brilliant  star  engagement  at  the  Chatham  Garden  Theatre. 
In  coquettish  comedy  ladies,  Mrs.  Darley  was  extremely 
happy;  her  refinement  of  manner  and  propriety  of  dress 
always  lent  additional  attraction  to  her  assumptions  of 
fashionable   social   life,   but  her  greatest  excellence  was 


168  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

found  in  the  gentler  heroines  of  tragedy,  or  the  pathetic 
characters  of  the  domestic  drama.  Ophelia,  Desdemona, 
Jessy  Oatland,  and  Cicely  Homespun,  were  perfect  in  her 
hands,  and,  as  a  vocalist,  she  could  warble  the  music  of 
her  day  with  great  sweetness  and  expression.  Mrs.  Darley 
died  in  Philadelphia  in  1848,  at  the  age  of  69,  as  deeply 
regretted  as  she  had  been  throughout  life  respected  and 
admired. 

Dec.  16th.  "The  Suspicious  Husband"  was  announced  with 
the  first  appearance  in  New  York  of  Mr.  Chalmers,  from  the 
Philadelphia  Theatre,  as  Ranger,  and  the  first  appearance  in 
two  years  of  Mr.  Hogg,  as  Jack  Meggott.  Chalmers  had  been 
engaged  by  Wignell  as  a  first-class  light  comedian,  (a  position 
he  had  filled  in  Europe)  but  he  soon  became  idle  and  care- 
less, and  lost  rank  in  the  estimation  of  the  audience.  He  then 
transferred  himself  to  New  York,  where,  though  capable  of 


making  himself  a  favorite,  his  engagement  was  ended  for 
want  of  attention  to  his  business.  He  returned  to  England 
in  1805,  and  died  at  Worcester  of  apoplexy,  August  22d,  1810, 
having  been  found  speechless  in  the  street. 

Dec.  18th.  Hodgkinson  and  Mrs.  Melmoth  appeared  in 
"  The  Carmelite,"  and  Master  Stockwell  as  Tom  Thumb. 


Dec.  20th,  Love  in  a  Village  ; 

Hawthorn  Mr.  Hodgkinson.     |     Rosetta  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Young  Meadows  ...     "  Tyler. 
Justice  Woodcock    .    .     "  Simpson. 
Hodge   ■  ..."  Hallam. 

with  a  farce,  never  performed  here,  entitled 

A  Good  Spec — Land  in  the  Moon  ' 


Lucinda  .         ...    Miss  E.  \V  estray. 
Mrs.  Deborah    .    .    .    Mrs.  Brett. 
Madge        ....     "  Seymour. 


Ben  Bunker  . 
Old  Bunker  . 
Old  Spec  .  . 
Charles  Modish 
Jasper  Lunfre  . 
Blander  Bubble 


Mr.  Martin. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Jefferson. 

"  Simpson. 


Slapdash  Mr.  Prigmore. 

Miss  Bubble  ....    Miss  J.  Westray. 
[her  first  appearance.] 

Miss  Glib  Mrs.  Brett. 

Miss  Prattle  ....     "  Collins. 
Betty  Miss  Harding. 


Miss  Juliana  Westray  was  the  elder  sister  of  Miss  Ellen 
Westray,  and  though  generally  ranking  a  shade  lower  in 
point  of  merit,  was  nevertheless  a  good  and  versatile  actress, 
giving  her  principal  attention  at  this  time  to  comedy  of  a 
bolder  or  coarser  character.  In  later  life  she  displayed 
marked  ability  in  many  of  the  first  characters  of  tragedy,  for 
which  she  was  better  fitted  than  for  the  gay,  airy,  elegant, 
rattling  heroines  of  comedy.    On  the  30th  of  January,  1804, 


RECORDS  OF  TTTE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


169 


she  married  Mr.  W.  B.  Wood,  afterward  for  many  years  mana- 
ger of  the  Philadelphia  Theatre,  and  was  perhaps  somewhat 
indebted  to  her  husband's  position  for  her  long-retained  situ- 
ation of  leading  actress  there.  After  an  extended  career  of 
rarely  equaled  approbation,  Mrs.  Wood  died  in  Philadelphia, 
November  12th,  1836,  aged  58  years. 

Mrs.  Wood  and  Mrs.  Darley,  both  by  their  talents  and 
virtues,  occupy  a  very  prominent  position  in  American  theat- 
rical history,  and  though  almost  forgotten  in  New  York,  must 
still  be  remembered  with  respect  and  affection  by  many 
citizens  of  Philadelphia.  A  younger  sister,  Miss  E.  A.  West- 
ray,  was  afterward  Mrs.  Villiers  and  Mrs.  Twaits. 

Dec.  27th,  The  Dramatift  ; 

Vapid   Mr.  Chalmers.  Peter    Mr.  Hoao. 

Lord  Scratch  ....     "   Johnson.  Lady  Waitfort  .  Mrs.  SiMrsoN. 

Ennui  "   Jefferson.  Marianne     ....  "  Hallam. 

Floriville  "    Hallam,  Jr.  Louisa   "  Johnson. 

and  The  Waterman. 

Tom  Tag  [His  first  appearance  in  New  York.]  Mr.  Williamson. 

Mr.  Hogg,  who  had  failed  so  decidedly  in  1796,  now  formed 
an  acceptable  part  of  the  company ;  and  in  the  character  of 
Lady  Waitfort  we  first  notice  the  name  of  Mrs.  J.  Simpson, 
a  good  actress  of  middle-aged  and  old  women,  though  not 
equal  to  her  successor,  Mrs.  Hogg.  Mrs.  Simpson  had  been 
the  -wife  of  Anthony  Westray,  of  London,  who,  dying,  left 
her  with  three  young  children  to  support.  These  children 
were  severally  the  young  ladies  to  whom  we  have  alluded. 
Mrs.  Westray  took  to  the  stage  for  a  livelihood,  and  played  at 
Bath  and  several  provincial  towns,  and  four  years  after  mar- 
ried Mr.  Simpson,  of  the  Theatre  Royal,  Dublin,  with  whom 
she  came  to  Boston  in  1796,  where  she  made  her  first  ap- 
pearance as  Mrs.  Rackett,  in  "  The  Belle's  Stratagem."  She 
was  on  the  New  York  stage  at  intervals  until  1809,  and  after- 
ward played  for  many  years  at  Philadelphia,  where  her  son- 
in-law,  Wood,  was  manager.  She  died  in  that  city  at  the  age 
of  75,  in  1832. 

Mr.  Williamson  (not  the  tragedian  who  had  played  under 
Solee)  was  a  favorite  singer,  who  had  been  at  Covent  Garden 
in  1795,  and  in  Boston,  with  Powell's  company,  1796,  and  was 
now  warmly  applauded  here  in  Tom  Tug-. 

22 


170 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Dec.  29th,  Firft  performance  by  the  old  American  Com- 
pany of  Morton's  capital  comedy,  a  Cure  for  the  Heartache. 


Old  Rapid  .    .  . 
Young  Rapid  . 
Vortex  .... 
Sir  Hubert  Stanley- 
Charles  Stanley  . 
Farmer  Oatland  . 


Mr.  Johnson. 
"  Hodqkinson. 
"  Simpson. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Martin. 
"  Prigmore. 


Frank  Oatland 
Bronze  .  . 
Heartly  .  . 
Miss  Vortex . 
Ellen  Vortex 
Jessy  Oatland 


Mr.  Jefferson. 

"     Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Fawcett. 
Miss  J.  Westray. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Hodqkinson. 


It  was  well  played  throughout,  though  Jefferson  probably 
bore  the  palm  for  highest  excellence. 
Dec.  30th,  Notoriety. 


Nominal 
Col.  Hubbub 
O'Whack  . 


Mr.  Chalmers.        I     Lady  Acid  ....    Mrs.  Simpson. 

"    Simpson.  Honoria  Miss  E.  Westray. 

"   Williamson.         Sophia  Strangeways  .     "     J.  Westrat. 


Jan.  1  ft,  1798, 


Sophia  Strangeways 

Jane  Shore ; 


Gloster  Mr. 

Hastings  " 


Fawoett. 
Chalmers. 


Jane  Shore 
Alicia    .  , 


Mrs. 


Johnson. 
Melmoth 


and 


The  Highland  Reel. 
"  At  the  requeft  of  many  of  his  friends,  Mr. 


Jan.  5th, 

Cooper  has  confented  to  perform  one  night  during  his  vifit  to 
New  York."  Venice  Preferved. 


Pierre  Mr.  Cooper.  |     JafEer  .... 

Belvidera  Mrs.  Melmoth. 


Mr.  Hodqkinson. 


Jan.  10th, 


The  Earl  of  Effex ; 


Essex  Mr.  Hodqkinson. 

Southampton  ....     "  Tyler. 


Queen  Elizabeth 
Countess  Rutland 


Mrs.  Melmoth. 
"  Johnson. 


and  The  Oracle  ;  or  Daphne  and  Amintor. 

Amintor  Mast.  Stockwell.      |    Daphne  Miss  Hogg. 

Mindora  Miss  Harding. 

In  this  little  musical  piece  we  first  notice  the  name  of  Miss 
Hogg,  a  young  and  pretty  child,  with  considerable  and  well- 
trained  juvenile  talent.  Accustomed  to  the  stage  from  in- 
fancy, as  she  reached  womanhood  she  became  a  pleasing  and 
very  popular  actress,  and  though  never  attaining  the  first 
rank,  her  artless,  unassuming  personations  were  always  wit- 
nessed with  satisfaction  by  an  audience  that  ever  regarded 
her  with  peculiar  affection.  She  possessed  a  fine  voice,  and 
sang  the  ballads  of  the  day  with  taste  and  feeling.  In  1804 
she  married  Mr.  Claude,  a  young  American  actor,  and  last 
appeared  on  the  Park  stage,  July  22,  1816,  as  Miss  Jenny,  in 
"  The  Provoked  Husband." 

Jan.  1 2th,    Firft  performance  by  this  company  of 
Wives  as  they  Were,  and  Maids  as  they  Are ; 


Sir  W.  Dorillon 
Lord  Priory  . 
Bronzely  .  . 
Sir  Geo.  Evelyn 
Norberry   .  . 


Mr.  Hodqkinson. 
"  Simpson. 
"  Chalmers. 
"  Williamson. 
"  Fawcett. 


Oliver  .... 
Nabson.    .    .  . 
Miss  Dorillon  .  . 
Lady  Priory  . 
Lady  Mary  Raffle 


Mr.  Prigmore. 

"  Hogg. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  Simpson. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


171 


Petruchio  . 

Jan.  13th, 

Plotwell  .  .  . 
Sir  Credulous  .  . 
Belmont     .    .  . 

and 

Tom  Thumb 
King  Arthur 
Lord  Grizzle 
Noodle  .  . 
Doodle  . 
Merlin  .  . 


Catharine  and  Petruchio. 

Mr.  Chalmers.        |     Catharine  .  . 

The  Comet  ; 


Mr.  Hodukinson. 

"  JOUNBON. 

"  Tyler. 


Lady  Candour 
Emily  .  .  . 
Jenny  . 


Tom  Thumb. 


Mast.  SlOOKWELL. 

Mr.  Johnson. 
u  Jefferson. 
"  Martin. 
"  Hoao. 
"  Tyler. 


Ghost  of  Old  Thumb 
Glumdalca  .  .  . 
Queen  Dollalolla.  . 
Princess  Huncamunca 

Cleora   

Mustachia. 


Mrs.  Jounson. 


Mrs.  Simpson. 
"  Johnson, 
iiodukinson. 


Mr.  Lee. 

"  Priqmoiu: 
Mrs.  Shymour. 
Miss  A.  Brett. 
Mrs.  Collins. 

"  Brett. 


This  was  the  last  performance  that  took  place  on  the 
boards  of  the  John  Street  Theatre — a  building  erected 
specially  for  dramatic  performances,  and  first  used  for  that 
purpose  on  the  7th  of  December,  1767. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


New  Park  Theatre,  A.  D.  1798— Greenwich  Street  Pantheon. 

H  E  New  Theatre,  as  it  was  styled  for  many  years — 
the  Theatre,  Park,  as  it  was  afterward  designated  by 
its  managers — or  the  Park  Theatre,  as  more  commonly 
called  by  the  public,  stood  in  Park  Row,  about  two  hundred 
feet  east  of  Ann  Street,  and  nearly  opposite  the  present 
fountain,  on  lots  now  numbered  21,  23  and  25. 

It  occupied  a  space  of  eighty  feet  front  by  one  hundred 
and  sixty-five  feet  deep,  running  through  to  Theatre  Alley  in 
the  rear,  where  a  wing  was  attached. 

It  was  one  of  the  most  substantial  buildings  ever  erected 
in  New  York,  and  though  externally  devoid  of  architectural 
pretension,  was  in  its  interior  harmoniously  proportioned  and 
admirably  well  adapted  for  the  purposes  of  sight  and  sound. 

The  plans  for  its  construction  were  originally  furnished  by 
Marc  Isambard  Brunei,  the  celebrated  French  engineer  and 
builder  of  the  Thames  Tunnel,  who,  during  the  stormy  days 
of  the  French  Revolution,  was  an  exile  in  America. 

It  is  doubtful  if  they  were  ever  carried  out — that  for  the 
exterior,  which  included  a  range  of  fluted  pilasters  by  way  of 
ornament,  certainly  was  not,  and  for  many  years  the  front 
wall  remained  perfectly  plain  and  barn-like  in  appearance.1 

1  Beamish,  the  biographer  of  Brunei,  says:  "However  fit  the  designs  of.  this  theatre  may 
have  been  to  exhibit  an  unusual  amount  of  talent  and  resource,  and  to  whatever  extent  the 
execution  of  them  may  have  served  as  an  introduction  to  more  general  architectural  practice, 
the  work  failed  to  procure  Brunei  any  direct  pecuniary  benefit.  Unfortunately  this  building 
was  burnt  down  in  1821,  and  there  remain  no  authenticated  drawings  to  show  the  peculiarities 
of  its  construction."  The  building,  when  burnt,  had  none  of  its  original  peculiarities,  having 
been  entirely  remodeled  by  Mr.  Holland,  in  1806. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE 


173 


An  engraving  of  the  original  design  may  be  seen  in  the 
New  York  Directory  for  1796. 

The  Park  Theatre  was  first  projected  in  the  year  1795,  and 
was  intended  to  be  ready  for  occupation  in  October,  1797.  Its 
estimated  cost  was  raised  by  a  subscription  of  one  hundred 
and  thirteen  shares  of  $375  each,  making  the  sum  of  $42,375. 
Its  actual  cost,  owing  to  the  inexperience  and  mismanagement 
of  its  builders,  amounted  to  more  than  $130,000.  After  several 
years  profitless  ownership,  the  original  proprietors  parted  with 
it  to  Messrs.  Beekman  and  Astor,  who  held  it  until  its  destruc- 
tion, in  1848.  Its  first  lessees  were  John  Hodgkinson  and 
William  Dunlap,  who  opened  it  to  the  public,  in  an  unfinished 
state,  on  the  29th  of  January,  1798.  The  nights  of  performance 
at  this  period  were  Mondays,  Wednesdays,  Fridays  and  Satur- 
days. Mr. Hodgkinson  was  stage  manager;  Mr.  Dunlap,  treas- 
urer ;  Mr.  Falconer,  box-office  keeper ;  Mr.  Hughes,  prompter ; 
Messrs.  Ciceri  and  Audin,  scene-painters;  and  Mr.  Hewitt, 
leader  of  the  orchestra,  which  consisted  of  Messrs.  Pellesier, 
Gilfert,  Everdell,  Nicolai,  Samo,  Ulshoeffer,  Henri,  Lilrecheki, 
Dupuy,  Nicolai,  Jr.,  Adet,  Honrnan  and  Dangle. 

One  of  these  musicians  was  the  father  of  a  gentleman  of 
spotLess  integrity,  who  has  occupied  with  distinction  a  high 
judicial  position,  and  the  descendants  of  several  are  numbered 
among  our  most  respected  citizens. 

NEW  THEATRE. 

The  Public  is  refpectfully  informed  the  New  Theatre  will  open 
THIS  EVENING, 
Monday,  January  29th,  1798, 

With  an  Occasional  Address,  to  be  delivered  by 
MR.  HODGKINSON. 
And  a  Prelude,  written  by  Mr.  Milne,  called 

ALL  IN  A  BUSTLE; 
Or,  the  New  House. 

THE.  CHARACTERS   BY   THE  COMPANY. 


17-i 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


After  which  will  be  prefented  Shakfpeare's  Comedy  of 
AS  YOU  LIKE  IT. 

Mr.  Hodgkinson.  La  Beau     .    .    .  Mr. 

"  Hallam. 
"  Martin. 
"  Tyler. 
M  Fawcett. 
"  Johnson. 
Prigmore. 


Jacques  . 
Touchftone  . 
Orlando  . 
Banifhed  Duk 
Ulurping  Duke 
Adam 

Amiens  .  . 
Oliver 
Charles  . 


To  which  w 


Hogg. 
Lee. 


La  Beau 
Corin 

William  . 
Sylvius  . 
Jacques  de  Bois 
Rofalind 
Celia     .  . 
Phoebe  . 
Audrey  . 


Mrs. 
Mils 
Mrs. 


Hallam,  Jr. 
Simpson. 
Jefferson. 
Miller. 
Seymour. 
Johnson. 
Broadhurst. 
Collins. 
Brett. 


Will  Steady 
Edmund  . 


11  be  added  a  Musical  Entertainment,  called 

THE  PURSE}  or  AMERICAN  TAR. 

Mr.  Hodgkinson.  Page  Malt.  Stockwell. 

"    Tyler.  Sally  Mrs-  Hodgkinson. 

Places  for  the  boxes  will  be  let  every  day  at  the  Old  office  in 
John  Street,  by  Mr.  Falconer,  from  ten  to  one,  and  on  the  Play 
Day,  from  three  to  four  in  the  afternoon. 

Tickets  are  alfo  to  be  had  at  the  above  office,  any  time  pre- 
vious to  Monday,  four  o'clock,  after  which  they  muft  be  applied 
for  at  the  New  Theatre. 

Gentlemen  are  particularly  requefted  to  purchafe  tickets  at  the 
offices,  the  Doorkeepers  being  prohibited  in  the  ftricteft  manner 
from  receiving  any  money,  and  a  difcharge  from  their  fituations 
being  the  certain  confequence  of  a  deviation  from  this  rule. 

Subfcribers  will  be  made  acquainted  with  the  mode  adopted 
for  their  admiffion  by  application  to  the  Box-office. 

No  name  can  be  regiftered  on  the  Box-book  unlefs  certificates 
for  the  number  of  feats  wanted  are  taken  at  the  time  of  applica- 
tion. 

The  offenfive  practice  to  ladies,  and  dangerous  to  the  houfe, 
of  fmoking  fegars  during  the  performance,  it  is  hoped,  every 
gentleman  will  confent  to  an  abfolute  prohibition  of. 

Ladies  and  gentlemen  will  pleafe  to  direct  their  fervants  to  fet 
down  with  their  horfes'  heads  towards  the  New  Brick  Meeting, 
and  take  up  with  their  horfes'  heads  toward  Broadway. 

The  future  regulations  refpecting  the  taking  of  feats  will  be 
placed  in  the  Box-office  for  general  information. 

Jf^r"  The  doors  will  be  opened  at  Five,  and  the  curtain  drawn 
up  at  quarter-pall  Six. 

Ladies  and  Gentlemen  are  requefted  to  be  particular  in  fending 
fervants  early  to  keep  boxes. 

Boxes,  8s.    Pit,  6s.    Gallery,  4s. 

Vivat  Respublica. 


"UNDER  THE  GREENWOOD  TREE" 

As  You  Like  It,  Act  2,  Sc.  5 


Under  the  greenwoo.l  tree 
Who  loves  to  lie  with  me, 
And  tune  his  merry  note 
•  Unto  the  sweet  bird's  throat, 
Come  hither,  come  hither,  come  hither: 
Here  shall  he  see 
No  enemy, 
But  winter  and  rough  weather. 

Who  doth  ambition  shun, 
Who  loves  to  live  i'  the  sun, 
Seeking  the  food  he  eats, 
And  pleas'd  with  what  he  gets, 
Come  hither,  come  hither,  come  hither; 
Here  shall  he  see 
No  enemy, 
But  winter  and  rough  weather. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


175 


The  opening  address  was  from  the  pen  of  Elihu  Hubbard 
Smith. 

Dunlap's  History  informs  us  that  the  amount  received  for 
admission  on  this  occasion  was  $1,232,  and  such  was  the  pres- 
sure of  the  crowd  that  many  slipped  in  without  tickets. 

The  receipts  for  the  next  night  fell  to  $513,  and  on  the 
third  to  $265,  and  for  the  succeeding  week  averaged  only 
$333  each  evening. 

The  Daily  Advertiser  of  January  31st  contained  the  follow- 
ing editorial : 

"  On  Monday  evening  laft,  the  New  Theatre  was  opened  to 
the  molt  overflowing  houfe  that  was  ever  witnefled  in  this  city. 
Though  the  Commiflioners  have  been  conftrained  to  open  it  in 
an  unfinifhed  state,  it  ftill  gave  high  fatisfaction. 

"  The  eflential  requilites  of  hearing  and  feeing  have  been  hap- 
pily attained.  We  do  not  remember  to  have  been  in  any  Theatre 
where  the  view  of  the  ftage  is  fo  complete  from  all  parts  of  the 
houfe,  or  where  the  actors  are  heard  with  fuch  diftincl:nefs.  The 
houfe  is  made  to  contain  about  2,000  perfons.  The  audience 
part,  though  wanting  in  thofe  brilliant  decorations  which  the 
artifts  have  defigned  for  it,  yet  exhibited  a  neatnefs  and  fimplicity 
which  were  highly  agreeable.  The  ftage  was  everything  that 
could  be  wifhed.  The  fcenery  was  executed  in  a  moft  mafterly 
ftyle.  The  extenfivenefs  of  the  fcale  upon  which  the  scenes  are 
executed,  the  correctnefs  of  the  defigns,  and  the  elegance  of  the 
painting,  prefented  the  moft  beautiful  views  which  the  imagina- 
tion can  conceive.  The  scenery  was  of  itfelf  worth  a  vifit  to 
the  theatre. 

"  The  company  are  known  to  the  public,  and  they  played  with 
great  fpirit.  We  indeed  think  it  the  beft  company  of  comedians 
which  has  yet  appeard  on  the  boards  of  any  Theatre  in  this  place, 
and  we  prefume  they  will  this  feafon  receive  an  uncommon  (hare 
of  public  patronage. 

u  Great  credit  is  due  to  the  Meffrs.  Mangins,1  who  were  the 
architects  of  the  houfe,  for  their  fkilful  and  commodious  arrange- 
ments, and  too  much  cannot  be  faid  for  the  fcience  of  Mr.  Ciceri 
as  the  machinift,  and  for  his  tafte  as  fcene-painter.  They  are 
artifts  who  would  do  honor  to  any  country,  and  a  great  acqui- 
fition." 

The  corner-stone  of  this  theatre  was  taken  uninjured  from 
the  ruins  after  its  conflagration,  and  is  carefully  preserved  at 


1  Mods.  Brunei  is  not  here  even  mentioned. 


176 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Windust's  restaurant,  in  Ann  Street.  The  following  was  the 
inscription : 

"  The  Corner-Stone  of  this  Theatre 

was  laid  on  the  5th  day  of  May,  A.D.  1795. 
Jacob  Morton, 

Carlisle  Pollock,       I  Committee. 
William  Henderson.  J 
Lewis  Hallam, 
John  Hodgkinson, 


Managers.' 


Mr.  Hallam,  it  will  be  remembered,  had  retired  from  the 
management  previous  to  the  opening  of  the  house,  and  never 
had  a  voice  in  its  direction. 

On  the  next  play  night — January  31st — Milne's  prelude  was 
repeated,  with  Sheridan's  comedy  of  the  "  School  for  Scan- 


dal," thus  cast : 


Sir  Peter  Teazle  . 
Sir  Oliver  Surface 
Joseph  .... 
Charles  .  .  . 
Sir  Benjamin  .  . 
Crabtree  .  . 
Careless 
Rowley.  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Hodgkinson 

"  Martin. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Seymour. 

"  Woolls. 


Moses  . 
Snake  . 
Trip    .    .  . 
Lady  Teazle  . 
Lady  Sneerwell 
Mrs.  Candour 
Maria  . 


Mr.  Jefferson. 

"  Hogg. 

"  Miller. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Brett. 

"  Seymour. 


Messrs.  Hallam  and  Woolls  were  the  only  members  of  the 
company  who  were  connected  with  it  at  the  opening  of  the 
John  Street  Theatre,  in  1767. 

Monday,  February  5th,  Mrs.  Melmoth  made  her  first  ap- 
pearance as  Queen  Elizabeth,  in  the  "Earl  of  Essex." 

Feb.  14th,  The  Spanifh  Barber. 


Count  Almaviva 
Lazarillo   .  . 
Doct.  Bartolo  . 
Basil    .    .  . 


Mr.  Tyler. 
"  Hodgkinson 
"  Johnson. 
"  Prigmore. 


Argus  . 
Tallboy 
Notary . 
Rosina  . 


Recitation — "  Alexander's  Feast"  Mrs. 

"  "  The  Mirror"  [Written  by  Mr.  Milne]  ....  Mrs. 

Daphne  and  Amintor, 

By  Miss  Harding,  Miss  Hogg,  and  Master  Stockwell. 

The  Earl  of  Warwick. 


Mr.  Martin. 

"  Jefferson. 

"  Hogg. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Melmoth. 
Johnson. 


Feb.  1 6th, 


Warwick  . 
King  Edward 
Pembroke  . 
Suffolk  .  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Martin. 


Buckingham .  .  . 
Margaret  of  Anjou  . 
Lady  Elizabeth  Grey 
Lady  Clifford     .  . 


Feb.  2 1  ft, 


The  Man  of  Fortitude. 


Sir  Bertrand 
Carlos  .  . 
Velasco 
Sancho  .  . 


Mr.  Chalmers. 
"  Jefferson. 
"  Williamson. 
"  Martin. 


Peasant 
Spectre 
Captive 


Mr.  Miller. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Tyler. 


Mr.  Fawcett. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Hodgkinson. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


177 


Mr.  Cooper  and  the  managers  of  the  Philadelphia  Theatre 
(to  whom  his  agreement  bound  him  for  nearly  two  unexpired 
years)  being  openly  at  variance,  the  former  entered  into  an 
engagement  with  Messrs.  Hodgkinson  and  Dunlap  for  his  ap- 
pearance in  New  York,  which  was  heralded  by  the  following 
announcement : 

"Mr.  Cooper,  by  certain  unforefeen  circumftances,  being 
prevented  from  the  future  exercife  of  his  profeflion,  for  nearly 
the  term  of  two  years,  unlefs  he  pays  the  penalty  of  his  article 
to  Meifrs.  Wignell  and  Reinagle ;  the  managers  of  this  theatre 
propole  to  appropriate  this  his  firft  night's  performance  toward 
the  difcharge  of  the  fame." 

Feb.  28th,  Hamlet. 

Hamlet  [His  firft  appearance  here] 


King 
Polonius 
Laertes 
Horatio 
Ofrick 
Rolencrantz 
Guildenftern 


Mr. 


Fawcett. 
Johnson. 
Hallam,  Jr. 
Martin. 
Jefferson. 
Hogg. 
Miller. 


ift  Gravedigge 
Player  King 
Ghoft     .  . 
Bernardo 
Ophelia  . 
Queen  . 
Player  Queen 


Mr. 
Mr. 


Cooper. 
Prigmore. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Seymour. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 
M  Melmoth. 
"  Brett. 


The  young  actor  was  received  with  enthusiasm.  The  re- 
ceipts of  the  evening  amounted  to  $895.  The  penalty  in  his 
bond  to  Wignell  and  Reinagle,  £500  sterling,  was  made  up 
by  his  New  York  friends,  and  he  became  a  member  of  the 
New  York  company.  His  second  appearance  was  on  the  2d 
of  March,  in  King  John. 


King  John 
Falconbridge. 
Hubert     .  . 
King  Philip  . 
Dauphin  . 


Mr.  Cooper. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 
u  Tyler. 
"  Martin. 


Prince  Arthur 

Constance. 
Queen  Elinor 
Lady  Falconbridge 
Blanche  . 


Miss  Harding. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

14  Simpson. 

"  Brett. 
Mies  E.  Wbstray. 


March  9th, 


Romeo  and  Juliet. 


Romeo 

llercutio 

Benvolio 

Tybalt. 

Capulet 

Montague 

Paris  . 


March  19th. 


Goldfinch  .  . 
Old  Dornton  . 
Harry  Dornton 


Mr.  Cooper. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Martin. 

"  Hoqo. 

"  Fawcett. 

"  Prkjmore. 

"  Miller. 


Prince . 

Friar  Lawrence 
Peter  .  .  . 
Apothecary  . 
Juliet  .  .  . 
Lady  Capulet 
Nurse. 


Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Tyler. 

11  Jefferson.  • 

"  Johnson. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Brett. 


Mr.  Chalmers'  benefit  and  laft  appearance. 
The  Road  to  Ruin. 


Mr.  Chalmers. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
14  Cooper. 


Silky  Mr.  Jefferson. 

Widow  Warren  .  .  .  Mrs.  Simpson. 
Sophia  41  Hallam. 


and 


Recitations  and  Songs,  by  Messrs.  Chalmers,  Hodgkinson,  Williamson, 
Mrs.  Melmoth,  Mrs.  Johnson,  Miss  Broadhurst,  kc, 

Harlequin's  Vagaries. 

Clown   Mr.  Jkfferson. 

23 


178 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


March  23d.    Firft  time,  Morton's  drama  of  Zorinfki. 


Zorinski  . 
Cassimir  . 
Rodomsko 
Zarno  .  . 
Radzano  . 


Mr.  Cooper. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Hodqkinson. 
"  Martin. 


Witzki   Mr.  Jeffbrbon. 

O'Currough  ....     "  Simpson. 

Rosolia   Mrs.  Hallam. 

Winifred  "  Hodqkinson. 

Rachel   Miss  Broadhurst. 


March  28th, 


Douglas. 


Young  Norval 
Old  Norval  . 
Lord  Randolph 


March  30th, 


Andre  .... 
Gen.  Washington 
Bland  .... 
McDonald  . 
Melville    .  . 
Seward     .    .  . 


Mr.  Cooper.             I     Glenalvon     ....    Mr.  Hallam. 
"   Hodqkinson.           Lady  Randolph  .    .    .    Mrs.  Melmoth. 
"   Tyler.  I     Anna  Miss  J.  Westray. 

Never  performed,  Dunlap's  tragedy,  entitled 
Andre. 

Mr. 


Mr.  Hodokinson. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Cooper. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Williamson. 

"  Martin. 


British  Officer  . 
American  Officer 
Mrs.  Bland  .  . 
Honora 

Children  .    .  . 


Hogg. 
"  Miller. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 
"  Johnson. 
Miss  HOGQ. 
Mast.  Stookwell. 


It  was  repeated  a  few  times,  and  afterward  reconstructed, 
and  called  "The  Glory  of  Columbia — her  Yeomanry,"  still 
occasionally  performed  at  the  minor  theatres.  In  April,  Mr. 
Cooper  appeared  as  Lord  Hastings,  in  "  Jane  Shore."  A  new 
comedy,  never  performed,  was  produced,  under  the  title  of 
"  The  Lad  of  Spirit,  or  the  Fool  of  Fashion."  Also,  a  play 
called  "Joan  of  Arc,"  written  by  Mr.  Burke;  and  Madame 
Gardie  re-appeared  in  several  fascinating  dances.  On  the  30th 
of  April  Mr.  Simpson,  took  his  benefit,  bringing  out,  for  the 
first  time,  O'Keefe's  comedy  of  the  "  London  Hermit." 


Tully  .    .  . 

Young  Pranks 
Old  Pranks 
Peregrine 
Whimmy  . 
Barleycorn 
Toby  Thatch 


Mr.  Simpson. 

"  Hodqkinson. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Williamson. 

"  Prigmore. 

"  Hogg. 

"  Jefferson. 


May  2d.    Mrs.  Johnfon's  benefit 


Natty  Maggs 
Barebones . 
Poz.  .  . 
John  Grum 
Diana  .  . 
Mrs.  Maggs 
Kitty  Barleycorn 

The  Weft  Indian 


Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Martin. 
"  Fawcett. 

"  WOOLLS. 

Miss  E.  Westray. 
Mrs.  Simpson. 
"  Hodgkinson. 


Major  O'Flaherty  [First  time]  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Belcour  Mr.  Cooper.  Lady  Rusport    .    .    .    Mrs.  Simpson. 

Stockwell     ....     "   Hallam.  Charlotte  Rusport  .    .     "  Hallam. 

Varland  "   Jefferson.  Louisa  Dudley  ..."  Johnson. 

"  Satan's  Address  to  the  Sun  "  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

and,  firft  time  here,  a  farce  by  Andrew  Franklin,  called 
The  Wandering  Jew ;  or,  Love's  Mafquerade. 


Sir  Sol.  Swallow. 
Major  Atall  .  . 
Capt.  Marall  .  . 
Toby  .... 


Mr.  Johnson.  i  Lady  Swallow    .    .    .  Mrs.  Simpson. 

"   Martin.  Camilki   "  Johnson. 

"   Williamson.  I  Lydia   Miss  Broadhurst. 

"   Jefferson.  i  Susan   Mrs.  Collins. 


May  4th.    MefTrs.  Martin  and  Hallam,  Jr.'s,  benefit. 
Love  Makes  a  Man  ; 


Carlos   Mr.  Hodqkinson. 

Claudio   "  Hallam. 

Lewis   "  Simpson. 

Duart   "  Hallam,  Jr. 


Monsieur   Mr.  Martin. 

Louisa   Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Elvira   "  Hallam. 

Angelina   "  Johnson. 


nd 


Selima  and  Azor. 


RKCORDS  OF  THE   NKW   VOUK  STAGE. 


L70 


May  1 2th.  Mr.  Jefterfon's  benefit. 

Firft  time  here,  a  drama  by  M.  P.  Andrews,  entitled 

The  Myfteries  of  the  Caftle  ; 


Hilario     .  . 
Carlos  .    .  . 
Fractioso  . 
Count  Montoni 
Montauban 
Cloddy.    .  . 


Mr.  Hodqkinson. 

"  COOPER. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Jefferson. 


Valoury  . 
Bernardo  . 
Fisherman 
Julia 

Constantia 
Annette  . 


Mr.  Simi-son. 
"  Hoao. 

M  WOOLLS. 

Mrs.  Johnson. 
**  Seymour. 
"  hodqkinson. 


and  Ways  and  Means. 

May  14th.  Mrs.  Melmoth's  benefit. 

Never  acted  here,  Jephfon's  tragedy,  The  Count  of  Narbonne. 

Countess  Mrs.  Melmotu. 

"The  Portrait  Painter"— an  Address  written  by  Mr.  Milne,  with  Sketches  of  a  Beau, 
a  Belle,  a  Miser,  an  Epicure,  a  Real  Fine  Lady,  &0. — to  be  delivered  by  Mrs.  Melmotu. 

May  25th.    Mr.  Hallam's  benefit.    The  New  Peerage  ; 

.    .    .    Mr.  Hallam.  1     Lady  Charlotte  .    .    .    Mrs.  Melmotu. 

.    .     "   Hodqkinson.      I     Miss  Harley  ....     "  Hallam. 

The  Mifer. 

Lovegold   ....    Mr.  Hallam. 

June  1  ft.  Mrs.  Hodgkinfon's  benefit. 

Never  performed  here,  a  drama  by  M.  G.  Lewis,  entitled 
The  Caftle  Spectre. 


Vandercrab 
Charles  . 

and, 


Earl  Osmond 
Reginald  . 
Percy .     .  . 
Father  Philip 
Motley .    .  . 


Mr. 


nODGKINSON. 

Hallam. 
Martin. 
Johnson. 
Jefferson. 


Hassan   Mr.  Tyler. 

Kenric   "    Hallam,  Jr. 

Angela   Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Evelina   M  Hallam. 

Alice   "  Simpson. 


The  play  was  long  a  popular  one,  but,  fortunately,  has  for 
many  years  been  forgotten. 

June  4th.     Benefit  of  Mrs.  Brett  and  Mrs.  Seymour. 
A  new  play  by  Boaden,  called  the  Italian  Monk. 


Schedoni 

Vivaldi 

Ansaldo 

Spalatro 

Paulo  . 

Carlow 

Stiletto 

Carvino 


Mr.  Hodqkinson. 

"  Cooper. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Prig  more. 

"  Jefferson. 

"  Fawcett. 

"  Williamson. 

"  Martin. 


Priest  .  .  . 
Elena  di  Rosalba 
Olivia  . 
Marchioness 
Fioresca  . 
Murgaritone 
Abbess 
Gradisca  . 


Mr.  Hooo. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson 

"  Melmotu. 

M  Simpson. 
Miss  Broadhurst. 

Hardini;. 
Mrs.  Collins. 

"  Brett. 


June  8th.  Mifs  Broadhurft's  benefit. 

Firft  time,  a  comedy  by  Holcroft,  called  "Knave  or  Not?"  &c. 

June  nth.  Meilrs.  Hallam,  Jr.,  and  Martin's  benefit.  (Sec- 
ond attempt.)  Tamerlane  ; 


Tamerlane 
Bajazet 


Mr.  Hodqkinson. 

"  COOl'ER. 


Arpasia  Mrs.  Mklmoth. 

Selima  w  Hallam. 


and,  firft  time  in  New  York,  Burgoyne's  farce,  called 
The  Maid  of  the  Oaks. 


Dup«ly  ... 
Sir  Harry  Grovely  . 
Old  Grovelj  .    .  . 
Old  worth  .... 


Ir.  Mautin. 
"    Hallam,  Jr. 
M  Hallam. 
"  Tyler. 


Hurry  Mr.  Jefferson. 

Lady  Bab  Mrs.  Hallam. 

Maria  Miss  E.  West*ay. 


180 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


June  13th.     Benefit  of  the  Mifles  Weftray. 

The  Deferted  Daughter  ; 

Joana  Miss  E.  Westray.     |     Sarsnet  Miss  J.  Westray. 

and,  firft  time  in  New  York,  Mrs.  Inchbald's  petit  comedy, 
The  Wedding  Day. 

Sir  Adam  Contest   .    .    Mr.  Jefferson.        |      Lady  Contest.    .    .    .    Miss  J.  Westray. 

This  was  the  first  performance  of  these  young  ladies  that 
made  a  fixed  impression  on  the  mind  of  their  manager,  Dun- 
lap. 

June  26th.    Mr.  and  Mifs  Hogg's  benefit. 

The  Clandeftine  Marriage  ; 

Lord  Ogleby  ....    Mr.  Hallam.  |      Mrs.  Heidleberg.    .        Mrs.  Hogg. 

Occasional  Address  Miss  Hogg. 

Masonic  Song    .    Mr.  Tyler.  |     Masonic  Epilogue    .    .    Mrs.  Hogg. 

and  A  Quarter  of  an  Hour  before  Dinner. 

Tickets  of  Mr.  Hogg,  No.  22  Little  Chappel  Street,  back  of 
the  College — now  College  place. 

This  was  Mrs.  Hogg's  first  appearance  at  the  Park  Theatre, 
and  her  first  in  New  York  for  twenty-five  years.  She  will  be 
remembered  as  Miss  Ann  Storer,  of  1767,  &c. 

June  29th.    Mrs.  Tyler's  laft  benefit. 

"  She  Stoops  to  Conquer," — followed  by  a  Variegated  Mafque, 
called  uThe  Federal  Oath;  or,  Americans,  Strike  Home;" — 
written  by  Anthony  Pafquin,  for  the  exclufive  purpofe  of  ferving 
Mrs.  Tyler,  on  her  laft  appearance  in  a  public  character. 

Tickets  of  Mrs.  Tyler,  at  her  Gardens,  Greenwich — the 
prefent  corner  of  Spring  and  Hudfon  Streets. 

July  2d.  Laft  night  of  the  Seafon — for  the  benefit  of  Madame 
Gardie,  who  appeals  to  the  public  for  their  fupport ;  the  profits 
of  her  benefit  being  the  only  remuneration  fhe  will  receive  for 
her  fervices — referring  to  the  misfortune  of  lofing  nearly  the 
whole  of  her  falary  from  the  theatre  where  fhe  had  been  engaged 
during  the  winter. 

In  the  early  fall  of  1798  the  yellow  fever  prevailed  in  New 
York  with  an  unprecedented  violence,  2,086  deaths  occurring 
from  that  disease  in  a  population  of  little  more  than  50,000. 
The  theatre  was  now  under  the  sole  management  of  Mr.  Dun- 
lap,  Mr.  Hodgkinson  having  given  up  his  situation  both  as 
manager  and  actor.  During  the  recess  its  appearance  under- 
went an  entire  change,  being  finished  in  the  superb  style 
originally  intended  by  its  proprietors. 


RECORDS  OK  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


181 


Owing  to  the  prevailing  sickness,  the  opening  was  deferred 
until  the  3d  of  December.  The  company  was  materially 
changed.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson  were  engaged  at  Boston, 
and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  had  returned  to  England. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  performers  engaged  for  the  season, 
with  the  weekly  salary  of  each,  according  to  a  schedule  in 
Dunlap's  History : 


Mr.  Hallam  $25. 

Mr.  Barrett  

Mr.  Cooper   

Mr.  Jefferson  

Mr.  Tyler  

Mr.  Bates  

Mr.  Martin  

Mr.  Hallam,  Jr  

Mr.  Hogg     .    .  .... 

Mr.  Leb  

Mr.  Miller  

Mr.  Seymour   


$25. 

Mrs.  Oldmixon. 

00. 

Mrs.  Hallam  . 

25. 

Mrs.  Barrett  . 

•23. 

Mrs.  Melmoth  . 

20. 

Mrs.  Hogg  .  . 

00. 

Mrs.  Seymour  . 

18. 

Miss  J.  Westray 

16. 

Mrs.  K.  Westray 

13. 

Mrs.  Collins 

12. 

Miss  Hogg  .  . 

12. 

Miss  Bates  .  . 

$37. 
25. 
00. 
20. 
14. 
lfi. 
13. 
12. 
12. 
4. 
00. 


The  amount  paid  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barrett  is  not  stated.  It 
was  probably  the  same  as  that  heretofore  given  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Johnson,  viz. :  $50.  Neither  is  the  salary  of  Mr.  Bates 
mentioned.  The  orchestra  numbered  fourteen  performers,  and 
received  $140  per  week.  The  box-office  keeper  received  $14, 
and  the  prompter  $10  per  week.  The  rent,  scenery,  lights, 
printing,  wardrobe,  properties,  doorkeepers,  officers  and  nu- 
merous incidental  expenses  caused  the  average  weekly  outlay 
of  the  establishment  to  reach  nearly  $1,200. 

Mrs.  Oldmixon,  it  will  be  seen,  received  the  highest  salary. 
She  engaged  for  the  first  comic  singing  characters,  and  her 
choice  of  serious  ones — the  best  comic  old  women,  and  the 
best  chambermaids. 

On  the  opening  night,  Mr.  Cooper  delivered  the  occasional 
address ;  aftor  which  the  " School  for  Scandal"  was  performed, 
with  the  first  appearance  on  the  Park  stage  of  Mrs.  Oldmixon 
and  Mr.  Barrett.  The  cast  is  considerably  varied  from  the 
preceding  season : 


Sir  Peter  Teazle  . 
Sir  Oliver  Surface 
Joseph  Surface  . 
Charles  Surface  . 
Sir  B.  Backbite  . 
Crabtree  .    .  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Martin. 
<;  Barrett. 
"  Miller. 
"  Jefferson. 


Careless 
Moses  .    .  . 
Lady  Teazle  . 
Lady  Sncerwell 
Mrs.  Candour 
Maria  .    .  . 


Mr.   Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Hogg. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Hogg. 

"  Oldmixon. 

"  Seymour. 


With  High  Life  below  Stairs. 

December  5th.  A  second  opening  address  (written  by  a 
lady)  was  delivered  by  Mrs.  Melmoth,  and  Mr.  Bates  made 
his  first  appearance  in  "Inkle  and  Yarico,"  thus  cast: 


182 


RECORDS  OF  THK  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Inkle  .  . 
Sir  C.  Carry 

Medium 
Trudge  . 


Mr.  Tyler. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Hogg. 
"  Bates. 


Yarico  . 

Narcissa 
Patty  . 
Wowski 


Mra.  Hallam. 

"  Seymour. 

"  Hogg. 

"  Oldmixon. 


Mrs.  Oldmixon  realized  the  expectations  of  audience  and 
manager,  but  Mr.  Bates  was  a  comparative  failure,  for  Hodg- 
kinson  was  well  remembered  in  Trudge,  and  Jefferson  and 
Hallam  were  both  his  superiors  in  low  comedy. 

December  7th.  "  Hamlet "  was  announced,  with  Mr.  Cooper 
as  Hamlet,  Mr.  Bates  as  Polonius,  and  Mrs.  Oldmixon  as  Ophe- 
lia ;  with  the  farce  of  "  The  Sultan,"  Mrs.  Oldmixon  as  Rox~ 
alana ;  but  the  lady  was  taken  suddenly  ill,  and  the  theatre 
was  not  opened. 

December  10th.  Mr.  Dunlap  brought  out  his  own  version 
of  Kotzebue's  "  Stranger,"  which  had  a  very  successful  run. 
It  was  thus  first  played : 


Stranger  .  .  . 
Baron  Steinfort  . 
Count  Wintersen 
Francis  .  .  . 
Solomon 

Peter  .... 
Tobias  .... 


Mr.  Cooper. 

"  Barrett. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Martin. 

"  Bates. 

"  Jefferson. 

"  Tyler. 


Couht's  Child 
Stranger's  \ 

Children  j  1 
Mrs.  Haller  . 
Countess  . 
Barbara  . 


Mast.  Stockwbll. 

"    G.  Barrett. 
Miss  Hogg. 
Mrs.  Barrett. 

"  Melmoth. 

"  Seymour. 


Mrs.  Barrett  was  fortunate  in  having  an  original  part  for 

her  first  appearance.    She  played  with  touching  pathos,  and 

was  loudly  applauded.    Master  George  Barrett  (afterward  the 

celebrated  light  comedian)  here  made  his  debut  on  the  stage 

as  one  of  the  Stranger's  children. 

Dec.  17th.    The  Stranger — for  the  third  time — 
and  Love  a  la  Mode. 

Sir  Archy  Mr.  Bates.  I     Beau  Mordecal        .    .    Mr.  Martin. 

Squire  Groom    ..."   Cooper.  Sir  Theodore  ....     "  Hogg. 

Sir  Callaghan     ..."   Barrett.  Charlotte  

There  is  no  name  assigned  to  Charlotte.  The  character  was 
probably  represented  by  Miss  White,  a  young  lady  who  played 
during  the  balance  of  the  season,  and  for  several  succeeding 
ones. 

Dec.  19th.    Firft  time,  Morton's  comedy,  entitled 
Secrets  Worth  Knowing. 


Rostrum 
Egerton 
Greville 
April  . 
Plethora 


Mr.  Martin. 

"  Cooper. 
"  Barrett. 
"  Tyler. 
"   Hallam,  Jr. 


Undermine  . 
Nicholas  Rue.  . 
Mrs.  Greville.  . 
Rose  Sidney  . 
Sally  Downright 


Mr.  Bates. 

*4  Jefferson. 
Mrs.  Barrett. 

"  Seymour. 

"  Hogg. 


This  comedy  is  still  played  with  applause. 
"The  Wheel  of  Fortune"  was  played  on  the  21st,  with 
Cooper  as  Penruddock  (first  time  at  the  Park) ;  Bates  as  Gov. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


183 


Tempest;  Mrs.  Melraoth  as  Mrs.  Woodville;  and  Mrs.  Hallam 
as  Emily. 

Dec.  24th.  Secrets  Worth  Knowing;  and,  never  played  in 
New  York,  an  Englifh  farce,  by  John  Dent,  called 

The  Telegraph. 


Sir  Peter  Curious 
Deputy  Feedwell 
M ;ijor  O'Donnelly 
Fertile .... 
Drainma  .  . 


Mr.  Jefferson. 

"  Hogg. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Martin. 

"  Miller. 


Gardener  ■ 
Lady  Curious 
Emily  . 
Edging     .  . 
Maid    .    .  . 


Mr.  Woolls. 
Miss  J.  Westray. 
"  White. 
Mrs.  Seymour. 
Miss  Bates. 


This  is  announced  as  the  second  appearance  of  Miss  White, 
and  is  the  first  that  we  have  found  of  Miss  Bates. 
Dec.  26th,  Romeo  and  Juliet. 

.    .    .    .    Mr.  Cooper.  |     Juliet  .    (first  time)    .    Miss  E.  Westray. 


Romeo 


Mrs.  Oldmixon,  to  whom  the  character  of  Nurse  belonged, 
being  ill,  Mrs.  Hogg  was  substituted  in  her  stead,  and  Mrs. 
Tyler  (who  gave  up  the  profession  last  season)  consented  to 
play  Lady  Capulet.    The  farce  was  the  "  Mock  Doctor." 


Gregory  .  .  . 
Sir  Jaaper     .  . 

Dec.  28th 

Hastings  .  .  . 

Dumont    .  .  . 


Mr.  Bates. 
"  Hogo. 


Mr.  Coofer. 
M  Barrett. 


Charlotte  Miss  Bates. 

Dorcas  Mrs.  Seymour. 


Jane  Shore; 


Gloster  . 
Jane  Shore 


Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 
Mrs.  Barrett. 


with,  firft  time,  Gil  Bias. 

Dec.  31ft.  Firft  time  in  New  York,  Beaumont  and  Fletch- 
er's comedv  of  Rule  a  Wife  and  Have  a  Wife ! 


Leon    .    .  . 
Michael  Perez 
Duke  of  Medina 
Don  Alonzo  . 
Don  Juan  . 
Cacofogo  . 


Mr.  Cooper. 

"  Barrett. 

"  Martin. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 

11  Tyler. 

"  Hogg. 


Margaretta 
Estifania  . 
Clara  .  . 
Altea  .  . 
Old  Woman 
Maid   .  . 


Miss  E.  Westray. 
Mrs.  Barrett. 

M  Hoog. 
Miss  J.  Westray. 

"  White. 

"  Bates. 


Leon  proved  a  great  success  with  Mr.  Cooper,  and  was  for 

many  years  one  of  his  most  admired  personations. 

January  9th,  1799.  Firft  time  in  New  York,  Holcroft's 
comedy,  callec' 


He's  Much  to  Blame ! 


Lord  Vibrate     .  . 
Sir  George  Versatile 
Delaral  .... 
Thompson     .  . 
Dr.  Gosterman 
Williams  .... 


Mr.  Bates. 

u  Coofer. 

"  Barrett. 

"  Tyler, 

"  Martin. 

"  Jefferson. 


Harry  .  .  . 
Jenkins  . 
I-ady  Vibrate 
Lady  Jane  . 
Maria  .  .  . 
Lucy   .    .  . 


Mr.  Hogg. 

"  Miller. 
Mrs.  Oldmixon. 
Miss  J.  Westray. 

"  E.  Westray. 
Mrs.  Seymour. 


January  nth.  Firft  time,  Dunlap's  opera,  called  Sterne's 
Maria;  or,  the  Vintage.    Mufic  by  Pcllefier. 


Yorick  ... 

Henry  

Sir  Harry  Metland  . 
Latlenr     .    .    .  . 


Mr.  Coofer. 
"  Tyler. 
"    Hallam.  Jr. 
M  Jefferson. 


Pierre   Mr.  Hogg. 

Maria   Miss  E.  Westray. 

Nannette   Mrs.  Oldmixon. 

Lilla   "  Seymour. 


It  proved  a  success,  and  was  several  times  repeated. 

Mr.  Bates  played  Falstaff,  in  "  Henry  IV.,"  on  the  21st,  with 


184 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Barrett  as  Hotspur,  and  Cooper  as  Prince  Hal; — and  the  "Siege 
of  Belgrade"  was  thus  revived  on  the  23d. 


Seraskier 
Cohenberg 
Useph 
Leopold  . 


Mr.  Tyler. 
"  Barrett. 
"  Bates. 
"  Jefferson. 


Peter   Mr.  Hogg. 

Catharine   Mrs.  Oldmixon. 

Lilla   "  Seymour. 

Ghita   Miss  E.  Westray. 


Cooper,  Hallam  and  Mrs.  Melmoth  appeared  in  "Macbeth" 
on  the  1st  of  February,  Barrett  refusing  to  play  Macduff. 

Feb.  4th.  Reynolds'  comedy  of  The  Will,  for  the  firft  time 
in  New  York. 


Sir  Solomon  Cynic 
Howard  . 
Mandeville    .  . 
Veritas     .    .  . 


Mr.  Bates. 
"  Cooper. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Martin. 


Realize     .    .  . 

Mrs.  Rigid    .  . 
Albina  Mandeville 


Mr.  Jefferson. 


Mrs.  Hogg. 

Miss  E.  Westray. 


This  comedy  is  still  occasionally  performed.  Albina  Man- 
deville was  a  favorite  character  with  its  original  representative, 
Mrs.  Jordan ;  and  in  New  York,  Mrs.  Barnes,  Mrs.  Darley,  Mrs. 
Hilson,  Clara  Fisher,  Mrs.  G.  Barrett,  Mrs.  Blake,  Miss  Rock 
and  others  have  delighted  in  its  embodiment. 

February  11th.  A  new  comedy,  by  Dunlap,  was  produced, 
with  no  success.    It  was  called 

The  Natural  Daughter. 


Sir  Stephen  Sternford 
Sir  Stately  Perfect  . 
Sir  Richard  Rusport 
Col.  Rusport  .  .  . 
Charles  Sternford  . 
Fortescue  .... 
Blandish  .... 


Mr.  Bates. 

"  Jefferson. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Barrett. 

"  Martin. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Hogg. 


Lady  Rusport  . 
Lady  Warrington 
Lady  Lucy  Veer 
Mrs.  Meredith  . 
Miss  Darwin.  . 
Emily  Rusport  . 


Mrs.  Seymour. 

"  Hogg. 
Miss  Westray. 
Mrs.  Barrett. 

"  Oldmixon. 
Miss  E.  Westray. 


February  18th.    "The  Stranger"  was  performed  for  the 

eighth  time  (a  long  run  for  the  period),  and  the  farce  of  the 

"  Shipwreck  "  was  given  for  the  first  time.    Cast  not  found. 

Feb.  24th.  Firft  time  in  New  York,  Ben  Jonfon's  comedy, 
entitled  Every  Man  in  his  Humor. 

Mr. 


Kitely  .  .  . 
Bobadil  .  . 
Just.  Clement 
Knowell  .  . 
Young  Knowell 
Downright 
Wellbred  .  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Barrett. 

"  Perkins. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Martin. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Miller. 


Brainworm 
Stephen  . 
Formal 
Matthew  . 
Dame  Kitely 
Bridget  . 
Tib  .    .  . 


Baths. 
"  Jefferson. 
"  Woolls. 
"  Hogg. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 
Miss  E.  Westray. 
Mrs.  Hogg. 


March  11th.  Mr.  Dunlap  produced  one  of  his  most  suc- 
cessful adaptations  from  Kotzebue,  entitled  "Lovers'  Vows," 
which  was  played  with  triumphant  applause.  All  concerned 
in  the  representation  exerted  themselves  to  the  utmost,  but 
Mr.  Cooper  and  Miss  E.  Westray  gave  a  charm  to  their  per- 
formances which  raised  them  greatly  in  public  esteem.  The 
piece  was  thus  first  played : 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


185 


Frederick      .  . 
Baron  Wildenheim 
Count  Cassell 
Arnand     .    .  . 
Christian  . 


Mr.  Cooper. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Jefferson. 

"  Martin. 

"  Bates. 


Hubert  

Landlord  .... 
Amelia  Wildenheim 
Theodosia  Friberj; 
Cottager's  Wife  .  . 


Mr.  Hoaa. 

I'EKKINS. 

Miss  E.  Westray, 
Mrs.  Mklmoth. 
"  Hoao. 


So  well  satisfied  were  the  performers  and  the  public  with 
this  translation  that,  many  years  after,  it  was  frequently 
played  in  preference  to  the  London  copy. 

On  the  1st  of  April  the  indefatigable  manager  and  author  pro- 
duced his  play  of  "  Count  Benyowski,"  with  the  following  east : 


Governor   Mr.  IIallam. 

liftman  *'  Bates. 

Benyowski    .    .  "  Cooi-er. 

Stephanoff  ....  "  Barrett. 
Crustiew  "  Tyler. 


Ghiroinin  . 
Kudrin 
Athanasia. 
Fedora . 


Mr.  Martin. 

"  Jefferson. 
Mrs.  Babbitt. 

OLDMIXON. 


It  was  played  at  intervals  for  some  fifteen  years. 

The  manager  produced  another  play  of  his  own  on  the  13th 
of  April,  entitled  the  "Italian  Father,"  which  was  also  very 
favorably  received.    The  cast  was  as  follows: 


Michael  Brazzo 
Beraldo    .  . 
Hypolito  . 
Ludovico  . 


Mr.  Tyler. 

"  C'OOl'ER. 

"  Martin 
"  Bates. 


Fool 
Beatrice 
Astrabel 
Leonora 


Mr.  Jefferson. 
Miss  E.  Westray. 
Mrs.  Barrett 
"  Oldmixon. 


He  states  that  he  considers  this  the  best  of  his  original  pro- 
ductions. 

In  the  month  of  April,  Mr.  Fennell  attempted  some  per- 
formances at  Lailson's  Greenwich  Street  Circus,  re-named  the 
"Pantheon."  He  announced  himself  as  Zariba,  in  the  "Re- 
venge," with  a  Mrs.  Dan  vers  as  Leonora,  supported  by  several 
secondary  members  of  the  Park  company,  but  received  no 
encouragement  from  the  public. 

At  the  Park,  the  "  Heir-at-Law"  was  played,  for  the  first 
time,  on  the  24th  of  April ;  and  on  the  1st  of  May  Mr.  Fen- 
nell made  his  first  appearance  there  as  Jqffier,  in  "Venice 
Preserved,"  to  Cooper's  Pierre,  and  Mrs.  Melmoth's  Belvidera. 

May  6th.  uLaft  night  of  performing  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Leflee,  the  parties  in  whofe  name  the  bill  of  the  night  is  made 
out,  being  hereafter  alone  refponfible." 

Firft  time,  Dunlap's  adaptation  of  Schiller's  Don  Carlos ; 


Philip  2d  .  . 
Don  Carlos 
Marquis  Posa. 
Duke  of  Alva 
Count  Lerma 
Duke  of  Feria 

with 


Mr.  Fennell. 
"  Cooper. 
"  Martin. 
"    IIallam,  Jr. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Miller. 


Dominick  , 
Prior   .    .  . 
Princess  of  Eboli 
Duchess  . 
Marchioness  . 
Elizabeth  . 


Mr.  Hogg. 
M  Perkins. 
Miss  E.  Westray. 
Mrs.  Ho<;<; . 
Miss  White. 
Mrs.  Barrett. 


The  Prize. 


Caroline 


Mrs.  Oldmixon. 


The  play  was  a  failure,  and  never  repeated. 

24 


186 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


May  ioth.  Mrs.  Melmoth's  benefit. 

Firft  time,  a  play  by  M.  G.  Lewis,  entitled  The  Minifter, 


from  Schiller's  "  Cabal  and  Love 

Count  Koseuiberg   .    .  Mr.  Barrett. 
Marshal  Ingelheiin  ,  "  Jefferson. 

Cassimir  "  Cooper. 

Munster  "  Tyler. 

Warbeck  .        ...     "  Hogg. 


Walter   Mr.  Martin. 

Baroness   Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Elizabeth  Munster  .    .     "  Hogg. 

Julia   Miss  E.  Westray. 

Catharine     ....     "  White. 


Another  version  of  Schiller's  play  was  afterward  given, 
under  the  title  of  the  "  Harper's  Daughter." 
May  13th.  Mrs.  Barrett's  benefit. 

Firft  time  in  America,  Shakfpeare's  play  of  Henry  the  8th. 

Henry  8th  ... 
Cardinal  Wolsey 
Cromwell 

May  15th. 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Barrett. 
"  Cooper. 


Queen  Katharine 
Anne  Bullen.  . 
Lady  Denny  . 


Mrs.  Barrett. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Hogg. 


Mr.  Bates'  benefit. 


Columbus — for  the  firft  time  at  the  Park. 


Columbus 
Alonzo 

Harry  Herbert 
Doct.  Dolores 
Bribon 


Mr.  Cooper. 
"  Martin. 
"  Barrett. 
"  Bates. 
"  Jefferson. 


Valverde   Mr.  Miller. 

Orozembo     ....  "  Tyler. 

Salasco   "  Hallam. 

Cora   Mrs.  Barrett. 

Nelti   "  Oldmixon. 


May  17th. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hogg's  benefit. 
The  Merchant  of  Venice; 


Shylock 
Antonio 
Bassanio 
Lorenzo 


Mr.  Cooper. 
"  Hallam. 
"   Hallam,  Ji\ 
"  Tyler. 


Launcelot     ....  Mr.  Bates. 

Portia   Mrs.  Barrett. 

Nerissa   "  Seymour. 

Jessica   Miss  Westray. 


and  Fielding's  farce  of     The  Lottery. 

Stocks  Mr.  HOGG.  Mrs.  Stocks 

Jack  Stocks  ....     "   Jefferson.  Chloe  .  . 

Lovemore     ....     "   Perkins.  Jenny. 


Mrs.  Hogg. 
"  Hallam. 

"  Seymour. 


May  20th.  Mrs.  Hallam's  benefit. 

Firft  time,  Holcroft's  comedy,  The  Follies  of  a  Day. 


Count  Almaviva 
Don  Guzman 
Doctor  Bartholo 
Figaro      .    .  . 
Anthonio  . 
Basil  . 


M  r, 


Martin. 

Jefferson 

Bates. 

Barrett. 

Hallam. 

Hallam,  Jr. 


Hannibal   Miss  E.  Westray. 

Countess   Mrs.  Barrett. 

Susan   "  Hallam. 

Marceline   "  Hogg. 

Agnes   Miss  J.  Westray. 


The  present  operatic  version  of  Beaumarchais'  "Marriage 
of  Figaro  "  is  but  slightly  altered  from  the  above. 
May  22d.  Mr.  Jefferfon's  benefit. 

A  comedy  by  Waldron,  called  the  Prodigal,  altered  from  Jofeph 
Mitchell's  "Fatal  Extravagance;" 


Belmour 
Courtney 


Mr.  Cooper. 
"  Tyler. 


Bargravc  Mr.  Miller. 

Louisa  Mrs.  Barrett. 


and,  firft  time, 
called 


Prince  Hoare's  peculiarly  conftructed  drama, 
Three  and  the  Deuce ! 


Percival,  Peregrine,  and  Pertinax  Single  Mr.  Barrett. 


Justice  Touchit 
Frank  Woodbine 
McFloggan  . 
Humphrey  Grizzle 


Mr.  Martin. 
Bates. 
Hallam,  Jr. 
Jefferson, 


Milford   "  Hogg. 

Emily   Mrs.  Hallam. 

Phoebe   Miss  E.  Westray. 

Taffline   Mrs.  Oldmixon. 


This  farce  long  enjoyed  great  popularity. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


187 


May  30th.  Mrs.  Seymour's  benefit. 

Firft  performance  of  Mrs.  Cowley's  "Town  Before  You," 
and  Hugh  Kelly's  "  Romance  of  an  Hour."  Cafts  of  neithci 
found. 

June  3d.  Mr.  Cooper's  benefit. 

Firft  time  here,     Shakfpeare's  Coriolanus ; 


Coriolanus 
Cominius  ■ 
Meneniua  . 
Sicinius 


Mr  CoorER. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Bates. 

"  Perkins. 


Tullus  Aufldius  ,    ,    ,  Mr.  Martin. 

Volumoia.    .  Mrs.  Barrltt. 

Virgilia   Miss  B.  Westray. 

Valeria        ....  "J.  Westray. 


and 


Don  Juan. 


Don  Juan 
Ferdinand 

Scaramouch 


Mr.  Cooper. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Jefferson. 


Donna  Anna 
Catharina. 
Viletta.  . 


Miss  E.  Westray. 
Mrs.  Oldmixon. 
44  Seymour. 


June  5th.  Mr.  Martin's  benefit. 

Firft  time,  Mils  Lee's  play  of  the  "  Myfterious  Marriage." 
Caft  not  found. 

June  7th.  Mr.  Barrett's  benefit. 

Firft  time  here,  Burke's  Bunker  Hill ; 


Gen.  Warren 
Gen.  Prescott 
Gen.  Putnam 
Gen.  Gage 


Mr.  Barrett. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Bates. 

44  Hogg. 


Lord  Percy  . 
Sir  W.  Howe  . 
Gen.  Abercrombie 
Elvira  .... 


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Jefferson. 

44  Martin. 
Mrs.  Barrett. 


and  Colman's       New  Hay  at  the  Old  Market. 

Sylvester  Daggerwood  Mr.  Barrett. 

This  farce  was  afterward  altered,  and  played  under  the 
title  of  the  hero's  name. 

June  14th.  Mrs.  Hallam's  benefit. 

Firft  time  in  New  York,  a  comedy  from  Kotzebue,  by  Dun- 
lap,  called  The  Indians  in  England ;  or,  Nabob  of  Myfore ; 


Sir  John  Seymour 
O'Brian    .    .  . 
Jack  Trunion 
Mu8caffery    .  . 
Samuel     .    .  . 

and 

Prospero  .  .  . 
Ferdinand  .  . 
Alonzo 

Trinculo  .  .  . 
Stephano  . 


Tyler. 

Hallam. 

Bates. 

Hogg. 

Jefferson. 


Baderda 
Fazir  .    .  . 
Gurli   .    .  . 
Lady  Seymour 
Amelia     .  . 


The  Tempeft. 


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Tyler. 
*4  Martin. 
"  Bates. 
44  Jefferson. 


Caliban 
Ariel  . 
llypolito 
Miranda 
Dorinda 


Mr.  Barrett. 

44  Martin. 
Mis.  Hallam. 

44  Hogg. 
Miss  E.  WkoTRAy, 


Mr.  Lee. 

Miss  E.  Westray. 

44  J.  Westray. 
Mrs.  Oldmixon. 

44  Hallam. 


At  this  date  died  Mr.  Stephen  Woolls,  who  joined  the  old 
American  company  in  1767  as  one  of  the  sharing  members. 
Ee  had  continued  a  playing  member  thereof  from  that  time 
to  his  final  sickness,  except  during  his  visit  to  England,  in 
1774.  Mr.  Hallam's  interest  in  the  company  having  been  ex- 
tinguished by  purchase,  Mr.  Woolls  was  the  last  who  continued 
to  receive  an  income  from  the  manager  on  account  of  his  old 
share,  which  he  had  disposed  of  for  a  stipulated  life  annuity 


188 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE, 


July  4th.  Firft  time,  Dunlap's  adaptation  from  the  French, 
entitled  The  School  for  Soldiers. 

Bellamy  Mr.  Cooper.  Soleby  Mr.  Jefferson. 

Major  Bellamy   ...     "   Tyler.  Frederick  "  Lee. 

Col.  Valentine    ..."   Hogg.                    Mrs.  Mildmay     .    .    .    Mrs.  Melmoth. 
Capt.  Valentine  ..."    Martin.  Clara  Miss  E.  Westray. 

Mr.  Henry's  version  of  the  same  play,  it  will  be  remembered, 
was  performed  in  1788. 

This  ended  the  season,  which,  taken  altogether,  had  not 
been  an  unprosperous  one.  Dunlap  mentions  the  amount  of 
the  receipts  on  several  occasions.  The  opening  night  yielded 
$780 ;  the  second  night  only  $267.  Washington's  birthday, 
with  Cooper  and  Miss  E.  Westray  in  "  Romeo  and  Juliet,"  on 
a  stormy  night,  $610.  The  tenth  performance  of  the  "  Stranger" 
attracted  $624,  and  the  first  night  of  "  Lovers'  Vows,"  $622. 
The  first  night  of  "  Benyowski,"  $800,  and  the  only  night  of 
"Don  Carlos,"  $676. 

Previous  to  the  close  of  the  season,  Mr.  Fennell  once  more 
attempted  to  open  the  Greenwich  Street  Pantheon,  and  on  the 
1st  of  July  issued  the  following  bill : 

The  Roman  Father; 

Horatius  Mr.  Barrett.  I     Valerius  Mr.  McDonald. 

Publius  Horatius    .    .     "   Fennell.                Horatia     .  Mrs.  Barrett. 

Tullus  Hostilius  ..."    Hallam,  Jr.       |     Valeria  "  Perkins. 

and  The  Spoiled  Child. 

Little  Pickle  Miss  J.  Westray. 

Tag  Mr.  Macginnis.        |      Miss  Pickle  ....    Mrs.  Hogg. 

His  season  proved  a  short  one,  this  being,  it  is  believed,  the 
only  night. 


C  HA  P  TE  h    A  V 


Park  Theatre,  1799-1800— Cone's  Mount  Vernon  Gardens,  1800-  Park  Theatre 
1800-1801— Mount  Vernon  Gardens,  1801. 


R.  D  U  N  L  A  P  re-opened  the  Park  Theatre  on 
the  18th  of  November,  1799.  Mrs.  Oldinixon,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Barrett,  Mr.  Bates,  Miss  J.  Westray  and  Mrs. 
Collins  were  not  in  the  company.  Mr.  and  His.  Hodgkinson, 
Mr.  Crosby,  Mr.  Fox,  Mr.  Dykes,  Mrs.  Brett,  Miss  A.  Brett  and 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Perkins  were  the  substitutes.  Mr.  Hodgkinson 
returned  as  a  salaried  actor  only,  but,  with  his  wife,  received 
$100  per  week,  the  highest  amount  yet  paid  to  any  two  per- 
formers in  America.  Some  other  salaries  were  raised.  The 
list  for  the  season  stood  thus,  according  to  Dunlap 


Mr.  Cooper  . 
Mr.  Hallam 
Mr.  Jefferson 
Mr.  Martin  . 
Mr.  Tyler   .  . 
Mr.  Fox  .    .  . 
Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 
Mr.  Hoao 
Mr.  Perkins 
Mr.  Lee  .    .  . 
Mr.  Seymour 
Mast.  Stockwell 


Mrs.  Melmoth  .... 

.    .    .    .  $25« 

25. 

Mrs.  Hat.lam  .... 

.    .    .    .  25. 

25. 

Mrs.  Seymour  .... 

.    .    .    .  16. 

25. 

Miss  E.  Westray   .    .  . 

.    .    .    .  18. 

25. 

Mrs.  noiio  .... 

.    .    .    .  14. 

18. 

Mrs.  Brett  

.    .     .    .  14. 

18. 

Miss  A.  Brett       .    .  . 

.    .    .    .  14. 

14. 

Miss  Hakdino  ... 

.    .    .    .  10. 

12. 

Mrs.  Perkins  .... 

.    .    .    .  10. 

12. 

Mrs.  King  

.    .    .    .  6. 

y. 

Miss  Hoao  

.    .    .    .  4. 

4. 

The  salaries  paid  to  Messrs.  Dykes  and  Crosby  are  not  men- 
tioned. 

The  opening  pieces  were  the  " Heir-at-Law "  and  the  "Old 
Maid."  The  following  is  the  first  cast  of  the  comedy  that  we 
have  found,  although  played  the  preceding  season: 


Lord  Duberly 
Doctor  Pangloss 
Dick.  Dowlas  .  . 
Heory  Morland 
Steadfast  .  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

u  Martin. 

41  Hallam,  Jr. 

44  Tylkr. 


Kenrick  . 
Zekiel  Homespun 
Lady  Duberly 
Caroline  Dormer 
Cicely  Homespun 


Mr.  Hoao. 
44  Jefferson. 
Mrs.  Hooa. 
Miss  E.  Westray. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 


In  the  afterpiece,  Hodgkinson  played  Capt.  Cape,  and  Mrs. 
Hogg,  Ttie  Old  Maid. 


190  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

November  20th.  Mrs.  Melmoth  re-appeared  in  "The  Carme- 
lite," as  Matilda,  when  Mr.  Fox  made  his  first  appearance  iu 
this  theatre  as  Monlgomeri.  In  the  afterpiece  of  "  The  Poor 
Soldier"  Mr.  Fox  played  Bagatelle,  and  Miss  A.  Brett  (her 
first  appearance  in  sixteen  months)  Norah.  Mr.  Fox  possessed 
considerable  merit  both  as  actor  and  singer.  He  had  appeared 
with  Wignell's  company  in  Greenwich  Street. 

November  27th.    Mr.  Cooper  appeared  as  Macbeth. 

Nov.  29th.  Firft  time,  a  tranflation  from  the  German  of 
Kotzebue,  entitled  Self-immolation ;  or,  Family  Diftrefs. 

Robert  Maxwell  .    .    .  Mr.  Hodgkinson  Flood   Mr.  Dykes. 

Harrington    ....  "    Hallam.  Dumfries  '*     Hallam,  Jr. 

Walwyn   .    .        .    .  "    Martin.  Landlord  "  Perkins. 

Dempster  "   Fox.  Arabella       ....  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

John  Hartop  ....     "   Hogg.  Jane   ......  Miss  A.  Brett. 

Jew  M   Jefferson  Blind  Lady  ....  Mrs.  Brett. 

It  was  unsuccessful.  Dunlap  does  not  even  allude  to  it. 
Mr.  Dykes  probably  made  his  first  appearance  on  this  night. 
He  afterward  became  a  good  actor  of  comic  old  men  ;  was  iu 
New  York  in  1808,  and  again  in  1819,  and  will  be  remem- 
bered in  the  West  as  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the  drama  in  that 
region,  when  it  was  little  more  than  a  wilderness. 

November  30th.  Mrs.  Hallam  made  her  first  appearance  as 
Dinah  Primrose  in  "  The  Young  Quaker." 

December  4th.    Mr.  Cooper  played  Hamlet. 

December  11th.  The  manager's  comedy  of  "  False  Shame," 
as  adapted  from  the  German,  was  first  played,  and  received 
such  general  approbation  that  it  was  repeated  again  and 
again  to  well-filled  houses.  Its  characters  were  thus  as- 
signed : 

Baron  Mr.  Tyler.  I     John  Mr.  Jefferson. 

Capt.  Erlach  ....     "   Hodgkinson.  Baroness  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Wieland  "    Cooper.  Adelaide  "  Hallam. 

Frelon  "    Fox.  Madam  Moreau  .    .         "  Melmoth. 

Visct.  Maillac     ..."   Martin.  j     Emmy  Miss  E.  Westray. 

"Never  was  part  better  suited  to  Mr.  Hodgkinson  than 
Erlach,  and  never  was  part  better  played,"  says  Dunlap,  while 
Miss  E.  Westray  made  another  triumphant  hit  in  the  character 
of  Emmy. 

News  of  the  death  of  Washington,  on  the  14th  of  Decem- 
ber, reached  New  York  on  the  20th,  (railroads  and  electric 
telegraphs  were  not  at  that  time)  and  the  theatre,  in  conse- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


191 


quence,  was  closed  until  the  30th,  when  it  was  re-opened — 
hung  in  black — with  a  play  called  "The  Robbery,"  translated 
by  Dunlap  from  Monvel,  and  a  monody  written  by  Charles 
Brockden  Brown,  and  spoken  by  Mr.  Cooper.  The  play  was 
performed  twice  with  the  cast  annexed: 

Marquis  Granville       .    Mr.  IIai.lam.  Charles  Granville    .    .    Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 


Count  Raimond  .              "  Hodgkinson.  Louis   M  Jeffekson. 

Orlando  44  Cooper.  Charles   u  Fox. 

Count  Germain  .    .    ."  Tyler.  Julia   Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Lord  Edmund    ...     4  Martin.  Clementina   ....  "  Hodqkinson. 


January  10th,  1809,  was  specially  devoted  to  the  memory 
of  Washington.  "Gustavus  Vasa,  or  the  Deliverer  of  his 
Country,"  was  performed,  an  ode  recited,  &c. 

January  loth.  The  Stranger,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson 
appearing  for  the  first  time  as  The  Stranger  and  Mrs.  Haller. 

January  24th.  Dunlap's  translation  called  the  "  Wild  Goose 
Chase,"  since  superseded  by  the  English  operetta  "  Of  Age  To- 
morrow," was  thus  first  played,  and  with  great  success : 


Willinghurst  ...        Mr.  Hodqkinson.       i     Madam  Bromback  Mrs.  Hogg. 

Pitfleberg  "   Hogg.  Nanette  Miss  Harding. 

Hans  Molkus     ..."   Jefferson.        |     Lisette  Mrs.  Hodqkinson. 

On  the  5th  of  February,  another  comedy  from  the  German, 
by  Mr.  Dunlap,  called  the  "Force  of  Calumny,"  was  very  suc- 
cessfully produced.    Its  cast  is  thus  recorded : 

Morland   Mr.  Hodgkinson.      i     Kroll   Mr.  Perkins. 

Edward  Smith    ..."  Cooper.  Piltz  "  Dykes. 

Count  S.charfeneck  .  "  Hall\m,  Jr.  Thomas  "  Crosby. 

Young  Scharfeneck     .  "  Jefferson.  Mrs.  Elfield  .    .  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Capt.  Elfield  ....  "  Tyler.  Jane   Miss  E.  AVestray. 

Prompt   '  Hogg.  Emilia         ....  Mrs.  Hodgkinson 

Allbrand   "  Martin.  f  |     Eve  "  Brett. 

Reynolds'  lively  and  amusing  comedy  called  "  Laugh  when 

You  Can"  was  thus  first  presented  to  the  New  York  public, 
on  the  13th  of  February : 

Gossamer     ....    Mr.  Hodgkison.             Charles    ...  Mast.  Stockwell. 

Mortimer  "   Martin.                  Emily   Miss  E.  Westray. 

Bonus  "    Hogc                     Mrs.  Mortimer    ,    .    .  Mrs.  Hodqkinson. 

Delville  "    Fox.                      Miss  Gloomly    .    .  "  Hogg. 

Sambo  "   Jeffeuson.              Dorothy   "  Seymour. 


It  was  well  played  by  the  principals,  and  for  half  a  century 
remained  a  favorite  with  actors  and  audiences. 

March  3d.  Kotzebue's  play,  translated  by  the  manager 
entitled  the  "Count  of  Burgundy,"  was  brought  out, with  less 
success  than  had  attended  most  of  his  other  translations. 


Henry  Mr.  CoorER.                  Halwyll   Mr.  Flooo. 

Brother  Peter    ..."    Hom.KiNSON.  i     Bruns   "  Crosby. 

Count  Werdenberg           "    Hallam.                 Elizabeth   Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

jjlonay  "   Tyler.  i     Matilda    .        .  ««  Melmoth. 

Benedict                       u    martin  |     Gertrude   "  Brett. 


192 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


On  the  10th  Mr.  Cooper,  took  his  farewell  benefit  previous 
to  his  return  to  England,  when  he  appeared  as  Young  Norval. 
He  had  been  dissatisfied  with  his  situation  since  the  return  of 
Mr.  Hodgkinson,  whose  attractiveness  in  the  German  dramas 
had  kept  him  somewhat  in  the  shade. 

March  12th.  A  version  of  Kotzebue's  "  Virgin  of  the  Sun," 
probably  by  Dunlap,  was  first  played,  with  unusual  attention 
to  scenic  effect,  and  proved  very  attractive.    It  was  thus  cast: 

Mr. 


Rolla  . 
Ataliba 
Telasco 
Alonzo 
Valasquez 
Diego  . 


Hodgkinson. 
Hallam. 
Cbosby. 
Martin. 
Fox. 

Jefferson. 


Zorai   Mr.  Hallam. 

High  Priest  ....  "  Tyler. 

High  Priestess  .    .    .  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Cora   "  Hodgkinson. 

Idali   Miss  E.  Westray. 

Amazilli   "  Harding. 


Genest,  in  his  "  English  Stage,"  praises  this  translation.  It 
preceded  the  performance  of  Reynolds'  more  celebrated  play 
of  the  same  name  at  Covent  Garden  by  twelve  years. 

Sheridan's  still  more  popular  translation,  "  Pizarro,  or  the 
Death  of  Rolla,"  which  yet  retains  possession  of  the  boards, 
was  first  played  on  the  26th,  with  great  applause.  Dunlap 
restored  the  final  scene  as  written  by  Kotzebue,  instead  of 
Sheridan's  substitution. 


Rolla   Mr.  Hodgkinson.      i     Ataliba   Mr.  Hallam. 

Pizarro  "   Tyler.  Orozembo      ....     "  Jefferson. 

Alonzo  "   Martin.  Blind  Man     ....     "  Hogg. 

Valverde  "   Hallam,  Jr.  Cora   Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

LasCasas  "   Crosby.  Elvira  "  Melmoth. 

April  2 1  ft.      For  Mrs.  Hodgkinfon's  benefit. 
Firft  time,  a  drama  from  Kotzebue,  entitled, 

The  Corficans ;  or,  the  Dawnings  of  Love. 
April  23d.  Mr.  Dunlap's  benefit. 

Pizarro, — and  an  original  fketch  (a  fequel  to  the  "Stranger") 
called  the  Stranger's  Birthday. 

Baron  Hochstein  [the  Stranger]  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Baron  Steinfort  .    .    .    Mr.  Tyler.  I     Boy  Mast.  Stockwell. 

Francis  "   Martin.  Girl  Miss  Hodgkinson. 

Conrad  "   Jefferson.  Rose  "     E.  Westray. 

Baroness  Hochstein  [Mrs.  Haller]  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

In  this  little  drama,  Mrs.  Hodgkinson,  first  presented  her 
eldest  daughter  to  the  notice  of  the  public. 

A  succession  of  benefits  followed,  amongst  the  most  notice- 
able of  which  was  Mrs.  Melmoth's,  on  the  5th  of  May,  when 
she  appeared  as  Mandane,  in  Hoole's  tragedy  of  "  Cyrus "  (its 
only  performance  on  record  in  New  York),  and  presented 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


193 


Dibdin's  farce  from  Kotzebue,  called  the  "Horse  and  the 
Widow,"  for  the  first  time,  with  the  following  cast : 

Count  de  Sans  Chateau    Mr.  Hogg.  Feirett  Mr.  Jkfferson. 

Touchwood    ....     44    Fox.  Peter  "     Hallam,  Jr. 

Kilruddery    ....     44   Martin.  Mrs.  Touchwood     .    .    Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Miss  E.  Westray's  took  place  on  the  6th,  when  she  appeared 
as  Rosamond,  in  the  play  called  "  Henry  the  Second  and  Fair 
Rosamond ;"  Mr.  Hallam's  on  the  9th,  when  he  played  Lord 
Ogleby ;  and  Mr.  Hodgkinson's  on  the  19th,  when  he  brought 
out  the  tragedy  of  "  Peru  Revenged,  or  the  Death  of  Pizarro," 
written  by  Murphy,  and  played  at  Covent  Garden  under  the 
title  of  "Alzuma." 

The  theatre  being  closed  for  the  summer,  Joseph  Corre, 
proprietor  of  the  "Mount  Vernon  Gardens,"  Broadway,  just 
above  the  Hospital,  where  now  is  found  the  north-west  corner 
of  Leonard  Street,  announced  the  commencement  of  dramatic 
entertainments  on  his  premises  on  the  9th  of  July,  1800,  with 
a  concert  of  music,  recitations,  and  the  farce  of  "  Miss  in  Her 
Teens,"  in  which  Mr.  Jefferson,  Mr.  Martin,  Mr.  Hogg,  Miss 
Brett  and  Mrs.  Seymour  appeared.  On  the  11th  of  August, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson  made  their  first  appearance  in  the 
farce  of  the  "Purse;"  and  on  the  25th,  Dibdin's  comedy  of 
"Five  Thousand  a  Year"  was  first  played  in  America,  for  Mrs. 
Hodgkinson's  benefit,  with  the  annexed  cast : 

Georpe  Fervid    .    .    .  Mr.  Hodgkinson.  i     Truepenny    ....  Mr.  Hogg. 

8ir  Matthew  Maxim              Jefferson.  Lady  Maxim      .    .  Mrs.  Hogg. 

Frederick  Fervid    .    .  41    Hallam,  Jr.  Lady  Julia        .        .  Miss  Brett. 

Henry  Hastings  ...  44   Fox.  |     Aurelia   Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

On  the  5th  of  September,  Mrs.  Hallam  appeared  as  Lady 
Rackett,  for  the  younger  Hallam's  benefit ;  and  on  the  8th, 
Mrs.  Barrett  made  her  first  appearance  for  a  twelvemonth,  as 
Millwood,  in  "  George  Barnwell,"  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Fox. 
Mr.  Barrett  also  appeared,  and  gave  a  "  Lecture  on  Heads." 

On  the  10th,  Hodgkinson  brought  out,  for  his  benefit,  a 
drama  by  Mrs.  Rowson,  called  "Columbia's  Daughters,"  in 
which  he  played  Dick  Rhymer  ;  Jefferson,  Jack  Acorn ;  Fox, 
Lord  Courtland  ;  Hogg,  Folio ;  Mrs.  Hogg,  Miss  Acorn ;  Mrs. 
Hodgkinson,  Jemima,  and  Miss  Brett,  Melissa. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barrett  took  their  benefit  on  the  17th,  with 
the  "Wonder"  and  "Jason  and  Medea,"  the  lady  making  a 
powerful  impression  in  the  Greek  heroine.    The  season  here 

25 


194  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

■ 

terminated  on  the  19th  of  September,  with  the  "  Poor  Soldier," 
for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Crosby. 

The  following  sketch  of  the  new  manager  is  derived  from 
Dunlap :  "Joseph  Corre  was  a  Frenchman  by  birth,  and  in 
the  year  1776  was  the  cook  of  Major  Carew,  of  the  British 
army.  His  face  and  figure  were  rotund,  and  his  pleasant 
manners  made  him  universally  popular.  After  the  retirement 
of  the  British,  he  rose  to  be  the  landlord  of  the  City  Tavern, 
in  New  York,  and  established  those  long-celebrated  public 
gardens  in  State  Street,  both  of  which  he  kept  with  reputa- 
tion and  success."  In  his  managerial  efforts  he  was  equally 
prosperous,  and  he  is  pronounced  by  his  biographer  to  have 
been  an  honest,  industrious,  thriving  and  worthy  man,  although 
not  eminent  for  literary  qualifications,  nor  specially  fitted  to 
direct  the  public  taste,  except  in  matters  of  cuisine. 

The  New  York  Theatre  re-opened  on  the  20th  of  October, 
1800, with  Lovers'  Vows"  and  "Fortune's  Frolic."  Frederick 
and  Amelia  Wildenheim  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson ;  Robin 
Roughmd  by  Mr.  Jefferson. 

On  the  24th,  Dunlap's  famous  drama,  from  Kotzebue,  en- 
titled "  Fraternal  Discord,"  and  considered  by  himself  superior 
to  all  his  other  translations,  was  played  for  the  first  time,  and 
with  a  success  that  gave  it  along  lease  of  the  stage.  This  piece, 
in  America,  has  always  obtained  a  preference  over  the  foreign 
version.    It  was  thus  originally  cast: 


Capt.  Bertram 
Philip  Bertram  . 
Doct.  Bloomfield 
Jack  Bowline 
Semblance 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
Tyler. 
Maktin. 
Jefferson. 
Hogg. 


Crispin     .  . 
Trippett   .  . 
Charlotte  . 
Mrs.  Grimkin 
Mary  .    .  . 


Mr.  Fox. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 

Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Hogg. 

Miss  Brett. 


On  the  31st  a  brilliant  addition  was  made  to  the  company, 
in  the  person  of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Powell,  whose  first  appearance 
took  place  in  the  character  of  Angela,  in  the  "  Castle  Spectre." 
This  lady  was  from  the  Boston  Theatre,  where  she  had  first 
appeared,  when  Miss  Harrison,  in  "  Gustavus  Vasa,"  on  the 
first  opening  of  a  theatre  in  Boston,  February  3d,  1794. 
Clapp  says  that  "  her  impersonation  of  Shakspeare's  heroines 
entitle  her  to  rank  among  the  highest  in  her  profession ;"  and 
Dunlap,  that  "  she  was  an  elegant  woman  and  a  good  actress, 
and  will  long  live  in  the  memories  of  the  public  of  Boston, 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


195 


as  well  as  in  the  affections  of  those  who  knew  her  private 
worth;"  and  "that  her  success  in  New  York  was  injured  by 
Mr.  Hodgkinson,  who  wished  his  wife  to  be  first  tragedienne,  as 
well  as  first  opera  singer,  first  comedy  lady,  first  romp  and 
first  chambermaid."  Having  played  but  one  season  here,  she 
can  scarcely  be  said  to  be  identified  with  our  stage,  but  her 
stately  figure  and  classic  style  can  still  be  remembered  with 
pleasure  by  some  of  our  few  remaining  octogenarians.  Be- 
coming the  wife  of  Mr.  Snelling  Powell,  afterward  manager 
of  the  Boston  Theatre,  she  continued,  after  his  death,  in  1821, 
to  share  the  management  of  that  establishment  for  several 
years.  Mrs.  Powell  was  born  in  the  county  of  Cornwall,  Eng- 
land, 1774,  and  died  in  Boston,  December,  1843,  in  the  seven- 
tieth year  of  her  age. 

Mr.  S.  Powell,  as  manager  and  actor,  held  a  prominent 
position  in  Boston,  where  he  first  appeared  in  1794,  but  on  the 
New  York  stage  his  situation  was  subordinate.  His  first  ap- 
pearance here  was  as  Muley,  in  the  "  Castle  Spectre,"  on  the 
night  of  his  wife's  debut.  Mr.  Powell  died  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
three,  in  Boston,  where  he  was  highly  respected  for  the  most 
sterling  qualities  that  can  adorn  a  man.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Powell's 
daughter  Elizabeth  became  the  wife  of  the  celebrated  come- 
dian, H.  J.  Finn. 

On  the  night  of  November  3d,  Mr.  Fennell,  who,  impelled 
by  pecuniary  embarrassments,  had  arranged  with  the  manager 
for  a  benefit,  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York  for  three 
years,  in  the  character  of  Pierre.    Mr.  Cooper's  absence  from 
the  company  left  an  opening  which  he  willingly  consented  to 
till,  and  he  soon  after  took  a  regular  situation  in  the  estab- 
lishment, to  the  great  gratification  of  its  patrons, 
i     Nov.   5th.     Morton's  sterling    comedy   of  "  Speed  the 
Plough,"  which  still   attracts  appreciative  audiences,  and 
►  affords  vast  scope  for  the  exercise  of  comic  talent,  was  first 
i  played  in  New  York,  and  with  a  cast  of  excellence  rarely 
surpassed  at  the  present  time : 

Sir  Abel  Handy  .        .    Mr.  Hooo.  I     Gerald  Mr.  Powell. 

|  |,r  Philip  Blandford         44    Tylek.  Evergreen     ....     11     Hallam,  Jr. 

Bob  Handy        ..."    Hodgkinson.  Lady  Handy  .    .    Mrs.  Hogg. 

.  Farmer  Ashfield      .    .     "   Jefferson.  Miss  Blandford  .    .    .      "  Hodgkinson. 

'  Morrington    ....     "   Hallam.  Daine  Ashfleld  ...      44  Brett. 

Henry  44   Martin.  Susan  Ashfleld  ...      44  Hallam. 


196 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Nov.  10th.  Mr.  Fennell  made  his  first  regular  appearance 
in  his  best  character,  Zanga,  in  the  "  Revenge,"  supported  by- 
Mrs.  Powell,  as  Leonora. 

Nov.  17th.  M.  (t.  Lewis's  comedy  of  the  "East  Indian," 
originally  acted  at  Drury  Lane,  for  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Jordan, 
was  brought  forward  and  acted  a  few  times,  after  which 
we  do  not  recall  its  revival  until  1831.    It  was  thus  first 


played : 

Lord  Listless  .    .  . 

.  Mr. 

Jefferson. 

Lady  Clara  Modish 

Mrs. 

Melmoth. 

Rivers  

M 

Hodgkinson. 

Mrs.  Ormond     .  . 

Powell. 

Beauchamp  . 

Martin'. 

Zorayda  ... 

HODGKINSON. 

Walsingham  .    .  . 

Hallam. 

Miss  Chatterall 

Hogg. 

Modish  .... 

Ttler. 

Mrs.  Blaball     .  . 

Brett. 

Squeezem 

Hogg. 

Mrs.  Slipslop     .  . 

Miss 

Brett. 

Friponeau 

Fox. 

Miss  Tiffany  .    .  . 

Harding. 

Frank  

Powell. 

Anne  

Mrs. 

King. 

Nov.  27th. 

The  Merchant  of  Venice. 

Shylock  .... 

.  Mr. 

HODGKINSON. 

Portia  

.  Mrs. 

Powell. 

Bassanio  .... 

Fennell. 

Nerissa  .... 

.  Miss 

Harding. 

Launcelot      .  . 

Jefferson. 

Jessica  .... 

.  Mrs. 

HODGKINSON. 

Nov.  29th.  Mr.  Harper,  of  the  old  American  Company, 
made  his  first  appearance  in  eight  years,  as  Charles  Surface, 
having  been  the  original  representative  of  that  character  in 
America.  It  had  since  been  better  played  by  other  actors, 
and  Mr.  Harper's  efforts  were  in  consequence  coldly  received. 
He  now  occupied  the  mortifying  position  of  a  declining  fa- 
vorite, and  was  soon  after  compelled  to  personate  characters 
he  would  once  have  disdained  to  look  at. 

Dec.  1st.  Mr.  Fox  took  his  benefit,  announcing  that  he  was 
in  danger  of  arrest  for  debt,  and  calling  on  his  friends  to  his 
rescue.  The  play  on  the  occasion  was  "  Othello,"  finely  ren- 
dered by  Fennell  as  the  Moor ;  Hallam  as  lago ;  Tyler  as 
Cassio;  Martin  as  Roderigo ;  Mrs.  Powell  as  Desdemona; 
and  Mrs.  Melmoth  as  Ernelia. 

Dec.  5th.  A  musical  piece,  of  which  Dunlap  gave  the 
words,  and  Hewitt  contributed  the  music,  called  the  "  Spanish 
Castle;  or,  the  Knight  of  Guadalquiver,"  was  brought  out 
with  a  powerful  cast,  only  to  be  condemned. 


Montalvan 

Sebastien 

Anselmo 

Algiziras 

Florenzo 

O'Tipple 

Pero  . 


Mr.  Fennell. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Ttler. 

"  Martin. 

'•  Fox. 

"  hodgkinson. 

**  Jefferson. 


Pedro  . 
Hugo  . 
Juan  . 
Manuel 
Olivia  . 
Henerica 
Lissette 


Mr.  Hogg. 

"  Crosbt. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Powell. 

Mrs.  HODGKINSON. 

Miss  Brett. 

"  Harding. 


Mrs.  Harper,  formerly  Miss  Smith,  the  second  wife  of  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


197 


performer  of  that  name,  made  her  first  appearance  in  New 
York  on  the  12th,  as  the  Marchioness  Merida,  in  the  "Child  of 
Nature."  Her  talent  was  feehle,  and  was  soon  graduated  to 
the  rank  called  useful.    She  played  till  1805. 

Jephson?s  tragedy  of  "Braganza"  was  played  on  the  17th, 
with  the  following  cast,  probably  its  first  representation  in 
New  York: 

Don  Juan      ....    Mr.  Hopgkixson.  Pizarro  Mr.    Hallam,  Jr. 

Almada  "   Tyler.  Antonio  "  Hogq. 

Yalasque  "    Fennell.  Ramirez  "  Crosby. 

Lorenzo  "   Martin.  Louisa  Mrs.  Powell. 

Mrs.  Jefferson,  the  wife  of  the  comedian,  made  her  first 
appearance  on  any  stage,  as  Louisa  Dudley,  in  the  "West 
Indian,"  on  the  22d  of  December.  She  was  the  daughter  of 
Mrs.  Euphemia  Fortune,  for  many  years  proprietress  of  a 
boarding-house  adjoining  the  theatre  in  John  Street.  She 
removed  with  her  husband  to  Philadelphia,  where  for  many 
years  she  personated  the  walking  ladies  of  comedy  with  grace 
and  propriety,  and  as  a  wife  and  mother  received  the  highest 
encomiums.  Mrs.  Jefferson  died  in  that  city,  in  January,  1831, 
at  the  age  of  fifty-six.  The  name  of  her  mother  is  still  re- 
tained among  her  descendants,  Mrs.  Jefferson's  great-grand- 
daughter, Miss  Euphemia  (or  Effie)  Germon,  who  inherits 
much  of  the  histrionic  talent  of  the  family,  being  her  name- 
sake. 

Jan.  19th,  1801.  Mr.  William  Charles  White,  a  native  of 
Worcester,  Mass.,  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York,  with 
tolerable  success,  as  Young  Norval.  He  had  played  at  Boston, 
when  a  mere  lad,  in  1796,  with  great,  but  injudicious,  ap- 
plause; had  since  studied  law,  and  was  now  a  tall,  handsome 
young  man.  His  promise  of  merit  was  not  fulfilled.  He 
became  the  author  of  three  plays  represented  in  Boston — 

|  "The   Clergyman's    Daughter,"   "The   Poor    Lodger,"  and 

|  "Alonzo." 

Jan.  23d.  Cumberland's  translation,  from  Kotzebue,  of 
"  Joana  of  Montfaucon,"  was  brought  out,  but,  notwithstanding 
the  excellence  of  Mrs.  Powell  as  the  heroine,  with  Hodgkin- 
son  as  Lazzara,  Fennell  as  Albert ',  and  Mrs.  Hallam  as  Eloisa, 
failed  of  success. 


198 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Feb.  9th.  Mr.  White  made  his  third  appearance,  as  Romeo, 
to  Mrs.  Powell's  Juliet,  but  with  less  applause. 

Feb.  11th.  Dunlap's  play  of  "Abaallino,"  translated  from 
Zschokke,  was  first  represented,  and,  owing  to  the  novelty  of 
its  construction,  and  the  excellent  acting  of  Hodgkinson,  as 
the  hero,  attracted  more  than  usual  attention.  It  was  fre- 
quently repeated,  and  is  even  yet  occasionally  played.  Its 
characters  were  thus  first  distributed  : 


Absellino  ) 
Flodoardo  \  ' 
Andreas  Gritti 
Dandoli    .  . 
Canari     .  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Tyler. 
"  Hogg. 
"  Hallam. 


Grimaldi  . 
Parozzi  . 
Memno 
Rosamunda 
Iduella 


Mr.  Harper. 

"  Martin. 

"  Jefferson. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Jefferson. 


On  the  13th  of  April,  Joanna  Baillie's  sublime  tragedy  of 
"De  Monfort"  was  first  attempted  on  our  stage;  but,  though 
commanding  the  highest  admiration  of  all  literary  critics, 
failed,  as  it  ever  has  done,  of  success  in  representation.  It 
was  thus  cast: 

Mr.  Hodgkinson.       i     Bernard  ....  Mr. 


De  Monfort 
Renzevelt 
Count  Friberg 
Manuel 
Jerome     .  . 


Hodgkinson. 
Martin. 
Harper. 
Powell. 
Hogg. 


Bernard  . 
Grimbald 
Jane  de  Monfort 
Countess  Friberg 
Abbess 


Tyler. 
"     Hallam,  Jr. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 
"  Jefferson. 
"  Hogg. 


Hodgkinson  was  every  way  unsuited  to  the  character  of 
the  hero,  and  beautifully  as  Mrs.  Melmoth  read  her  part,  it 
required  an  accommodating  imagination  to  identify  her  with 
the  noble  Jane  de  Monfort. 

Reynolds"  comedy  of  "  Life,"  by  many  thought  to  be  the 
best  of  his  comedies,  was  first  played  on  the  22d,  with  the 
annexed  cast : 


Marchmont 
Torpid  .  . 
Craftly 
Clifford  . 
Lackbrain 


tr.  Tyler. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Fox. 

"  Jefferson. 


Primitive 
Jonathan 
Mrs.  Beiford 
Rosa 

Mrs.  Decoy  . 


Mr.  Hogg. 
"  Powell. 
Mrs.  Powell. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  Hogg. 


About  this  time  the  manager's  translation  called  "  Abbe 
de  1'Epee,  or  Deaf  and  Dumb,"  was  brought  out,  Mrs.  Powell 
making  a  decided  feature  of  her  part  of  Julio,  Mr.  Harper 
being  unequal  to  the  character  of  the  Abbe,  and  Mr.  White 
making  a  complete  failure  in  St.  Alme.  Mr.  Hodgkinson  was 
afterward  substituted  for  Mr.  Harper,  and  Mr.  Martin  for  Mr. 
White,  and  all  went  well. 

A  Mr.  Laurence  about,  this  time  frequently  displayed  his 
skill  in  dancing, — also  Mr.  Huggins. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


199 


May  4th.  Mrs.  Melmoth  took  her  benefit,  playing  with  great 
effect,  Hermione,  in  the  "  Distrest  Mother." 

May  6th.  Benefit  of  Mr.  Hewitt,  leader  of  the  orchestra, 
who  brought  out  a  musical  trifle,  composed  by  himself,  en- 
titled "  The  Cottages,"  thus  cast : 


Squire  Belmont 
Papilotte  . 


Mr.  Tyler. 
"  Fox. 


Patty  Miss  Brett. 

Margaret  Mrs.  Brett. 


May  13th.     Mr.  Hallam's  benefit.    School  for  Scandal  ; 
and,  for  the  firft  time,  Prince  Hoare's  drama,  entitled 
The  Captive  of  Spilberg. 


Korowitz   Mr.  Hodqkinson. 

Canzeman     .    .  "  Fox. 

Kourakim     ....  "  Jefferson. 

Mousic   '*  Simpson. 

May  15th.  Mr.  Hodgkinlbn's  benefit. 

Firft  time,  Maflinger's  powerful  play  of 

A  New  Way  to  Pay  Old  Debts. 

Sir  Giles  Overreach      .  Mr.  Hodgkinson.  Justice  Greedy 

Lord  Lovell   ....     "  Tyler. 

Wellborn  "  Hallam. 

AUworth   ......      "  Fox. 

Marall  "  Martin. 


Liebstoff  ....  Mr.    Hallam.  Jr. 

Ivan   Mast.  Stockwell. 

Eugenia   Mrs.  Hodgki.nson. 

Moola   Miss  Brett. 


Tapwell 
Lady  AUworth  .  . 
Margaret  Overreach 
Froth   


Mr.  Jffferson. 

"  Hogg. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

"  Hodqkinson. 

"  Hogg. 


Mr.  Hodgkinson  failed  again  in  the  character  of  Sir  Giles, 
which,  in  America,  has  had  but  four  acknowledged  representa- 
tives— viz.,  Cooke,  Kean,  Booth  and  Davenport. 

"The  Bulse  of  Diamonds;  or,  What  is  She?"  an  anonymous 
English  comedy,  was  brought  out  by  Hallam,  for  his  benefit 
on  the  18th,  with  the  following  cast : 


Sir  Caustic  Oklstyle 
Belford  ... 

Period  

Jargon 

Bewly  


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Martin. 

"  Hodqkinson. 

M  Jefferson. 

M  Fox. 


Ap  Griffin 
Garnet     .  . 
Lady  Mutable 
Mrs.  Dorville 
Mrs.  Garnet  . 


Mr.  Simpson. 

"  Hogg. 
Mrs.  Hallam. 

"  Hodqkinson. 

"  Hogg. 


May  20th.  Mr.  Martin's  benefit. 

Wild  Oats,  Little  Hunchback,  and  the  ferious  pantomime  of 
Jafon  and  Medea. 

Medea  Mrs.  Melmoth. 


Jason  Mr 

Creon  " 

Fury  " 


Hodgkinson. 
Hogg. 
Martin. 


Creusa 
Nurse  . 


Jefferson. 
Brett. 


May  22d.  Mr.  Tyler's  benefit. 

Life,  and  Otway's  farce,  called  The  Cheats  of  Scapin. 


8capin  Mr.  Hodqkinson. 

Gripe  "  Hogg. 

Shiftly  "  Simpson. 


Leander  Mr.  Fox. 

Lucia  Miss  Brett. 

Clara  "  Hardino. 


O'Keefe's  comedy,  "  The  Lie  of  the  Day,"  reduced  from  his 
play  called  "The  Toy,"  was  produced  for  Mr.  Jefferson's 
benefit,  on  the  25th,  with  the  following  cast : 


8ir  Carrol  O'Donovan 
Young  O'Donovan  . 
Aircourt  .... 

Alibi  

Metheglin      .    .  . 


Mr.  Crosby. 

"  Hallam.  Jr. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  Jefferson. 

44  Hogg. 


Larry  Kavanah 
Ladv  Arable 
Sophia     .    .  . 
Katty  Kavanagh 
Fib  .... 


Mr.  Martin. 

Mrs.  Jefferson. 

44  Hallam. 

44  Hogg. 

Miss  Bbett. 


200  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

June  1st.  Mr.  Hallam,  Jr.,  brought  out  Mrs.  Inchbald's  play, 
translated  from  Kotzebue,  called  "  The  Wise  Man  of  the  East." 
It  was  cast  as  follows,  but  received  no  especial  marks  of 
favor : 


Ava  Thoana  . 
Claren  forth  . 
Metland  . 
Tim  Starch  . 
Sparklefinger 
Lawley 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Martin. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Jefferson. 

"  WlLMOT. 

"  Hogg. 


Bankwell.    .     .  . 
Lady  Mary  Diamond 
Hrs.  Metis  nd.    .  . 

Ellen  

Rachel  Starch  . 
Ruth  Starch      .  . 


Mr.  Crosby. 
Mrs.  Jefferson. 

"  Melmoth. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  Hogg. 

"  Hallam. 


The  name  of  Wilmot  will  be  observed  in  the  above  as  that  of 
an  individual  who  had  appeared  a  few  times  as  "a  gentleman." 
Of  his  merits  we  have  found  no  record.  He  afterward  mar- 
ried the  beautiful  and  favorite  Mrs.  Marshall,  of  the  Phila- 
delphia Theatre. 

Mr.  Simpson  took  his  benefit  on  the  8th  of  June,  when  his 
step-daughter,  Miss  Elizabeth  A.  Westray,  made  her  first  ap- 
pearance in  New  York  as  Angela;  in  "  The  Castle  Spectre." 
Miss  E.  A.  Westray  possessed  both  intellectual  and  executive 
capacity,  excelling  in  heavy  tragedy  her  more  versatile  sis- 
ters Mesdames  Wood  and  Darley,  though,  as  a  general  actress, 
inferior  to  either.  She  afterward  played  in  Boston,  where 
she  married  Mr.  Villiers,  a  favorite  low  comedian,  who  did 
not  long  survive  his  marriage.  In  1805,  she  returned  to  New 
York,  a  girlish  widow,  and  her  youth  and  misfortune  natu- 
rally exciting  the  interest  and  sympathy  of  the  public,  she 
soon  became  one  of  the  main  attractions  of  the  theatre. 
Though  greatly  admired  by  the  gallants  of  the  day,  she  again 
bestowed  her  hand  on  a  genuine  son  of  Momus — Twaits — with 
whom  she  was  content  to  share  the  vicissitudes  of  an  actor's 
life.  She  was  still  improving  as  a  tragedienne,  and  promised 
to  attain  the  highest  distinction,  when  death  suddenly  ter- 
minated her  brief  career,  on  the  13th  of  December,  1813,  at 
the  early  age  of  26. 

After  a  recess  for  a  few  nights,  the  Theatre  was  re-opened 
on  the  29th  of  June,  with  Mr.  Cooper's  first  appearance  since 
his  return  from  England,  in  his  favorite  and  highly  applauded 
character  of  Hamlet. 

On  the  1st  of  July,  Mrs.  Merry,  whom  we  have  noticed  as  a 
member  of  Wignell's  Philadelphia  company  during  its  per- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


201 


formance  in  Greenwich  Street,  made  her  first  appearance  on 
this  stage  as  Belvidera,  followed  on  succeeding  nights  by 
Juliet,  Beatrice,  Calista,  Monimia  and  Horatio,,  in  "  The  Ro- 
man Father,"  the  latter  being  played  for  Cooper's  benefit,  to 
his  Horatius,  on  the  13th.  This  was  the  first  regular  "star" 
engagement  made  for  the  New  York  Theatre — its  terms  were 
one  hundred  dollars  per  week  and  a  clear  benefit,  and  proved 
a  profitable  speculation  for  the  manager.  The  weather  was 
extremely  warm,  but  the  opening  night  yielded  $646,  and  the 
benefit  $884. 

For  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson's  benefit,  on  the  15th  of 
July,  Monsieur  and  Mrs.  Placide  made  their  first  appear- 
ance ;  the  lady  as  Mrs,  Strictland  in  "  The  Suspicious  Hus- 
band," and  Columbine  in  the  pantomime  of  the  "  Magic 
Chamber,"  in  which  her  husband  appeared  as  Pierot,  the 
Clown. 

Mrs.  Placide  (the  second)  was  the  daughter  of  Mrs.  Pownall, 
previously  Mrs.  Wrighten,  and  was  highly  accomplished  in 
singing  and  dancing,  and  maintained  an  enviable  rank  as  a 
comic  actress.  She  continued  on  the  stage  for  many  years, 
and  after  Placide's  death  was  long  attached  to  the  Philadel- 
phia theatre,  as  Mrs.  Lafolle,  having  married  a  musician  of 
that  name.  She  died  in  that  city,  in  1823,  aged  about  50. 
This  lady  was  the  mother  of  our  noted  favorites,  Henry  and 
Thomas  Placide  and  Mrs.  Blake,  and  grandmother  of  Mrs.  J. 
W.  Wallack,  Jr. 

Mrs.  Wrighten,  Mrs.  Placide,  Mrs.  Blake  and  Mrs.  Wallack, 
four  generations  in  direct  succession  (Mrs.  Wallack  being  the 
daughter  of  Mrs.  Blake  by  her  first  husband,  Leigh  Waring), 
afford  a  strong  argument  to  the  advocates  of  the  position 
that  hereditary  talent  is  more  generally  transmitted  through 
the  female  than  the  male  line. 

To  return  to  our  record:  a  Mr.  Story  next  appeared  in  sev- 
eral vocal  parts,  and,  in  conjunction  with  Miss  E.  A.  Westray, 
took  a  benefit  on  the  20th  of  July,  when  his  wife  made  her 
first  appearance  as  Little  Pickle,  and  Messrs.  Darley  (senior 
and  junior)  appeared  in  a  Grand  Concert. 

26 


202 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mr.  Darley,  the  elder — one  of  the  finest  of  English  ballad 
singers — we  have  already  noticed. 

Mr.  John  Darley,  Jr.,  came  with  his  father  to  America,  and 
occasionally  sung  at  the  Philadelphia  Theatre  as  early  as  1794. 
He  afterward  became  a  Lieutenant  of  Marines  in  the  United 
States  service,  but  finally  returned  to  the  stage,  and  made  his 
first  appearance  in  New  York  on  the  before-mentioned  occasion, 
and  about  the  same  time  married  Miss  Ellen  Westray.  He 
had  a  manly,  well-proportioned  person  and  a  handsome  face, 
and  though  not  warmly  attached  to  his  profession,  possessed 
great  merit  as  a  singer,  and  in  a  French  character,  or  a  light 
walking  gentleman,  played  with  ease  and  vivacity.  He  joined 
the  Park  company  in  1804,  and  was  for  many  years  greatly 
admired  here,  but  removed  to  Philadelphia  in  1819,  and  con- 
tinued playing  there  until  1840.  Having,  with  the  aid  of  his 
accomplished  wife,  acquired  a  competence,  he  lived  in  com- 
fortable retirement  for  several  years  previous  to  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  1853,  at  the  age  of  78.  His  son,  Mr.  Felix 
0.  C.  Darley,  has  long  been  a  resident  of  New  York,  and  is 
widely  known  as  an  artist  of  the  highest  merit  in  his  own 
peculiar  line. 

A  Mr.  Robertson,  from  England,  appeared  on  several  occa- 
sions during  the  season,  in  "  Antipodean  Whirligigs,"  imita- 
tions of  birds,  &c. ;  and  Mr.  Hopkins  Robertson,  afterward  a 
popular  performer,  for  the  first  time  left  his  seat  on  the 
tailor's  board  of  the  theatre  to  walk  its  stage,  appearing  in 
several  trifling  characters,  one  of  which  was  Buckle  in  the 
"  Suspicious  Husband." 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Placide,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hallam,  Mr.  Fennell, 
Mr.  Robertson  and  the  manager,  received  benefits  during 
the  season,  which  ended  with  the  month. 

Corre's  Mount  Vernon  Gardens  opened  on  the  10th  of 
August,  1801,  with  "  The  Child  of  Nature"  and  a  grand  con- 
cert. The  performers  were  the  principal  members  of  the 
Park  company,  with  the  addition  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Placide, 
Miss  Broadhurst,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Simpson,  Miss  E.  A.  West- 
ray,  Mr.  Story  and  the  Messrs.  Darley. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


203 


Mr.  Story  took  his  benefit  on  the  25th,  playing  Tom  Tug, 
in  "The  Waterman,"  and  on  the  26th,  Mr.  Darley,  Sr.,  ap- 
peared as  Hawthorn,  in  "  Love  in  a  Village." 

Sept.  7th.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson's  benefit  took  place, 
when  Milton's  masque  of  "Comus"  was  represented  as  fol- 
lows : 


Younger  Brother    .    .     "   Hallam,  Jr. 

Satyrs  and  Bacchantes    .    .    .    Messrs.  Dakley,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Placide,  &c. 


We  do  not  remember  its  revival  again  until  1848,  at  Bur- 
ton's Chambers  Street  Theatre. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Placide  took  their  benefit  on  the  9th,  Mon- 
sieur appearing  on  the  tight  rope  in  Le  Fete  Champetre,  and 
his  wife  as  Miss  Kitty,  in  "  High  Life  Below  Stairs." 

The  season  ended  on  the  11th  September. 


Comus  .  . 
Good  Spirit  . 
Elder  Brother 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Hogg. 


The  Lady  . 
Sabrina 
Euphrosyne 


Miss  E.  A.  Westrat. 
Mrs.  Jefferson. 
"  Hodgkinson. 


CHAPTER  X  VI. 


Park  Theatre,  1801-2— Mount  Vernon  Gardens,  1802— Park,  1802-3. 

H  E  theatrical  season  commenced  on  the  16th  of 
November,  1801,  with  "Lovers'  Vows,"  in  which 
Mr.  Cooper  resumed  his  original  part  of  Frederick, 
and  "  Fortune's  Frolic,"  with  Jefferson  as  Robin  Roughead. 

The  company  suffered  the  loss  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Powell,  but 
was  otherwise  little  changed.  Mr.  Cooper's  salary  was  raised 
to  §50  per  week.  Hodgkinson  made  his  first  appearance  on 
the  18th  as  Capt.  Bertram,  in  "  Fraternal  Discord,"  followed 
by  "  The  Prize,"  with  Jefferson  as  Doctor  Lenitive,  and  Mrs. 
Hodgkinson,  Caroline.  On  the  20th,  after  the  performance  of 
"  The  West  Indian,"  in  which  Cooper  played  Belcour,  and  Hodg- 
kinson Major  OP  Flaherty,  Fawcett's  pantomimic  drama  of 
"  Obi,  or  Three-Fingered  Jack,"  was  thus  brought  out : 

Jack  Mr.  Hodgkinson.  Tuckey   Mast.  Stockwell. 

Capt.  Orford  .    ..."   Hallam,  Jr.  Rosa   Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Planter  "   Tyler.  Obi  Woman    ...  "  Hogg. 

Sam  "   Hogg.  Quashee's  Wife    .    .  Miss  Brett. 

Quashee  "  Martin. 

The  piece  was  long  a  great  favorite,  particularly  at  holiday 
times,  and  in  minor  theatres. 

Nov.  23d.  "Wives  as  They  Were,"  and  the  farce  of  "The 
Village  Lawyer,"  produced  anonymously  at  the  Haymarket, 
London,  in  1787,  and  rendered  long  popular  by  the  excellent 
acting  of  Bannister,  Jr.,  as  Scout.    It  was  thus  cast  here : 

Sheepface     ....    Mr.  Jefferson.  Charles  Mr.  Fox. 

Scout  "   Martin.  Mrs.  Scout.    .    .    .    Mrs.  Hogg. 

Snarl  "    Hogg.  |     Kate  Miss  Brett. 

"  Tom  Thumb"  was  a  favorite  afterpiece  at  this  period, 
Master  Stockwell  being  the  representative  of  the  little  hero. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


205 


Dec.  2d.  "  Hamlet" — Hamlet,  Mr.  Cooper — and,  first  time,  a 
farce  by  Dunlap,  entitled,  "  Where  is  He  ?"  which  afterward 
enjoyed  much  favor. 


Commodore  Scud 
Major  Oldstyle  . 
West  .... 


Dec.  nth, 

De  I'Epee  . 
D'Arlemont 
St.  Alme  . 
Franval 
Dupre  .  . 


Mr.  Hogg.  Block  Mr.  Jefferson. 

"    Hodqkinsom.  Louisa  Mrs.  Hallam. 

"   Martin.  Mrs.  Oldstyle  ..."  Hoqg. 

Abbe  de  I'Epee,  or  Deaf  and  Dumb. 


Mr.  Ttler. 

M  Cooper. 

11  Martin. 

"  Hodqkinson. 

"  Hallam. 


Dubois 
Dominique . 
Theodore  . 
Mad.  Franval 
Marianne  . 


Mr.  Jefferson. 

"  Hoqg. 
Mrs.  Hodqkinson. 

"  Hoqg. 
Miss  E.  A.  Wbstrat. 


Dec.  23d.  Gen  Burgoyne's  drama,  entitled,  "  Richard  Cceur 
de  Lion,"  its  first  performance  on  the  Park  stage. 


Richard 

Blondel 

Sir  Owen 

Florestan 

Seneschal 

Guillot 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 
M  Martin. 
"  Ttler. 
"  Fox. 
"  Hoqq. 
"  Jefferson. 


Antonio 
Matilda. 
Laurette 
Colette  . 
Julie  . 
Dorcas  . 


Miss  Harding. 
Mrs.  Hodqkinson. 
Miss  Brett. 

"     E.  A.  Westrat. 

"  Hoqq. 
Mrs.  Brett. 


This  piece  has  been  repeated  at  different  times,  but  never 
attained  popularity. 

The  first  prominent  novelty  of  the  season  was  Colman's 
comedy  of  the  "  Poor  Gentleman,"  whose  intrinsic  merit  still 
commands  the  applause  of  admiring  audiences,  and  whose 
diversity  of  character  renders  it  one  of  the  most  frequently 
chosen  vehicles  for  the  combination  of  the  most  opposite 
lines  of  talent.  It  was  thus  originally  played  on  the  8th  of 
January,  1802  : 


Sir  Robert  Bramble 
Doct.  Ollapod  .  . 
Frederick  .  .  . 
Lieut.  Worthington 
Sir  Charles  Cropland 
Corporal  Foss  .  . 
Humphrey  Dobbins 


Mr. 


Jefferson. 

Hodgkinson. 

Cooper. 

Ttleb. 

Hallam,  Jr. 

Martin. 

Hogg. 


Farmer  Harrowby  . 
Stephen  Harrowby  . 
Miss  Lucretia  McTab 
Emily  Worthington. 
Dame  Harrowby . 
Mary  Harrowby.  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 

"  Wilmot. 
Mrs.  Hoqg. 

"  Hodqkinson. 

"  Simpson. 
Miss  Brett. 


The  comedy  called  "  Modern  Magic "  was  thus  first  played 
on  the  25th : 


Goodwin  .    .  . 
Erlen  .... 
Ensign  Erlen 
Herman 

Sharp  .... 
Baron  Boldenstern 


Mr.  Hodqkinson. 
"  Ttler. 
"  Cooper. 
M  Hoqq. 
"    Hallam,  Jr. 
"  Fox. 


Selby  .  .  . 
Mrs.  Erlen  .  . 
Countess  Apewitz 
Mad.  Lupnitz  . 
Sophia  .  .  . 
Emily     .    .  . 


Mr.  Martin. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

"  Simpson. 
"  Hogq. 
Miss  E.  A.  Westrat. 
"  Harding. 


It  was  not  very  successful. 

On  the  29th,  Mr.  Bland,  a  brother  of  Mrs.  Jordan,  made 
his  first  appearance  in  America  as  Tony  Lumpkin,  under  the 
assumed  name  of  Wilson.  He  was  a  good  singer  and  come- 
dian, and  gave  much  satisfaction  in  several  humorous  parts. 
The  celebrated  Mrs.  Bland,  formerly  Miss  Romanzini,  the 
best  English  ballad  singer  of  the  day,  was  his  wife. 


206 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


February  10th.  Reynolds'  comedy  called  "Folly  as  it 
Flies,"  was  first  played  in  New  York,  and  was  for  several  years 
received  with  great  favor.  It  was  last  revived,  after  a  sleep 
of  a  quarter  of  a  century,  at  Wallack's  Theatre  in  1854.  It 
was  thus  first  cast : 


Sir  Herbert  Melmoth 
Leonard  Melmoth 
Tom  Tick  .    .  . 
Doctor  Infallible 
Peter  Postobit  . 
Shenkin    .    .  . 


Mr.  Tyler. 

"  Fox. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  Martin. 

"  Jefferson. 

"  Wilson. 


Curitor  .  . 
Pinchwell  . 
Capias  .  . 
Lady  Melmoth 
Georgiana  . 
Dame  Shenkin 


Mr.  Hogg. 

'•  Shapter. 

"  "WlLMOT. 

Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Jefferson. 

"  Simpson. 


We  here  first  notice  the  name  of  Mr.  Shapter,  who  was  for 
several  years  after  a  very  useful  if  not  ornamental  member 
of  the  establishment. 

Monk  Lewis's  long  popular  melo-Drama,  called  "  Adelmorn, 
the  Outlaw,"  was  first  played  on  the  25th,  thus  cast : 


Adelmorn 
Ulric  .  .  . 
Sigismond 
Father  Cyprian 
Hugo  .  . 
Lodowick 
Brenno     .  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Cooper. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Martin. 

"  Hogg. 

"  Jefferson. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 


Ghost  of  Count  Rod- 
erick  .        .    .  Mr. 


Herman  . 
Qrill  a     .  . 
Innogen  . 
Dame  Bedra 


Hallam. 


Miss  Harding. 

"  Brett. 

Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Hogg. 


March  8th.  Column's  operatic  romance  of  "  Blue  Beard, 
or  Female  Curiosity,"  was  brought  out  with  great  success,  and 
its  charming  music  by  Kelly  soon  found  its  way  to  every  ear, 
and  almost  every  tongue.  It  was  thus  played,  and  both  in 
singing  and  acting  deserved  the  applause  it  abundantly  re- 
ceived : 


Abomelique. 
Ibrahim  . 
Selim  .  . 
Shacabac  . 


Mr.  Tvler. 
"  Jefferson. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
"  Wilson. 


Fatima 
Irene 
Beda  . 


Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 
Miss  Brett. 
"    E.  A.  Westray. 


Schiller's  "  Fiesco "  was  unsuccessfully  produced  on  the 


25th,  thus: 

Fiesco  .    .    .  . 

Andreas  Doria  . 

Gianetto  Doria  . 
Verrina  . 


Mr.  Cooper. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Martin. 

"  Tyler. 


Bourgonino 
Muley  Hassan 
Leonora  . 
Julia  Doria  . 


Mr.  Fox. 
"  Jefferson. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 
"  Jefferson. 


The  admirable  Mrs.  Merry  commenced  an  engagement 
on  the  19th  of  April,  as  Juliet,  and  was  most  enthusiastic- 
ally received.  She  afterward  appeared  as  Calista,  Belvidera, 
Alicia,  Isabella,  Lady  Teazle  and  Euphrasia,  for  her  benefit 
on  the  8th  of  May.  Her  opening  night  yielded  $1,000; 
her  benefit  §900  ;  and  her  whole  engagement  averaged 
over  $800  per  night. 

Cobb's  charming  operetta  of  "  Paul  and  Virginia,"  with  its 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


207 


artless  and  innocent  hero  and  heroine,  and  the  delightful 
music  of  Reeve  and  Mazzinghi,  was  first  played  with  great 
applause  on  the  7th  of  May,  thus  cast : 


Paul    .  . 
Capt.  Tropic 
Don  Antonio 
Diego  . 
Dominique 


Mr.  Hodqkinson. 

«<  Tyler. 

"  H allam,  J r. 

"  Hogo. 

"  Jefferson. 


Sebastien 
Alamba  . 
Virginia 
Mary  . 
Jacintha 


Mr.  Wilmot. 

"  Wilson. 
Mrs.  Hodqkinson. 
Miss  Brett. 

"  Harking. 


The  name  of  Darley  (probably  the  elder)  appears  in  the 
bills  May  10th,  when  he  was  announced  for  a  song  in  the  fourth 
act  of  "  Alexander  the  Great,"  and  also  on  the  12th,  in  the 
opera  of  the  "  Duenna,"  thus  played  for  Mr.  Tyler's  benefit : 


Don  Jerome 
Ferdinand 
Carlos  .  . 
Antonio 
Father  Paul 


Mr.  Ttler. 

"  Hodqkinson. 

"  Wilson. 

"  Fox. 

"  Darley. 


Mendoza 
Lopez  . 
Louisa  . 
Clara 
Margaret 


Mr.  Jefferson. 

'?  Hallam. 
Miss  Brett. 
Mrs.  Hodqkinson. 

"  Hogg. 


On  this  occasion,  Mr.  Crosby  made  his  only  appearance  for 
the  season  as  Old  Wilding,  in  the  "  Liar." 

May  19th.  Mr.  Hogg,  on  his  benefit  night,  brought  out 
O'Keefe's  farce  called  the  "Irish  Mimic,"  which  was  thus  per- 
formed : 


Cyprus  .  . 
Capt-.  Clifford 
Parrotts  . 


Mr.  Hogg.  Colin    .    .  . 

"   Martin.  Mrs.  Malcolm 

"    Hodgkinson.       I     Julia  Malcolm 


Mr.  Jefferson. 
Mrs.  Hogq. 
"  Hallam. 


May  21st.  McNally's  celebrated  comedy,  called  the  "Fol- 
lies of  Fashion,"  was  played  for  Mrs.  Hodgkinson's  benefit. 
Its  cast  was  admirable : 


Sir  Buzzard  Savage 
Capt.  Douglass  . 
Welford    .    .    .  . 
Ordeal  .    .  . 

Cheaterly  .... 
Col.  Staff  ... 
Nicholas   .    .    .  . 


Mr.  Hogq. 

"  Cooper. 

"  Hodqkinson. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Martin. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Jefferson. 


Widow  Volatile     .    Mrs.  Melmoth. 
Lady  Flippant  Sav 
age   "  Hallam. 


Clara 
Constance 
Grace 
Honor 
Muslin 


"  Hodgkinson. 

Miss  E.  A.  Westray. 

"  Brett. 

"  Harding. 

Mrs.  Hogq. 


June  4th,  for  Miss  Brett's  benefit,  we  find  the  first  cast  on 
this  stage  of  Shakspeare's  "  Henry  IYth,"  in  which  Hodgkin- 
son's personation  of  Falstaff  received  less  approbation  than 
any  standard  comic  character  he  had  ever  appeared  in.  The 
whole  play  was  thus  cast : 


Falstaff    .    .  . 
Henry  IV  .    .  . 
Prince  of  Wales 
Hotspur  . 
8lr  R.  Vernon  . 
Northumberland 


Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Martin. 

u  Cooper. 

M  Tylrr. 

'*  Robertson. 


Francis  - 
Poins 
Bardolph 
Carrier  . 
Lady  Percy 
Hostess  . 


Mr.  Jrfferson. 

"  Wilson. 

**  Hogg. 

"  Wilmot. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

"  Brett. 


Cooper's  elegant  presence  and  spirited  and  eloquent  elocu- 
tion rendered  Hotspur  the  charm  of  the  piece.  Mr.  Hopkins 
Robertson,  whom  we  have  before  alluded  to,  played  Nortkum- 


208  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

berland  on  this  occasion,  and  during  the  season  attracted  much 
attention  by  the  judgment  evinced  in  his  performances.  He 
rose,  by  the  sheer  force  of  merit,  from  the  lowest  rank  to  a 
station  of  considerable  eminence,  and  enjoyed  the  regard  of 
the  audience  for  a  long  period.  In  Scotchmen,  and  in  the 
serious  characters  of  comedy,  he  was  most  esteemed,  though 
he  played  every  thing  that  was  required  of  him  with  great 
respectability.  Mr.  Robertson  was  attached  to  the  theatre  in 
Richmond,  Va.,  at  the  time  it  was  burned  in  1811,  and  by  his 
presence  of  mind  succeeded  in  saving  many  who,  but  for 
him,  would  have  perished  in  the  ruins.  He  died  in  New 
York,  November  10th,  1819,  aged  48  years. 

June  7th.  Mr.  Hewitt,  the  orchestra  leader,  for  his  benefit, 
brought  out  Dibdin's  "  II  Bondocani "  with  success,  and  it  long 
remained  one  of  the  most  favorite  stock  pieces  of  the  theatre. 
In  later  years  it  was  played  as  the  "  Caliph  of  Bagdad,"  with 
the  music  of  Boildieu.  It  was  thus  originally  performed 
here : 

Caliph  Mr.  Hodgkinson. 

Cadi  "  Jefferson. 

Chebib  "  Hogg. 

Mahoud  "  Wilmot. 

Mesrour  "   Wilson.  Selima 

June  9th.  Mrs.  J.  Darley,  late  Miss  Ellen  Westray,  made 
her  first  appearance  this  season  as  Fatima,  in  "  Blue  Beard," 
for  the  benefit  of  her  sister  Elizabeth,  and  on  the  11th, 
played  Amelia  Wildenheim  for  the  benefit  of  her  mother, 
Mrs.  Simpson. 

June  14th,    Mr.  Hallam's  Benefit. 

Firft  time,  Holman's  comedy,  "  The  Votary  of  Wealth." 


Abdallah 
Hazeb  . 
Hassan  . 
Darina  . 


Mr.  Fox. 

"  Ttler. 

"  Martin. 
Miss  Brett. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 


Old  Vizordly  .  . 
Leonard  Vizordly 
Drooply 
Cleveland 
Oakworth  . 
Sharpsett 


Mr.  Hogg.  Harry  Melville     .  Mr.    Hallam,  Jr. 

"    Fox.  Lady  Vizordly.    .  Mrs  Hogg. 

"   Hodgkinson.  I     Julia  Vizordly.    .      "  Hodgkinson. 

"    Hallam.  Mrs.  Cleveland     .      "  Melmoth. 

"   Wilson.  \     Caroline     ...      "  Hallam. 

14   Jefferson.  Gangica.    .    .    .  Miss  A.  Brett. 


Though  successful  at  Covent  Garden,  this  comedy  never 
attained  popularity  in  New  York. 

The  manager  brought  the  season  to  a  close  on  the  18th 
with  a  benefit  to  Messrs.  Shapter,  Robertson  and  Wiltse, — the 
"  Stranger"  and  "Paul  and  Virginia"  constituting  the  enter- 
tainments. 

On  the  20th,  the  theatre  was  opened  for  the  benefit  of  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


209 


Poor  Actors'  Fund,  when  the  "  Poor  Gentleman"  and  "Rosina" 
were  played. 

Mr.  Cooper  also  opened  it  on  the  24th,  when  he  personated 
Howard,  in  the  "  Will,"  and  Mr.  Francis,  of  Philadelphia,  ap- 
peared as  Old  Brummagem,  in  "  Lock  and  Key." 

Mr.  Robertson,  the  performer  of  ground  and  lofty  tumbling, 
appeared  several  nights,  and  the  establishment  finally  closed 
on  Monday  evening,  July  5th,  to  an  audience  of  $1,245,  the 
entertainments  being  Burke's  drama  of  "  Bunker  Hill,"  and  a 
patriotic  sketch,  called  the  "Retrospect,"  in  which  Mr.  Cooper 
read  the  Declaration  of  Independence. 

A  portion  of  the  company,  directed  by  Mr.  Hodgkinson, 
took  possession  of  Corre's  Mount  Vernon  Gardens  on  the  5th 
of  July,  which  was  opened  with  "  All  the  World's  a  Stage," 
and  an  olio  of  recitation  and  singing,  in  which  appeared  Mrs. 
Melmoth,  Mrs.  Simpson,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Douglass,  Mr.  Darley, 
Mr.  Fox,  and  Mr.  Wilson. 

On  the  7th,  Mrs.  Melmoth  took  her  farewell  benefit,  pre- 
vious to  removing  to  Philadelphia,  appearing  as  Matilda,  in 
the  "  Carmelite,"  and  delivering  a  farewell  address. 

On  the  28th,  for  Mr.  Hodgkinson's  benefit,  BickerstafT's 
comedy  of  the  "  Hypocrite"  was  performed  for  the  first  time, 
as  follows : 


Mawworm 
Doct.  Cantwell  . 
Sir  John  Lambert 
Col.  Lambert 
Darnley    .    .  . 

August  13th 


Mr.  Jefferson. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

{f  Hogg. 

"  Martin. 

"  Darlet. 


Seyward     ....  Mr.   Hallam,  Jr. 

Chiirlotte    ....  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

Old  Lady  Lambert   .  "  Hogg. 

Young  Lady  Lambert  "  Jefferson. 

Betty   "  King. 


Mr.  Fennell,  who  was  then  in  prison  for  debt, 
had  a  benefit  assigned  him,  when  Mrs.  Inchbald's  comedy  of 
"  Such  Things  Are"  was  performed. 

Sept.  20th.  For  Mrs.  Hodgkinson's  benefit,  a  play  called 
the  "  Death  of  Louis  XVI,"  with  Hodgkinson  as  the  King,  and 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson  as  Marie  Antoinette. 

The  season  ended  on  the  22d,  with  a  benefit  to  Mr.  Wilson, 
who  appeared  as  Larry  Kavanagh,  in  the  "  Lie  of  the  Day." 

Performances  were  resumed  at  the  "Park,"  October  11th, 
1802,  with  the  drama  of  "  Adelmorn  the  Outlaw,"  in  which 
Messrs.  Hodgkinson,  Cooper,  Hallam,  Tyler,  Jefferson,  Martin 
and  Hogg,  Mrs.  Hodgkinson,  Mrs.  Hogg,  and  Miss  A.  Brett, 

27 


210  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 

performed  their  original  parts,  and  Miss  Hogg,  who  was  now 
being  brought  forward  in  her  profession,  personated  Herman, 
formerly  sustained  by  Miss  Harding,  who  had  left  the  theatre. 
The  afterpiece  was  the  "  Old  Maid." 

The  names  of  Mrs.  Melmoth,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Simpson,  Miss  E. 
A.  Westray,  Miss  Harding,  Mr.  Crosby,  Mr.  Darley,  and  Mr. 
Fox,  are  not  on  the  stock  list  this  season. 

October  13th.  Mrs.  Whitelock  made  her  first  appearance 
on  the  Park  stage  as  Elwina,  in  "  Percy,"  supported  by  Hodg- 
kinson  as  Percy,  and  Cooper  as  Douglas.  In  the  afterpiece  of 
"  Who's  the  Dupe  ?"  Mr.  Wilson  (or  Bland)  re-appeared  as 
Gradus. 

Oct.  15th,  Douglas. 

Young  Norval    .    .    .    Mr.  Cooper.  I     Glenalvon       .    .    .    Mr.  Fennell. 

Old  Norval    ...         "    Hodgkinson.  Lady  Randolph    .    .    Mrs.  Whitelock. 

The  company,  it  will  be  perceived,  was  very  strong  in  the 
tragic  department. 

Oct.  25th.  "  A  Gentleman"  made  his  first  appearance  as 
Stephen  Harrowby,  and  soon  took  a  subordinate  position  in  the 
company  as  Mr.  Turnbull.  He  never  attained  distinction, 
but  his  daughters  in  later  years  enjoyed  much  of  the  public 
favor.  Miss  C.  Turnbull,  (afterward  successively  Mrs.  Prit- 
chard  and  Mrs.  Lovell)  and  Miss  Julia  Turnbull,  are  the 
ladies  alluded  to. 

Mr.  Whitelock  made  his  first  appearance  on  the  27th,  as 
Major  (J Flaherty,  in  the  "West  Indian." 

Mrs.  Whitelock  played  in  succession  Lady  Townly,  Isabella, 
Elvira,  and  Calista,  and  on  the  10th  of  November,  Mr.  Prig- 
more  made  his  first  appearance  in  five  years  as  Sir  George 
Thunder,  in  "  Wild  Oats." 

Nov.  15th.  A  drama  by  the  manager,  called  "  Peter  the 
Great,"  was  thus  played  for  the  first  time  : 

Peter  Mr.  Cooper.  Iwan  Suderow.    .  Mr.  Martin. 

Suckerain     ....     "  Fennell.  Count  Prestoff      .     "  Prigmore. 

Orloff  "  Hodgkinson.  Gen.  Arkim     .    .     "    Hallam,  Jr. 

Col.  Suderow     ..."  Tyler.  Sophia  ....  Mrs.  Whitelock. 

It  was  not  very  successful,  but  was  occasionally  revived  as 
late  as  1815. 

Nov.  17th.  Mrs.  Johnson,  with  all  her  charms  of  mind  and 
person  more  fully  developed,  made  her  first  appearance,  after 


i 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


211 


an  absence  of  five  years,  to  a  crowded  house,  and  with  enthu- 
siastic approbation,  in  Mrs.  Cowley's  comedy  of  "  Which  is  the 
Man  ?"  thus  cast  for  the  occasion : 


Lord  Sparkle 
Fitzherbert  . 
Beauchamp  . 
Bellville  .    .  . 
Bobby  Pendragon 
Servant    .    .  . 


Mr.  Wilson. 
"  Ttlkr. 
14  Hodgkinson. 
"  Martin. 
"  Jefferson. 
"  Turniiull. 


Lady  Hell  Bloomer 
Clarinda 

Julia  .... 
Sophy  Pendragon 

Kitty  

Mrs.  Johnson 


Mrs.  Johnson. 
14  Jefferson. 
Miss  Hogg. 
Mrs.  IloixiKiNS'iN. 

"  Hogg. 
"  Brett. 


Nov.  22.  Mr.  Johnson  made  his  first  appearance  in  five 
years,  as  Sir  Peter  Teazle,  with  Mrs.  Johnson  as  Lady 
Teazle,  and  Fennell  and  Hodgkinson  as  Joseph  and  Charles 
Surface. 

Nov.  29th,  The  Rivals  ; 

and  a  farce  called  "  The  Country  Heirefs,"  altered  from  Van- 
brugh's  celebrated  comedy  of  "The  Relapfe." 


Lord  Foppington  . 
Young  Fashion  . 
Sir  Tunbelly  Clumsey 
Sir  J.  Friendly  .  . 


Mr.  Jefferson. 
"  Martin. 
"  Hogg. 
"    Hallam,  Jr. 


Lory.    .  . 
Coupler. 
Miss  Hoyden 
Nurse    .  . 


Mr.  Johnson. 

"  Prigmore. 
Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

44  Brett. 


Mrs.  Whitelock's  next  characters  were  Queen  Margaret, 
(Battle  of  Hexham)  Euphrasia,  Lady  Anne,  (Deserted 
Daughter)  Belvidera  and  Queen  Elizabeth,  and  Mrs.  Johnson's, 
Beatrice,  Joana,  Astrabel,  (Italian  Father)  Agatha  Friberg, 


Floranthe,  and  Cora. 


December  10th,  first  night  of  the  pantomimic  drama  of 
"  Gil  Bias,"  which  was  played  several  times  with  the  annexed 
cast : 


Gil  Bias    .  . 
His  Father  . 
Gil  Perez  .  . 
Father  Dominic 
Lay  Brother  . 


Mr.  Jefferson. 

41  Prigmore. 

44  Turnbuli.. 

44  Hogg. 

44  JOHNSON. 


Captain     .  . 
Dorothea    .  . 
Gil  Bias'  Mother 
Spanish  Lady. 
Girl  .... 


Mr.  Martin. 

44  Prigmore  ' 
Mrs.  fiOGG. 

'4  Jefferson. 
Miss  Hogg. 


January  1st,  1803.  Receipts  $1,090.  "  Blue  Beard,"  with 
Fennell  as  Abomelique,  and  Hodgkinson  as  Shacabac. 

January  5th.  Mr.  Cooper's  last  appearance  previous  to  his 
visiting  Europe  was  announced  as  u  Macbeth,  (Mrs.  Whitelock 
as  Lady  Macbeth")  but  the  vessel  being  detained,  and  his 
attraction  increasing  as  his  departure  drew  near,  he  appeared 
on  the  6th,  7th  and  8th  insts.  as  Penruddock,  Richard  III.  and 
Hamlet. 

A  farce  by  Fennell,  called  the  "Wheel  of  Truth,"  was  played 
on  the  12th,  with  the  following  cast  of  characters,  and  was 
successful  enough  to  attract  to  the  author's  benefit  a  sum  sut- 


212 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


ficient  to  release  him  from  the  prison  where  he  was  again 
incarcerated  for  debt. 


Harlequin 
Old  Whimmy  . 
Doctor  Puffaway 
Thoughtless  .  . 
John  . 


Mr.  Hodgkinson.  I     Obadiah     ....  Mr.  Tyler. 

"   Hogg.  Beau  "    Hallam,  Jr. 

"   Johnson.  Miss  Whimmy     .    .  Mrs.  Jefferson. 

"   Martin.  Tabitha   Mrs.  Hogg. 

"    Jefferson.         I     Polly   Miss  Brett. 


Dibdin's  "  School  for  Prejudice,"  enlarged  from  his  comedy 
of  "Liberal  Opinions,"  was  thus  first  played  on  the  21st: 


Old  Liberal    .  ■ 
Frank  Liberal  . 
Counselor  Friendly 
Mildway  .  . 
Parchment  . 
John  Grouse  . 
Ephraim  . 


Mr.  Hogg. 

'*  Hodgkinson. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Martin. 

"  Hallam. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Jefferson. 


Chevy  Chase 
Mrs.  Howard 
Marian  . 
Miss  Liberal 
Fanny  .  . 
Rachel  .  . 
Jenny  . 


Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 
Mrs.  Jefferson. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Brett. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  Hogg. 
Miss  Hogg. 


It  was  last  played  at  the  Park,  in  1833,  with  Mr.  Wilkinson 
as  Ephraim. 

Dunlap's  drama  of  "  Ribbemont,  or  the  Feudal  Baron,"  was 


revived  on  the  31st,  as  follows: 

Ribbemont  ....  Mr.  Hodgkinson.  I 
Theodore  by  a  Gentleman.  | 


Manuel . 
Countess 


Mr.  Fennell. 
Mrs.  Whitelock. 


The  "  gentleman"  debutant  was  a  Mr.  Cox,  but  neither  player 
nor  play  proved  successful.  "  The  Voice  of  Nature,"  another 
of  the  manager's  translations  or  adaptations,  was  far  more 
fortunate,  and  commanded  popular  approbation  for  many 
years.    It  was  thus  first  played  on  the  4th  of  February,  1803: 


Alphonso 
Rinaldo 
Pedro  . 
Vasques 
Child  . 


.    Mr.  Fennell. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"    Hallam,  Jr. 

"  Johnson. 
Miss  F.  Hodgkinson. 


Clarinda 
Alzaira 
Lilla  . 
Benedetta 
Isabella 


Mrs.  Jefferson. 
"  Johnson. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hogg. 
"  Brett. 


This  was  the  first  appearance  of  Mrs.  Hodgkinson's  second 
daughter,  who,  Mr.  Dunlap  informs  us,  grew  to  be  a  most 
amiable  and  estimable  woman. 

Feb.  28th,  a  farce  called  the  "  Good  Neighbor,"  with  Tyler 
as  Sotheby,  Johnson  as  Eaton,  Jefferson  as  Thomas,  and  Miss 
Hogg  as  Rose,  was  favorably  received. 

Lewis's  tragedy  of  "Alfonso"  was  first  performed  on  the 
2d  of  March,  and  became  so  much  of  a  favorite  that  it  was 
repeated  every  season  for  many  years.    It  was  thus  cast : 


Alfonso 
Orsino 
Cessario  . 
Father  Basil 
Henriques 


Mr.  Tyler. 
"  Fennell. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
"  Johnson. 
"  Martin. 


Melchior 
Ottilia  . 
Amelrosa 
Estrella 
Inis  . 


Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 
Mrs.  Whitelock. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Jefferson. 
Miss  Hogg. 


March  4th,    Alfonfo,  and,  firft  time,  Macnally's  farce  of 
Retaliation. 


Old  Rebate  . 
Precipe  Rebate 
Truman    .  . 


Mr.  Hogg.  I     Frank  Mr.  Martin. 

"   Jefferson.  Amelia  Mrs.  Hodgkinson. 

"   Hallam,  Jr.  Lucy  Miss  Brett. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


213 


Holcroft's  "  Tale  of  Mystery "  was  very  successfully  per- 
formed on  the  16th,  for  the  first  time,  and  for  thirty  years 
after  retained  possession  of  the  stage.  Its  characters  were 
thus  distributed  : 


Francisco  . 
Count  Romaldi 
Bonarao 
Stephano  . 
Montano  . 


Fennell. 

Hodgkinson. 

Tyler. 

Martin. 

Johnson. 


Michelli 

Piero 

MalrogU 

Selina 

Fiemmetta 


Mr.  Jefferson. 

"  Hogg. 

"  Hallam,  Jr. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 

44  Hogg. 


March  30th.  "The  Blind  Boy,"  altered  by  Dunlap  from 
Kotzebue's  "  Epigram,"  was  produced  with  small  success. 


Don  Jasper 
Don  Montefogo 
Major  Sydenham 
Doct.  Santodiro  . 
Oliviero    .    .  . 
Carlos  . 


Mr.  Johnson. 

"  Hogg. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  Martin. 

44  Tyler. 

"  Jefferson. 


Theodore  . 
Margaretta 
Isabella 
Frederioa  . 
Louisa  . 


Mrs.  Johnson. 
"  Hogg. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Jefferson. 


A  play  called  the  "  Tournament"  was  brought  out  on  the 
20th  of  April,  with  great  expense  and  small  profit.  Mr.  Hal- 
lam played  Ernest,  Mr.  Hodgkinson  Albert,  Mr.  Fennell  Eber- 
hard,  Mr.  Tyler  Thorring;  and  Mrs.  Johnson  Agnes. 

Fennell  played  King-  Lear  on  the  27th,  with  Hodgkinson  as 
Edgar,  and  Mrs.  Johnson  Cordelia ;  and  in  the  farce  of  the 
"  Poor  Soldier,"  on  the  same  evening,  a  "  young  lady"  made 
her  first  appearance  as  Nor  ah.  She  was  afterward  known  as 
Miss  Patten,  a  serviceable  but  not  talented  performer. 

Holcroft's  comedy,  "  Hear  Both  Sides,"  was  first  given  on 
the  4th  of  May,  but  did  not  long  retain  a  footing  on  the 
boards.    It  was  thus  cast : 


Fairfax 
Headlong 
Transit     .  . 
Mel  ford    .    .  . 
Sir  Ralph  Aspeu 


Mr.  Fennell. 

M  Martin. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

44  Tyler. 

"  Hogg. 


Major  Tennis 
Quillet  .  . 
Gregory 
Caroline 
Eliza     .  . 


Mr.  Prigmore. 

"  Jefferson. 

44  Hallam. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 

"  Hodgkinson. 


May  9th.     Mr.  Martin's  Benefit. 
Firrt  time  on  this  ftage,  Cibber's  comedy  of 
She  Would  and  She  Would  Not. 


Don  Manuel 
Don  Philip 
Don  Lewis 
Don  Octavio 
Trapauti  . 
Soto     .  . 


Host   Mr.  Prigmore. 

Alguazil    ....     44  Robertson. 

Hypolita    ....  Mrs.  Johnson. 

Flora   Miss  Hogg. 

Rosara   Mrs.  Jefferson. 

Viletta   Miss  Hrett. 

May  11th.  Mr.  Jefferson  presented  for  his  benefit,  the  first 
performance  of  Reynolds'  comedy  of  "  Delays  and  Blunders," 
thus  cast : 


Mr.  Jefferson. 

Fennell. 
44    Hallam,  Jr. 
M  Martin. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
44  Hallam. 


8ir  F.  Del  any 
Lieut.  St.  Orme 
Sapling    .  . 
Henry  .  . 
Paul  Postpone 
Robert  Grange 


Mr.  Tyler. 
44  Fennell. 
"  Hogg. 
44  Martin. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
"  Jefferson. 


Privilege  . 
Nightshade 
Mrs.  St.  Orme 
Mrs.  Sapling 
Honora 
Lauretta 


Mr.  Tlrnihll. 

41  Johnson. 
Mrs.  Wiiitelock. 

'4  Hogg. 

44  Johnson. 

4>  Hodgkinson. 


214 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mrs.  Johnson  took  her  benefit  on  the  13th,  appearing  as 
Rosalind  in  "  As  You  Like  It,"  reciting  the  pathetic  ballad  of 
"Mary,  the  Maid  of  the  Inn," and  presenting,  for  the  first  time, 
Colman's  celebrated  and  still  favorite  farce  of  the  "  Review, 
or  the  Wags  of  Windsor,"  which  was  thus  admirably  cast : 


Deputy  Bull  .  . 
Capt.  Beaugard  . 
Caleb  Quotem 
John  Lump  . 
Looney  McTwolter 


Mr.  Johnson. 
"  Martin. 
"  Hodgkinson. 
•'  Jefferson. 
"  Tyler. 


Dubbs   ...  Mr.   Hallam,  Jr, 

Charles  Williams.    .  "  Shapter. 

Grace  Gaylove     .    .  Mrs.  Johnson. 

Lucy   Miss  Brett. 

Phoebe  Whitethorn  .  "  Hogg. 


Macklin's  "Man  of  the  World"  was  played  (probably  for 
the  first  time  in  New  York)  on  the  20th,  for  Mr.  Tyler's  bene- 
fit, cast  as  follows,  but  the  beneficiary  was  hardly  equal  to 
the  requirements  of  the  part  assumed. 


Sir  Pertinax  McSycophant 
Lord  Lumbercourt  .    .    Mr.  Johnson. 

Egerton  "  Hodgkinson. 

Sidney.    .    .  "  Fennell. 

Melville  "  Hallam. 

Couns.  Plausible     .    .     "  Prigmore. 


 Mr.  Tyler. 

Serjeant  Eitherside  .    Mr.  Shapter. 
Lady  McSycophant  .    Mrs.  Hogg. 
Lady  Rodolpha    .         "  Johnson. 
Constantia ....      "  Jefferson. 
Betty  Hint.    .    .    .    Miss  Brett. 


Mr.  Hodgkinson  produced  a  drama  called  "  Charlotte  Cor- 
day,"  for  his  benefit,  on  the  23d,  in  which  he  appeared  in  a 
part  called  Theodore ;  his  wife  as  Marie  Antoinette  ;  his  daugh- 
ter as  the  Dauphin  ;  Miss  Hogg  as  the  Princess  Royal ;  Fen- 
nell as  Marat;  Martin  as  Robespierre,  and  Mrs.  Johnson  as 
the  beautiful  and  high-souled  heroine. 

Mr.  Hogg  took  his  benefit  on  the  25th,  with  "  She  Would 
and  She  Would  Not,"  and  the  first  performance  of  Cobb's 
musical  farce,  "A  House  to  be  Sold,"  thus  cast: 


Capt.  Kelson  . 
Charles  Kelson 
Belfield  .  . 
Meshee     .  . 


Mr.  Johnson. 
"  Martin. 
"   Hallam,  Ji 
"  Hogg. 


Matthew  Mug  .    .    .  Mr.  Jefferson 

Madame  Dorillie  .  Mrs.  Hogg. 

Charlotte  ....  "  Jefferson. 

Fanny   Miss  Hogg. 


The  regular  season  terminated  on  the  27th,  with  Mrs.  Hodg- 
kinson's  benefit  and  the  production  of  a  new  comedy  called 
the  "  Fair  Fugitive,  or  He  Forgot  Himself,"  with  the  following 
cast: 


Lord  Dartford  . 
Sir  W.  Wingrove 
Mr.  Wingrove  . 
Old  Manly.  .  . 
Young  Manly 
Admiral  Cleveland 
Larron      .    .  . 


Mr.  Jefferson. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Fennell. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  Hogg. 

"  Martin. 


Welford,    .  . 
Mrs.  Manly 
Miss  Manly 
Mrs.  Cleveland 
Miss  Herbert  . 
Julia  Wingrove 
Mrs.  Larron  . 


Mr.   Hallam,  Jr. 
Mrs.  Hogg. 
Miss  Brett. 
Mrs.  Jefferson. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Hodgkinson. 

"  Brett. 


The  afterpiece  was  the  "  Children  in  the  Wood,"  with  Mis 
F.  Hodgkinson  as  the  Girl,  and  Master  T.  Jefferson's  first  ap- 
pearance on  the  stage  as  the  Boy.    This  little  lad  was  the 
eldest  child  of  the  comedian,  and  on  reaching  manhood  bade 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


215 


fair  to  become  a  distinguished  artist.  He  made  his  first  ap- 
pearance in  an  adult  character  in  Philadelphia,  as  Master 
Slender,  in  1821,  and  died  there  of  consumption  in  1824. 

The  establishment  re-opened  on  the  30th  with  the  "  Good 
Neighbor,''  the  "  Tournament,"  and  rope-dancing  by  a  Signor 
Manfredi. 

Mrs.  Melmoth  made  her  first  appearance  this  year,  on  the 
10th  of  June,  as  Queen  Elizabeth,  in  the  "  Earl  of  Essex,"  for 
Mr.  Johnson's  benefit. 

On  the  20th,  the  u  Stranger  "  was  played  for  the  benefit  of 
Mrs.  Seymour  (who  had  rejoined  the  company,  after  an  ab- 
sence of  two  years),  and  is  memorable  as  being  the  last  play 
in  which  Mrs.  Hodgkinson  ever  appeared,  her  character  being 
Mrs.  Haller.  Although  suffering  from  illness,  like  her  sister, 
Miss  Brett,  who  had  already  been  compelled  to  retire,  she  ap- 
pears not  to  have  thought  of  repose,  until  the  greatest  efforts 
would  no  longer  enable  her  to  endure  the  fatigue  of  acting. 
The  sisters  both  died  of  consumption  in  the  month  of  Sep- 
tember. 

July  4th.  "The  Glory  of  Columbia,"  altered  from  "Andre," 
was  played  to  a  house  of  $1,287,  and  repeated  on  the  6th,  for 
the  benefit  of  the  author,  to  $444. 

The  season  ended  on  the  8th,  with  Signor  Manfredi's  benefit. 

Some  performances  took  place  afterward  at  Mount  Vernon 
Gardens,  where  for  several  weeks  tight-rope  entertainments 
were  given  by  Signor  Manfredi. 

This  was  also  Mr.  Hodgkinson's  last  season  in  New  York. 
He  engaged  for  the  Southern  theatres  with  Mr.  Placide,  and 
died  in  Washington,  in  1805.  No  succeeding  performer  has 
ever  enjoyed  an  equal  reputation  for  versatility  and  general 
merit,  and  in  many  characters  of  comedy,  both  high  and  low, 
he  excelled  every  contemporary. 

It  was  also  Mr.  Jefferson's  last  regular  season,  although  he 
re-appeared  during  two  or  three  brief  star  engagements. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


Park  Theatre,  1803-4— Grove  Theatre,  1804— Park,  1804-5. 


H  E  Park  Theatre  opened  for  its  seventh  season  on 
the  evening  of  November  14th,  1803.  The  company 
had  been  weakened  by  the  loss  of  Mr.  Cooper,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Hodgkinson,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Whitelock,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Jefferson,  Mr.  Wilson,  Mrs.  Brett,  Miss  Brett  and  Miss  Hard- 
ing— a  loss  which  the  engagement  of  Mrs.  Melmoth,  Mr. 
Harwood  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harper  was  inadequate  to  repair. 
The  bill  for  the  night  was  Cibber's  comedy  of  "She  Would 
and  She  Would  Not,"  and  Column's  farce  of  "Ways  and 
Means,"  with  Mr.  Harwood's  first  appearance  on  the  Park 
stage  as  Trapanti  and  Sir  David  Dunder.  His  success  was 
complete,  and  he  soon  became  a  favorite  of  the  first  distinc- 
tion. 

The  yellow  fever  having  prevailed  in  the  city  during  the 
fall,  by  which  six  hundred  and  seventy  deaths  had  occurred, 
a  benefit  was  given  to  the  necessitous  families  of  the  sufferers 
on  the  18th,  when  "She  Would  and  She  Would  Not"  was 
repeated,  with  the  farce  of  "  Lock  and  Key,"  in  which  Harwood 
played  Ralph;  Johnson,  Old  Brummagem ;  Miss  Hogg,  Laura," 
and  Mrs.  Seymour,  Fanny. 

On  the  21st  of  November,  Colman's  still  popular  comedy  of 
"  John  Bull"  was  played  for  the  first  time  in  America,  with 
the  following  cast : 


Peregrine  .... 
Sir  Simon  Rochdale. 
Frank  Rochdale  .  . 
Job  Thornberry  .  . 
Dennis  Brulgruddery 


Mr.  Tyler. 
"  Johnson. 
"  Martin. 
"  Hogg. 
"  Harwood. 


Tom  Shuffleton  . 

Dan  

Lady  Caroline 
Mary  Thornberry. 
Mrs.  Brulgruddery 


Mr. 
Mrs. 


Harper. 

Hallam. 

Hallam. 

Johnson. 

Hogs. 


In  the  above  performance,  Mr.  Harper  made  his  first  ap- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


217 


pearance  in  three  years ;  Mr.  Hogg,  as  Job  Thornberry,  first 
fully  hit  the  taste  of  the  town,  and  thoroughly  established 
himself  in  its  favor;  and  Mr.  Harwood  was  pronounced  Dennis 
Brulgruddery  himself. 

Mr.  Fennell  and  Mrs.  Melmoth  made  their  first  appearance 
for  the  season  on  the  25th,  (then  celebrated  as  Evacuation 
Day  with  great  enthusiasm)  as  Gen.  Washington,  and  Mrs.  Bland 
in  the  "  Glory  of  Columbia,"  to  a  receipt  of  nearly  $1,000. 

On  the  30th,  they  appeared  in  "  Macbeth,"  after  which,  for 
the  first  time,  was  represented  Oulton's  farce  of  the  "  Sixty- 
third  Letter,"  thus  cast : 

Sir  Wilful  Positive  .    .    Mr.  Johnson.  I     Sharp    .        ...    Mr.  Hogg. 

Sidney  "    Shapter.  Miss  Metaphor.    .    .    Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Dulcet  "    Harwood.  I     Lydia  Miss  Hogg. 

Patrick  Casey       .    .     "   Tyler.  I     Patty  Mrs.  Seymour. 

Dec.  5th.  Mr.  Serson,  under  the  designation  of  a  "  gentle- 
man," made  his  debut  as  Earl  Osmond,  and  on  the  14th,  played 
Dumont  in  "  Jane  Shore."  He  appeared  in  a  few  other  parts 
with  little  success. 

Dec.  9th.  First  night  of  Boaden's  comedy,  called  the 
"Maid  of  Bristol,"  which,  though  neatly  written  and  of  con- 
siderable interest,  failed  to  keep  possession  of  the  stage.  It 
was  thus  cast : 

Lindorf    .    .  Mr.  Fennell.  I     Cranium    ....    Mr.  Martin. 

Gellert.    .    .        .    .     "   Johnson.  Clod  "  Hallam. 

Schultzer-  "   Tyler.  Stella  Mrs.  Johnson. 

Oakum  "    Hogg.  |     Mrs.  Oakum    ..."  Melmoth. 

Ben  Block  ....  "  Harwood.  Mrs.  Shark  .  .  .  "  Hogg. 
Shark  "   Harper.  Kate  Miss  Hogg. 

Allingham's  farce  of  "Mrs.  Wiggins,"  the  fun  of  which 
turned  on  the  confused  identity  of  three  ladies  bearing  the 
same  name,  was  first  played  on  the  14th,  and  received  much 
applause,  with  the  following  cast : 

Old  WL-gins  ....    Mr.  Harwood.  Mrs.  Wiggins  .    .    .    Mrs.  Hogg. 

Tom  Wiggins     .    .         "    Harper.  Mrs.  Chloe  Wiggins  .     M  Seymour. 

O'Bubble  "   Tyler.  I     Mrs.  Tom  Wiggins    .    Miss  Patten. 

On  the  20th,  Dunlap's  noted  farce  of  "  Bonaparte  in  Eng- 
land" was  first  played  with  great  success :  Mr.  Martin  as  Lieut. 
O'Connor;  Mr.  Harwood  as  Shadrack,  the  supposed  Bona- 
parte; Mr.  Hallam  as  Blouze;  Mrs.  Hogg  as  Mrs.  Notable,  and 
Miss  Hogg  as  Sally  Snip.  These  characters  were  personated 
by  Irish  Anderson,  Placide,  John  Fisher,  Mrs.  Wheatley  and 
Miss  Rae,  at  the  great  "  Dunlap  Benefit,"  given  in  1833,  when 

28 


218  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

the  farce  was  revived  under  the  title  of  "Thirty  Years 
Ago." 

On  the  30th,  Mrs.  Darby,  formerly  Miss  Milbourne,  of  Phil- 
adelphia, made  her  first  appearance  as  Sally,  in  the  "  Purse." 
She  was  not  much  of  an  actress,  but  valuable  as  a  singing 
and  dancing  auxiliary. 

Mr.  Claude's  debut  in  New  York,  and  fourth  appearance  in 
public,  took  place  on  the  4th  of  January,  1804,  as  George 
Barnwell,  (Mrs.  Harper  as  Millwood)  a  character  he  had  played 
at  Baltimore,  where  he  first  appeared.  He  afterward  person- 
ated Young  Norval,  Alonzo,  Frederick  in  the  "  Poor  Gentle- 
man," &c,  and  became  a  useful  member  of  the  company. 

He  played  here  for  the  last  time  in  1811,  and  Dunlap  says 
that  he  died  young ;  but  other  authorities  aver  that  he  lived  to 
a  mature  age,  and  having  studied  divinity,  finally  made  the 
pulpit  his  stage  of  action. 

Sheridan's  "Critic"  was  revived  on  the  6th  of  January, 
1804,  but  did  not  secure  a  proper  appreciation,  although  Har- 
wood  appeared  as  Puff  and  Sir  Fretful,  Fennell  as  Sneer,  and 
Mrs.  Hogg  as  Tilberina.  Mr.  Tyler,  Mrs.  Seymour  and  Miss 
Hogg,  as  the  Italian  Singers,  carried  off  most  of  the  applause. 

Allingham's  comedy  of  the  "  Marriage  Promise  "  was  thus 
first  performed  on  the  11th,  but  failed  to  create  the  sensation 
it  had  excited  in  London : 


Sidney  Mr.  Martin.  Policy  Mr.  Hall  am,  Jr. 

Charles  Merton  .        .     "   Tyler.  Mrs.  Howard  .    .    .    Mrs.  Melmoth. 

George  Howard  ...     "   Fennell.  Emma  "  Johnson. 

Consols  "    Hogg.  Mary  Woodland  .  "  Hallam. 

Tandem  "    Harwood.  Mrs.  Harvey  ...     "  Hogg. 

Woodland  "   Hallam.  Margery    ....     "  Seymour. 

"Raymond  and  Agnes,  or  the  Bleeding  Nun,"  a  serious 

pantomime,  was  brought  out  as  an  afterpiece  on  the  16th, 
with  the  following  distribution : 

Count  Mr.  Hallam.  Claude  Mr.  Shapter. 

Don  Felix     ....     "    Johnson.  Countess    ....    Mrs.  Darby. 

Raymond  "    Martin.  Agnes  Miss  Patten. 

Robert  "   Fennell.  Margaretta     .    .    .    Mrs.  Harper. 

Baptiste  "    Harper.  Nanette  "  Seymour. 

Theodore  "    Hogg.  Bleeding  Nun.    .    .     "  Hallam. 

"  A  Tale  of  Terror,"  written  by  Henry  Siddons,  son  of  the 
great  actress,  was  thus  first  played  on  the  23d : 

Valdarno  Mr.  Fennell.  I     Petro  Mr.  Harwood. 

Hannibal  *'   Tyler.  Guzman    ....     "  Hogg. 

Carlos  "   Serson.  •  Marcia  Mrs.  Melmoth. 

Lazaretto  "   Martin.  Paulina     ....     "  Johnson. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


219 


February  1st.  Was  produced,  for  the  first  time,  a  very 
pleasing  melo-dramatic  spectacle,  by  Priuce  Hoare,  called 
"  Chains  of  the  Heart,"  embodying  the  whole  company  in  its 
representation,  and  introducing  to  the  public,  in  the  character 
of  Fatima,  the  pretty  and  youthful  Miss  Dellinger,  afterward 
a  great  favorite.  She  could  sing  a  ballad  very  pleasingly, 
and  glide  through  a  pas-seul  very  gracefully,  but  as  an  actress 
had  little  to  recommend  her  to  the  favor  she  enjoyed.  With 
the  exception  of  one  or  two  seasons,  she  continued  here  until 
1820. 

In  the  above  spectacle,  Harwood  was  exceedingly  happy  as 
Cotillon,  a  French  dancing-master  in  chains,  and  Tyler  made 
a  tine  hit  in  the  Irishman,  (J  Bubble.  Fennell  as  Ali  Bensal- 
lah,  Hogg  as  Zaruda,  Hallam  as  Villafieur,  Claude  as  Prince 
Henry,  Johnson  as  Azam,  Serson  as  Manuel,  Martin  as  Ricardo. 
Mrs.  Johnson  as  Gufnare,  and  Miss  Hogg  as  Zulema,  also  had 
important  parts. 

According  to  Dunlap,  the  first  four  nights  of  the  foregoing 
piece  yielded  successively  $597,  $525,  $265,  $197 — the  busi- 
ness of  the  theatre  during  the  season  having  been  very  poor. 

February  20th,  a  comedy  by  the  manager,  called  "  Conceit 
can  Kill,  Conceit  can  Cure,"  was  announced  with  the  annexed 
cast : 

Elderton  Mr.  Tyler.  Giles  Jolter    .    .    .    Mr.  Harwood. 

Jollup  "   Johnson.  Mrs.  Jollup    .    .    .    Mrs.  Hoqq. 

Mercury  41   Fennell.  Arabella    ....     "  Johnson. 

Dr.  Crulealo  ....     "    Martin.  Fanny  Miss  Hogg. 

It  was  well  received,  but  brought  small  audiences. 

After  the  celebration  of  Washington's  birthday,  on  the 
22d,  the  theatre  remained  closed  during  a  fortnight  of  snow 
and  severe  cold. 

On  the  9th  of  March,  a  small  building  in  Bedlow  Street, 
was  opened  as  the  Grove  Theatre,  with  a  company  of  inferior 
performers,  including  Messrs.  McGinnis,  Bates,  Bland,  Par- 
sons, Wheatley,  Burrows  and  Burd,  Mrs.  Gordon,  Mrs.  McGin- 
nis, Miss  White,  &c.  Of  these,  Mr.  Frederick  Wheatley  must 
be  noticed  as  the  husbaud  and  father  of  a  most  talented  wife 
and  children.    He  was  afterward  attached  for  many  years  to 

1  Bedlow  Street  was  that  part  of  Madison  Street  lying  east  of  Catharine  Street. 


220 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


the  Park  theatre,  and  died  in  1836,  at  Philadelphia,  while 
there  on  a  professional  visit  with  his  daughter  Emma,  after- 
ward Mrs.  James  Mason. 

Bates  was  the  comedian  who  had  played  at  the  Park  in 
1798,  and  Bland,  one  who  had  lately  performed  there  under 
the  name  of  Wilson. 

Miss  White  possessed  some  little  talent,  and  was  re-engaged 
at  the  Park  before  the  end  of  the  season. 

The  Park  Theatre  re-opened  March  12th,  (to  $528)  with  a 
comedy  by  Mr.  Dunlap,  called  "Lewis  of  Mont  Blanc,  or  the 
Transplanted  Irishman."  This  piece,  which,  the  author  says, 
by  loaning  to  various  managers,  he  finally  lost  all  trace  of,  so 
that  it  is  now,  no  doubt,  beyond  recovery,  afforded  much 
amusement,  and  was  frequently  repeated  with  the  following 


cast: 

Lewis  .  . 
Jerome 
Ferdinand 
Lope  . 
Lazaretto  . 
Lazarillo  . 


Mr.  Fe>nell. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Clalde. 
"  Martin. 
"  Hogg. 
"  Shaptek. 


Sebastien  . 
Thady  O'Reilly 
Juan.  . 
Olivia    .     .  . 
Seraphina  . 
Margaretta . 


Mr.  Harper. 

"  Harwood. 

"  Johnson. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

''"  Johnson. 

*•  Hogg. 


Harwood,  by  his  excellent  acting  in  Thady  O'Reilly,  a  mil- 
itary Irishman,  made  his  character  the  feature  of  the  piece. 

Kenney's  amusing  farce  called  "  Raising  the  Wind  "  was 
thus  first  played  here  on  the  16th: 


Jeremy  Diddler 
Plainway  .  . 
Fainwould 


Mr.  Harwood. 
"  Johnson. 
"  Martin. 


Sam  Mr.  Hogg. 

Miss  Durable  .  .  Mrs.  Hogg. 
Peggy  Miss  Hogg. 


Harwood  won  loud  plaudits  by  his  performance  of  Jeremy, 
and  the  character  has  since  found  able  representatives  in 
New  York  in  the  persons  of  E.  Simpson,  George  Barrett, 
Thayer,  Browne  and  Walcot. 

A  short  vacation  again  occurred,  and  on  the  2d  of  April, 
the  house  was  re-opened  with  "  Lewis  of  Mont  Blanc."  On  the 
4th,  Dunlap's  drama,  the  "  Wife  of  Two  Husbands,"  was  thus 
performed : 


Count  Belflor 
Major  Goltz  . 
Rinaldo    .  . 
Armagh 
Baron  Werner 


Mr.  Fennell. 
"  Hogg. 
"  Claude. 
"  Harwood. 
"  Tyler. 


Isidore  . 
Theodore 
Countess 
Lilla.  . 
Rosalie  . 


Mr.  Martin. 
Miss  Martin. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 
"  Darby. 
Miss  Patten. 


It  was  received  with  applause,  and  was  occasionally  played 
for  many  years. 

On  the  18th  of  April,  Cherry's  comedy  of  the  "  Soldier's 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


221 


Daughter"  was  brought  out  with  the  following  cast,  which 
was  of  extraordinary  excellence,  every  character  being  ad- 
mirably performed,  and  Mrs.  Johnson's  Widow  Cheerly  and 
Mr.  Harwood's  Frank  Heartall  being  entitled  to  special  dis- 
tinction : 


Gov.  Heartall 
Frank  Heartall 
Malfort,  Sr.  . 
Malfort.  Jr.  . 
Capt.  Woodley 
Ferrett 


Mr.  Johnson. 
"  Harwood. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Fennbll. 
"  Martin. 
"  Harver. 


Timothy  Quaint 
Widow  Cheerly 
Mrs.  Malfort  . 
Mrs.  Fidget  . 
Susan  . 

Julia  .    (a  child) 


Mr.  Hogg. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 
"  Melmoth. 

"  HOQQ. 

"  Harper. 
Miss  Martin. 


Signor  Bologna  was  brought  out  as  the  Clown,  in  a  panto- 
mime, April  25th,  and  played  till  the  end  of  the  season.  He 
was  well  adapted  to  the  business  he  followed,  and  on  his  ben- 
efit night,  executed  a  fandango  between  eighteen  eggs !  to  the 
great  delight  of  his  admirers.  The  same  evening  Miss  Hogg 
appeared  for  the  first  time  under  her  marital  designation  of 
Mrs.  Claude. 

May  7th.  Dimond's  patriotic  play,  the  "  Hero  of  the  North," 
was  first  performed,  and  met  with  considerable  success.  The 
characters  were  thus  distributed : 


Gustavus  Vasa  . 
Casimir  Rubinski 
Carlowitz  .  . 
Sigi9mond 
Gabriel     .    .  . 
Marcoff    .    .  . 


"  Hearts  of 


Mr  Fennell. 
"  Hallam. 
"  Martin. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Johnson. 
Harwood. 


Brennomar 
Princess  Gunilda . 
Santa  Michael  wina 
Frederica  Rubinski 
Alexa  .... 
Paulina. 


Mr.  Harper. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 
"  Melmoth. 
Miss  White. 
Mrs.  Claude. 
Miss  Patten. 


Oak,"  a  comedy  by  Allingham,  was  brought  out 
by  Mr.  Harwood,  for  his  benefit  on  the  14th,  probably  more 
for  the  sake  of  the  Irish  character,  Brian  (JBradliegh,  rep- 
resented by  himself,  than  for  the  general  merit  of  the  play. 
Mr.  Hogg  as  Ardent,  Fennell  as  Dorland,  Johnson  as  Tenper- 
cent,  Martin  as  Joe,  Mrs.  Johnson  as  Eliza,  and  Mrs.  Hogg  as 
Mrs.  O'Bradliegh,  represented  the  other  principal  parts. 

May  1 8th.    Manager's  benefit. 

The  Provoked  Hufband. 

Lord  Townly  .    .    .    .    Mr.  Fennbll.  |      Lady  Townly.    .    .    Mrs.  Johnson. 

May  21  ft.     Mrs.  Johnfon's  benefit. 

Firft  time  in  New  York,  Cumberland's  comedy  called 

The  Brothers  ; 
Johnson. 
Fennell. 


Sir  Benjamin  Dove 
Belfield,  Sr.  .  . 
Belfield,  Jr.  .  . 
Capt.  Ironside 
Skiff  .... 
Patterson  .  .  . 
Goodwin 

And 

Youog  Philpot  . 


Mr. 


Martin. 

Harwood. 

Shapter. 

Harper. 

Tyler. 


TIk 


Mr.  Harwood. 


Philip    .    .  . 
Jonathan  . 
Lady  Dove 
Sophia  Dove  . 
Violetta     .  . 
Fanny  Goodwin 
Lucy  Waters  . 

Citizen. 

I     Maria    .    .  . 


Mr.  Claude. 

"  McDonald. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

M  Johnson. 

"  Harper. 

"  Claude. 

"  Hallam. 

Mrs.  Johnson. 


222  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

May  23d.     Mr.  Martin's  benefit. 

The  Inconftant ; 

Young  Mirabel  .    .    .    Mr.  Martin.             I     Bisarre     ....    Mrs.  Johnson. 
Dugard  "   Fennell.  |     Oriana  "  Claude. 

And,  firft  time,  Colman's  mufical  farce  entitled, 
Love  Laughs  at  Lockfmiths. 

Vigil  Mr.  Hogg.  I     Risk  Mr.  Harwood. 

Totterton  "    Harper.  Solomon  Lob  ...     "  Shapter. 

Capt.  Beldare     ...      "    Tyler.  I     Lydia  Mrs.  Claude. 

The  melodies  of  the  piece,  by  Kelly,  were  very  pleasing, 
and  aided  in  its  long-continued  popularity. 

May  25th,  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Tyler,  Dr.  Brown's  tragedy 
of  "Barbarossa"  was  thus  performed,  being  the  first  cast 
found  on  the  New  York  bills : 

Barbarossa    ....    Mr.  Fennell.  Sadi  Mr.  Harper. 

Selim  .....  "  Tyler.  Zaphira  ....  Mrs.  Melmoth. 
Othman    ......     "   Martin.  Irene  "  Johnson. 

and,  for  the  first  time  in  America,  Shakespeare's  "  Comedy  of 
Errors." 

Antipholus  of  Syracuse    Mr.  Martin. 

Antipholus  of  Ephesus  "    Hallam,  Jr. 

Droinio  of  Syracuse  "  Hogg. 

Dromio  of  Ephesus  "  Harwood. 

Solinus  Mr.  Serson.  Abbess  Mrs.  Harper.  I 

.^Egeon  "    Hallam.  Adriana     ....     "  Claude. 

Angelo  "   Johnson.  Luciana         .        .    Miss  Patten. 

The  play  never  became  popular  till  the  days  of  Hackett 
and  Barnes. 

May  30th.  Mr.  Hallam  announced  for  his  benefit  (which 
was,  however,  postponed  until  June  11th),  the  first  perform- 
ance in  America  of  Shakespeare's  "  Twelfth  Night,"  with  the 
following  cast : 

Orsino  Mr.  Tyler.  Clown  Mr.  Hallam. 

Sebastien  "   Claude.  Fabian  "  Hogg. 

Sir  Toby  Belch  ..."    Harwood.  Viola  Mrs.  Johnson. 

Sir  Andrew  Aguecheek      "   Johnson.  Olivia  "  Hallam. 

Malvolio  "   Martin.  I     Maria  "  Harper. 

The  drama  of  "  Don  Quixotte "  was  also  announced,  with 
Fennell  as  the  crack-brained  enthusiast;  Harper  as  Sancho 
Panza  ;  Hallam  as  the  Gardener ;  Mrs.  Hogg  as  Teresa  ;  and 
Mrs.  Harper  as  Mary. 

June  1st  Mr.  Fennell  appeared  as  Richard  III,  for  his 
benefit,  and  produced,  for  the  first  time,  his  own  farce  of  the 
"  Advertisement,"  as  played  originally  at  Covent  Garden  in 
1791. 

Aid.  Goswell  ....    Mr.  Hogg.  I     Peruque     ....    Mr.  Martin. 

Young  Goswell  ..."   Harper.  Mrs.  Courtney    .    .    Mrs.  Claude. 

O'Trigger  "   Harwood'.  Mrs.  Snip  ....     "  Hogg. 

Harry  "   Hallam,  Jr.       j     Kitty  Miss  Patten. 


TWELFTH  SIGHT 

{Act  2,  Sc.  j.    Sir  Toby,  Sir  Andrew  and  Maria) 
From  the  painting  by  W.  Hamilton 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


223 


June  6th.     Mr.  Johnfon's  benefit. 
Douglas — Young  Norval  by  Mrs.  Johnfon — and,  firft  time  here, 

Pilon's  farce  of  the           Deaf  Lover. 

Meadow9  Mr.  Harwood  Steruhold  ....  Mr.  Johnson. 

Old  Wrongward     .    .     "   Hoqo.  ,     Sophia   Mrs.  Darby. 

Young  Wrongward           "    Claud*.  Betty  Blossom     .    .  *'  Claude. 

Canteen  "   Harper  Susan   "  Harper. 

June  8th,  the  night  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Claude's  benefit,  Mr. 
Fennell  announced  would  be  his  last  appearance  on  the  stage, 
and  after  giving  his  favorite  and  excellent  personation  of 
Zanga,  delivered,  formally,  a  farewell  address.  Mr.  Fennell, 
however,  had  occasion  many  times  after  to  tread  the  boards. 

Mr.  Serson  repeated  Earl  Osmond  for  his  benefit,  on  the 
29th,  and  the  season  terminated  after  the  4th  of  July,  when 
the  "  Glory  of  Columbia  "  and  "  Black  Beard  "  were  given  to 
a  crowded  house. 

Mr.  Harwood  was  the  great  attraction  and  favorite  of  the 
season,  while  Mr.  Fennell,  who,  by  the  absence  of  Cooper  and 
Hodgkinson,  had  no  tragic  rival,  appeared  for  the  first  time 
as  the  Stranger,  Rolla,  Jaffier,  Lord  Hastings,  Earl  of  Essex,  &c. 

On  the  22d  of  October,  1S04,  the  dramatic  season  com- 
menced with  the  performance  of  the  "  Clandestine  Marriage  " 
and  "  Ways  and  Means." 

The  company  contained  all  the  strength  of  the  previous 
season,  with  the  exception  of  Mr.  Fennell  and  Mrs.  Seymour, 
but  their  loss  was  more  than  supplied  by  the  importance  of 
the  new  engagements. 

On  the  24th,  Mr.  J.  Darley  made  his  first  appearance  in  three 
years  as  Belville  in  "Rosina/'  Improved  both  in  personal  ap- 
pearance and  vocal  skill,  he  was  received  with  great  approba- 
tion, and  for  many  years  after  eclipsed  all  rivalry  in  the 
operatic  department  His  wife  resumed  her  old  situation  on 
the  26th,  in  the  character  of  Albina  Mandeville,  and  was  wel- 
comed with  rapturous  enthusiasm.  Acknowledged  as  a  per- 
fect model  of  loveliness  for  early  womanhood,  her  style  was 
more  highly  finished,  both  as  actress  and  vocalist,  and  her 
artlessness  of  manner  was  as  fascinating  as  ever.  New  York 
probably  never  had  a  more  perfect  representative  of  her  line 
of  character  than  the  Mrs.  Darley  of  this  season. 


224 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


On  the  29th,  a  Mr.  Huntington,  who  had  previously  failed 
in  the  same  part  in  London,  ventured  to  appear  as  Macbeth, 
and  was  again  unequivocally  condemned.  In  1808,  he  was 
attached  to  the  theatre,  playing  the  most  trifling  parts. 

Nov.  7th.  Firft  time  in  ten  years,  Cumberland's  "  Natural  Son." 

Sir  Jeffrey  Latimer     .    Mr.  Hogg.  Major  O'FIaherty.    .  Mr.  Burd. 

Rueful  "   Tyler.  Dumps   "  Harwood. 

Blushenly  "   Martin.  Lady  Paragon     .    .  Mrs.  Johnson. 

Jack  Hustings   ..."   Hallam  Miss  Phoebe  Latimer.  "  Melmoth. 

Nov.  16th.  First  time  in  New  York,  Dibdin's  comedy  of 
"  Guilty  or  Not  Guilty,"  which,  though  finely  cast,  never  be- 
came popular. 

Lord  Rigid    ....    Mr.  Burd.  William    ....    Mr.  Martin. 

Sir  Harry  Pointer    .    .     "    Darley.  ,     Lady  Rigid   .    .    .    Mrs.  Darby. 

Major  Corslet     ..."   Hogg.  Mrs.  Balance.    .    .     "  Hogg. 

Edmund  Rigid    ..."   Tyler.  Suzette     ....    Mrs.  Johnson. 

Balance  "    Harper.  Sophia  Pointer  .    .     "  Claude. 

Charles  Balance  ...     "   Claude.  Nancy  "  Darley. 

Triangle  "   Harwood.  Deborah   ....    Miss  White. 

After  an  absence  of  two  years  in  Europe,  Mr.  Cooper,  who 
proved  to  be  the  only  real  attraction  of  the  season,  com- 
menced an  engagement  on  the  19th,  as  Macbeth,  drawing 
crowded  houses  every  night  of  performance,  and  producing 
for  his  benefit,  December  17th,  Shakspeare's  play  of  "Henry 
V.,"  with  the  following  cast : 


Henry  V.  ....  Mr.  Cooper.  King  of  France    .    .    Mr.  Hallam. 

Exeter   "  Tyler.  Dauphin    ....     "  Claude. 

Gower   "  Martin.  Lord  Scroop    ...     "  Harper. 

Fluellin   "  Hartvood.  i     Princess  Katharine  .    Mrs.  Darley. 

Pistol   "  Hogg.  |     Mrs.  Quickly  ..."  Hogg. 


This  play  has  been  seldom  represented  here,  though  Mac- 
ready  revived  it  on  his  first  visit  in  1826. 

Mr.  Cooper  was  engaged  for  ten  nights,  and  played  Mac- 
beth, Lord  Hastings,  Hamlet,  Penruddock,  Richard  III.,  Fred- 
erick, (Lovers'  Vows),  Shylock  Hotspur,  Rolla  and  Henry  V., 
to  houses  averaging  more  than  §800  each — "Hamlet,"  the 
largest,  drawing  $1,080— "  Lovers'  Vows,"  the  least,  $532. 
He  gave  two  additional  performances — Romeo  and  Othello,  to 
an  average  of  §500  each. 

The  Grove  Theatre,  in  Bedlow  Street,  again  opened  its 
doors  on  the  evening  of  December  4th,  and  among  its  per- 
formers we  find  Mr.  Turnbull,  who  had  made  his  debut  at  the 
Park  in  1802. 

Here,  also,  Miss  Ross,  since  so  highly  and  justly  admired 
as  Mrs.  Wheatley,  made  her  first  appearance  in  New  York. 


RKCORDS   OF  THK  NKW   YORK  STAGE. 


225 


This  lady,  the  daughter  of  Lieut.  Ross,  of  the  Britisli  army, 
was  born  in  Nova  Scotia,  A.  D.  1788,  and,  after  his  death, 
came  to  New  York  with  her  mother  and  attempted  the  stage 
with  slight  success.  In  the  fall  of  1805,  she  was  attached  to 
the  Park,  retiring  at  the  end  of  the  season,  on  her  marriage 
with  Mr.  Wheatley.  Circumstances  induced  her  again  to 
tread  the  boards,  and  she  resumed  the  profession  in  1811, 
but  still  gave  small  promise  of  that  future  excellence  by 
which  she  obtained  celebrity  and  fortune.  Severe  study,  long 
practice,  and  the  strictest  adherence  to  nature,  finally  gave 
her  the  position  she  aimed  at,  and  for  more  than  twenty 
years,  in  the  line  of  comic,  middle-aged  and  old  women,  rich 
or  poor,  refined  or  vulgar — indeed,  of  every  grade,  she  was 
entirely  unrivaled  on  the  American  stage.  Her  reputation 
resulted  from  the  combination  of  perfect  good  sense  with 
accurate  discrimination  of  character,  fine  artistic  taste,  an 
agreeable  face  and  person,  and  the  most  thorough  executive 
ability. 

Becoming  independent  in  her  resources,  with  her  daughters 
handsomely  settled  in  marriage,  and  her  son  William  enjoy- 
ing a  high  professional  reputation,  Mrs.  Wheatley,  in  1843, 
finally  bade  farewell  to  the  stage  she  had  graced  so  long,  and 
in  the  sanctuary  of  domestic  life  devotes  her  time  and  talents 
to  the  service  of  her  beloved  children  and  grand-children, 
and  in  social  and  unassuming  intercourse  with  a  wide  circle 
of  admiring  and  distinguished  friends. 

Mr.  Cooper's  engagement  concluded  on  the  21st  December, 
aud  immediately  after,  Messrs.  Labottiere  and  Preville  were 
engaged  to  produce  a  series  of  ballets. 

Mr.  Saubere  first  appeared  in  New  York  on  the  28th,  as 
Henry  in  "Speed  the  Plough,"  receiving  little  notice;  and 
on  the  31st,  a  petit  opera,  called  "Nina,"  was  produced,  with 
>  Tyler  as  the  Count.,  Darley  as  Germeul,  Harper  as  Pierre,  Mrs. 
Darley  as  Nina,  and  Mrs.  Hogg  as  Louisa. 

During  the  month  of  January,  1805,  the  theatre  remained 
I  closed. 

1      On  the  1st  of  February  it  re-opened  with  "Venice  Pre- 

29 


226 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


served,"  Cooper  as  Pierre,  and  subsequently  as  Othello,  Hot- 
spur, Abcellino,  Leon  and  Octavian;  but  even  his  name  ceased 
to  attract,  and  the  manager,  after  many  years'  struggle  with 
difficulties  too  numerous  and  complicated  to  mention  here, 
was  obliged  to  succumb  to  the  exigencies  of  his  situation,  and 
announce  himself  bankrupt.  The  actors  formed  themselves 
into  a  commonwealth,  selecting  Messrs.  Johnson  and  Tyler  as 
their  directors,  and  with  renewed  hopes,  once  more  essayed  to  . 
please  their  friends,  presenting  on  their  opening  night,  March 
4th,  the  "Soldier's  Daughter"  and  "Raising  the  Wind,"  Har- 
wood playing  Jeremy  Diddler  to  perfection. 

Cumberland's  comedy  of  the  "  Sailor's  Daughter"  was  thus 
first  played  on  the  loth,  but  was  not  thought  equal  to  his 
other  plays : 


Sir  Mathew  Moribond 
Capt.  Sentamour  . 
Mandeville  . 
Hartshorn 
Varnish  .... 


Mr.  Johnson.  I     Raven   .    .  . 

"  Tyler.  ,     Singleton  .  • 

"  Darley.  Julia 

"  Harwood.  Louisa  Davenant 

"  Hallam,  Jr.  Mrs.  Hartshorn 


Mr.  Hogg. 

"  Shapter. 
Mrs.  Darley. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Hogg. 


March  22d.  First  night  of  O'Keefe's  musical  farce  of 
"  Sprigs  of  Laurel,"  thus  capitally  performed : 

Nipperkin  ....  Mr.  Harwood.  Sinclair.  ...  Mr.  Darley. 
Major  Tactic  ....  "  Tyler.  .  Lenox  ....  "  Shapter. 
Capt.  Cruizer    ..."   Harper.  Mary  Mrs.  Darley. 

It  became  a  great  favorite,  and  Jefferson,  Hilson,  and 
Barnes  numbered  Nipperkin  among  their  most  attractive 
characters. 

On  the  occasion  of  Mrs.  Johnson's  benefit,  April  22d,  Mr. 
Bailey  appeared  as  Joseph  Surface,  and  Mr.  Turnbull,  from 
the  Grove  Theatre,  as  Trip,  and  both  continued  with  the  com- 
pany till  the  close  of  the  season. 

A  Mr.  Cromwell  also  made  a  debut  on  the  29th  April,  as 
Earl  Osmond,  and  afterward  attempted  Doricourt  in  the 
"  Belle's  Stratagem,"  but  created  no  sensation  in  his  favor. 

May  6th.  Mrs.  Melmoth  took  her  benefit,  appearing  as 
Mrs.  Rackett,  in  the  "  Belle's  Stratagem,"  delivering  an  occa- 
sional address,  written  by  herself,  and  producing  a  new  farce, 
called  the  "  Generous  Farmers,"  thus  cast : 

Paudeen  O'Rafferty .    .    Mr.  Harwood.  Manly  Mr.  Johnson. 

Sir  John  "   Harper.  Mrs.  Manly.        .    .    Mrs.  Melmoth. 

William  "   Darley.  I     Mary  "  Darley. 

May  13th.     Mr.  Tyler's  benefit.    First  time,  Reynolds's 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


227 


comedy,  called  the  "Blind  Bargain,"  which  proved  successful, 
and  remained  in  favor  several  years : 


Villars  .... 
Sir  Andrew  Analyze 
Jack  Analyze 
Tourly  .... 
Doct.  Pliable  .    .  . 


Tyler. 

Johnson. 
Saubere. 
Harper. 

HoQQ 


Frank  . 
Giles  Woodbine 
Mrs.  Villars    .  . 
Miss  Gurnet  . 
Sophia  Woodbine 


Mr  Bailey 

"  Harwood. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 

HOGQ. 

"  Darley. 


Kenney's  farce  of  "Matrimony,"  produced  on  the  17th 
May,  with  the  following  cast,  was  very  successful : 


Del  aval 
Baron  . 
O'Clogherty 


Mr.  Darley. 

"  Johnson. 
"  Harwood. 


Clara  Mrs.  Darley. 

Lissette  Miss  Bellinger. 


Hurlestone's  farce  of  "Crotchet  Lodge"  was  revived  on  the 
20th,  the  following  cast  being  the  first  we  have  found  : 


Da9hley    .    .    .  . 
Dr.  Chronic  . 
Nimble     .    .    .  . 
Timothy  Truncheon 


Mr 


Harper. 

Johnson. 

Harwood. 

Hogg. 


Paddy  .  . 
Miss  Crotchet 
Florella.  . 
Thisbe  .  . 


Mr.  Tyler. 
Mrs.  Hogg. 

"  Darby. 

"  Harper. 


And  Dimond's  *'  Hunter  of  the  Alps,"  thus  first  represented 
on  the  22d,  was  also  received  with  great  applause : 


Felix  . 

Rosalvi 

Juan 

Jeronymo 

Baptiste 


Mr.  Harwood. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Darley. 
"  Hogg. 
"  Johnson. 


Fiorio  . 
Julio.  . 
Helena 
Genevieve 
Claudinc 


Miss  Dellinger. 

"  Delamater. 
Mrs.  Melmoth. 

"  Darley. 

"  Dabby. 


Tobin's  elegant  comedy  of  the  "Honeymoon"  was  first 
played  on  the  29th,  and  has  ever  since  ranked  as  one  of  the 
most  meritorious  and  favorite  plays  in  the  language.  It  may 
not  be  generally  known  that  the  unfortunate  author  of  this 
comedy  was  unable  to  induce  any  of  the  London  managers  to 
undertake  its  production,  and  that  it  was  not  played  until 
the  year  after  his  death.  On  its  introduction  to  the  American 
public,  it  was  cast  as  follows : 


Duke  Aranza 
Rolando  . 
Count  Mbntalban 
Balthazar      .  . 
Jacques  . 
Lampedo  . 


Mr.  Tyler. 
"  Harwood 
"  Darley. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Hogo. 

"  Robertson 


Lopez 

Juliana 

Volante 

Zamora 

Hostess 


Mr.  Sbapter. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 

•*  Hallam. 

"  Darley. 

"  Hogg. 


For  Mr.  Hallam's  benefit,  on  the  17th  of  June,  the  celebrated 
and  once  favorite  comedy,  adapted  to  the  stage  by  Garrick, 
entitled  the  "  Chances,"  was  thus  revived  : 


Don  John  . 
Don  Frederick 
Dakeof  Ferrara 
Petruchio  .  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 
M  Harper. 
u  Darley. 
"  Tyler. 


Antorio   Mr.  Johnson. 

Antony   **  Hogg. 

1st  Constantia.    .    .  Mrs.  Darley. 

2d  Constantia.    .    .  "  Hallam. 


On  the  same  evening,  Holcroft's  melo-drama,  the  "  Lady  of 
the  Rock,"  was  first  played  in  New  York,  thus 

.    .  Mi 


Lord  Maclean 
Dugald 
Campbell  . 
Argyle. 


Hallam,  .lr. 
Saubere. 
Robertson. 

SnAPTER. 


Fisherman 
Sandy    .    .  . 
Lady  Maclean  . 
Moggy  .    .  . 


Mr.  Hallam. 
"  Turnbcll. 
Mrs.  Johnson. 
"  Harper. 


228  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

To  the  credit  of  the  modern  stage,  be  it  said,  the  humorous 
but  immoral  comedy  of  the  "  Chances,"  originally  taken  by 
Beaumont  and  Fletcher  from  a  novel  of  Cervantes,  then 
amended  by  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  again  by  Garrick,  and 
afterward  modified  and  played  under  the  title  of  "Don 
John,"  has  been  for  many  years  banished  from  its  boards. 

On  the  21st  of  June,  a  benefit  was  given  to  Mr.  Dunlap,  the 
late  manager,  which,  by  the  volunteered  assistance  of  Mrs. 
Villi ers,  (late  Miss  E.  A.  Westray)  Mr.  Cooper,  and  Mr. 
Twaits,  was  rendered  attractive  and  profitable.  The  pieces 
selected  were  Dr.  Young's  tragedy,  the  "  Revenge,"  in  which 
Cooper  played  Zanga  for  the  first  time,  and  Mrs.  Villiers  (her 
first  appearance  in  two  years)  Leonora  ;  and  Colman's  farce  of 
the  "  Review/'  Mr.  Twaits  as  Caleb  Quotem,  his  first  appear- 
ance in  New  York.  Mr.  Dunlap  records  this  as  the  bill  of  the 
evening.  The  advertisement  before  us  does  not  announce 
Mr.  Twaits  in  the  "  Review,"  but  gives  instead,  for  afterpieces, 
the  farce  of  "  Sprigs  of  Laurel,"  and  the  pantomime  of  "  Jason 
and  Medea." 

Mr.  Twaits  is,  however,  announced  for  Caleb  Quotem,  on  the  . 
26th,  and  then  at  once  established  his  repute  as  a  low  come- 
dian of  unequaled  merit.  His  succeeding  characters  were 
Mercutio,  Nipperkin,  Polonius,  Lingo,  Lazarillo,  Bob  Handy, 
and  Walter,  in  the  "  Children  in  the  Wood ;"  all,  save  Mercutio 
and  Bob  Handy,  deepening  the  impression  made  by  his  debut. 

This  gentleman  was  born  at  Birmingham,  England,  April 
25th,  1781,  and  was  brought  out  by  Wood  for  the  Philadelphia 
Theatre,  where  he  first  appeared  in  1803.  His  forte  was  comedy 
of  the  broadest  kind,  and  his  comic  singing  always  convulsed 
the  house  with  laughter.  But  he  was  not  satisfied  with  sue- 
cess  in  that  line — he  was  ambitious  of  distinction  as  a  tra- 
gedian, or,  at  least,  as  a  genteel  comedian.  Unfortunately,  he 
met  with  ridicule  only  in  his  tragic  attempts,  and  his  per- 
sonal appearance,  which  is  thus  described — "  short  and  thin, 
yet  broad  ;  muscular,  but  meager ;  head  large,  with  stiff  car- 
roty hair ;  face  long  and  colorless,  prominent  hooked  nose, 
projecting  hazel  eyes,  large  mouth,  and  thin  lips" — totally  un- 


RKCORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


229 


fitted  him  for  a  stage  gentleman.  His  voice  was  strong,  and 
his  great  powers  of  song  made  him  as  great  a  favorite  with 
convivialists  as  with  the  lovers  of  comedy. 

The  New  York  audience  never  faltered  in  its  estimate  of 
his  comic  abilities ;  but  his  irregular  habits  of  life  aggravated 
a  tendency  to  asthma,  and  hurried  him  from  the  stage  to  a 
premature  grave.  He  died  in  New  York,  August  22d,  1814, 
aged  33  years,  surviving  his  wife  but  eight  months. 

On  the  24th  of  June,  Mrs.  Wignell  (formerly  Mrs.  Merry) 
commenced  a  short  engagement  as  Calista  in  the  "  Fair  Peni- 
tent," and  on  the  26th,  played  Monimia  in  the  "  Orphan."'  The 
taste  of  the  present  day  justly  condemns  these  plays  as  unfit 
for  representation,  yet,  less  than  sixty  years  ago,  they  were 
among  the  most  admired  stock  pieces.  Juliet,  Ophelia,  Elvira 
and  Roxana,  were  also  represented  by  Mrs.  Wignell  during 
her  engagement,  admirably  supported  by  Mr.  Cooper. 

Mr.  Prigmore  joined  the  company  near  the  end  of  the 
season,  which  was  brought  to  a  close  on  the  10th  of  July, 
with  the  comedy  of  "  Speed  the  Plough,"  and  the  farce  of  the 
I  Children  in  the  Wood." 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Park  Theatre,  1805-6— Vauxhall  Garden,  1806— Park,  1806-7. 


Y  the  bankruptcy  of  Mr.  Dunlap,  the  management 
of  the  New  York  Theatre  passed  into  the  hands  of 
Messrs.  J ohnson  and  Tyler,  who  (with  Mr.  Ciceri  for 
their  principal  business  man)  opened  it  in  due  form  on  the 
18th  of  November,  1805.  Many  changes  had  taken  place  in 
the  company.  Mr.  Harwood,  Mrs.  Melmoth,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Darley,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harper,  Mrs.  Hogg,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Claude, 
and  Mrs.  Darby  had  left  the  establishment,  and  in  their  stead, 
we  find  the  names  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barrett,  Mrs.  Jones,  Mrs. 
Villiers,  Mrs.  Simpson,  Mrs.  G.  Marshall,  Miss  Ross,  Miss 
Graham,  Messrs.  Charnock,  Burd,  Ringwood,  Utt,  &c.  At  no 
previous  time  in  the  female  department  had  there  been  a 
finer  combination  of  youth,  beauty  and  talent — Mrs.  Johnson, 
Mrs.  Hallam,  Miss  Dellinger,  and  Miss  White  being  still  in- 
cluded in  the  list ;  but  the  masculine  talent  of  the  company 
was  considerably  weakened,  especially  by  the  secession  of 
Harwood,  whose  place  neither  Hallam,  Hogg,  nor  Martin  could 
adequately  fill. 

The  opening  play  was  Dunlap's  very  favorite  melo-drama, 
entitled  «  Abaallino  f 

Absellino  [First  appearance  in  six  years]        .        Mr.  Bakrett. 

A  ndreas  Gritti   .    .    .    Mr.  Tyler.  |     Parozzi  ....  Martin. 

Dandoli  "   Charnock.  Memno    ...     "  Hogg. 

Canari  "   Hallam.  I     Rosamunda  .    .    .    Mrs.  Villiers. 

and  The  Adopted  Child. 

Michael  Mr.  Barrett.  Boy   Mast.  Martin. 

Sir  Bertrand.    ..."   Robertson.  Clara   Mrs.  Villiers. 

Record  "   Hogg.  Lucy   Miss  Dellinger. 

Spruce  "   Hallam,  Jr.        ,     Nell   Mrs.  Simpson. 

On  the  20th,  Whitehead's  classic  play  of  the  "Roman 


RECORDS   OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


231 


Father"  introduced  Mrs.  Barrett  to  the  audience,  after  an 
absence  of  six  years,  in  the  character  of  Horatia. 

On  the  same  evening,  Miss  Ross  (Mrs.  Wheatley)  made  her 
first  appearance  on  the  Park  boards  as  Kitty  Sprightly,  in  the 
farce  called  "  All  the  World's  a  Stage." 

The  great  hit  of  the  season  was  made  by  Mrs.  Jones,  from 
the  Haymarket,  London,  and  last  of  the  Boston  Theatre,  who 
on  the  27th,  made  her  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  Albina 
Mandeville,  in  "  The  Will,"  and  Leonora  in  the  musical  farce 
of  the  "  Padlock."  In  the  last  piece  Hallam  played  Mungo,  a 
character  in  which  he  remained  unrivaled.  Mrs.  Jones  was 
the  daughter  of  a  Dr.  Granger,  and,  on  her  mother's  side,  an 
elder  sister  of  James  and  Henry  Wallack.  She  was  early  in- 
troduced to  the  stage  by  her  grandmother,  Mrs.  Booth,  of 
London,  and  made  her  American  debut  at  Boston  in  the  winter 
of  1800,  continuing  in  high  favor  during  her  engagement 
there.  Being  separated  from  her  husband,  she  supported,  by 
her  own  exertions,  during  her  residence  in  New  York,  a  family 
of  four  children,  one  of  whom  has  been  long  known  and  ad- 
mired here  as  a  most  exemplary  and  amiable  woman,  the  wife 
and  widow  of  Edmund  Simpson,  for  many  years  manager  of 
the  Park  Theatre.  Mrs.  Jones  was  still  youthful,  petite  in  per- 
son, with  a  pleasing  and  expressive  face,  an  exceedingly 
sprightly  and  piquant  actress  in  light  comedy,  and  a  very 
charming  vocalist.  Her  admirers  delighted  in  calling  her  the 
Jordan  of  America,  and  if  not  so  consummate  an  actress  as 
that  lady  had  been,  she  was  infinitely  superior  in  personal  at- 
tractions to  the  Mrs.  Jordan  of  1805.  Excepting  only  Mrs. 
Hodgkinson,  now  deceased,  New  York  had  never  seen  so 
pleasing  a  singing  actress ;  for  Mrs.  Oldmixon,  who  perhaps 
exceeded  her  in  science  and  skill,  was  long  past  the  prime  of 
youth,  and  very  remote  from  beauty.  Mrs.  Jones'  engage- 
ment was  a  complete  triumph  to  the  end  of  the  season,  and 
New  York  was  congratulating  itself  on  the  promised  enjoy- 
ment of  her  talents  for  many  years,  when  death  unexpectedly 
called  her  to  another  and,  we -trust,  a  better  sphere.  She 
died  here,  Nov.  11th,  1806,  aged  24  years. 


232  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

Mrs.  Jones's  first  list  of  characters  here,  included  Priscilla 
Tomboy,  Peggy,  (Country  Girl)  Rosina,  Little  Pickle,  Lydia 
Languish  and  Caroline  (the  Prize  . 

On  the  9th  of  December,  the  "  Voice  of  Nature,"  one  of 
Dunlap's  best  dramas,  and  the  "  Children  in  the  Wood,"  were 
performed  for  the  benefit  of  the  orphan  children  of  the  late 
Mr.  Hodgkinson,  on  which  occasion  Mr.  Feunell  appeared  as 
Rinaldo,  in  the  former  piece,  and  the  two  orphan  girls  as  the 
children,  in  the  latter.  They  continued  with  the  company 
one  or  two  seasons,  but  we  have  no  knowledge  of  their  after 
years. 

A  curious  poetical  address,  spoken  on  the  occasion  of  their 
benefit  by  the  Hodgkinson  Sisters,  may  be  found  in  John 
Howard  Payne's  "  Thespian  Mirror,"  then  in  course  of  publi- 
cation. 

On  the  13th  of  December,  Mrs.  G.  Marshall,  formerly  Miss 
Harding,  made  her  appearance,  after  an  absence  of  two  years, 
in  Kenney's  farce  called  "  Too  Many  Cooks,"  thus  first  per- 
formed in  New  York : 

Old  Rivers  ....    Mr.  Johnson.  Boozey  Mr.  Charnock. 

Young  Rivers.    .    .     *'    Hallam,  Jr.  Dame  Freeland    .    .    Mrs.  Simpson. 

Bustleton   .    .  "    Martin.  Phoebe  "    G.  Marshall. 

Freeland    ....     "    Robertson.  Laura  Miss  Graham. 

Barney  O'Bother  .    .     "   Barrett.  Katty  O'Bother   .    .     "  Ross. 

On  the  23d,  an  attractive  novelty  was  announced  in  the 
appearance  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Young,  from  the  English  and 
Boston  theatres,  as  Octavian  and  Agnes,  in  the  "Moun- 
taineers." Mr.  Young  was  to  divide  the  first  line  of  business 
with  Mr.  Barrett,  and  among  other  parts,  through  the  season, 
played  Romeo,  the  Stranger,  Charles  Surface,  &c,  but  was 
unable  to  make  a  very  favorable  impression  on  the  public. 
In  after  years,  he  became  an  efficient  representative  of  tyrants 
and  other  blusterers  of  the  stage,  and  was  for  several  seasons 
attached  to  the  Charleston  Theatre.  He  was  the  original 
stage  manager  of  the  Bowery  Theatre,  in  1826,  and  last  ap- 
peared in  New  York,  at  the  Richmond  Hill,  in  the  summer  of 
1833.  In  that  year  he  contracted  his  extraordinary  marriage 
with  Mrs.  Duff,  the  celebrated  tragic  actress,  the  rite  being 
solemnized  both  by  a  Protestant  and  a  Catholic  clergyman,  in 
the  presence  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hilson  as  witnesses ;  but  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


233 


lady  refused  to  consummate  the  match,  on  the  ground  that 
she  was  persuaded  to  it  during  a  temporary  aberration  of 
mind,  caused  by  the  use  of  opium,  while  plunged  in  domestic 
trouble,  and  they  were  soon  after  legally  separated.  Mr. 
Young  died  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  not  long  after  this  occurrence. 

His  youthful  wife  was  endowed  with  the  rarest  beauty  of 
person,  being  a  perfect  blonde,  with  a  profusion  of  rich  golden 
hair,  and  though  not  a  superior  actress,  was  a  universal  fa- 
vorite. She  played  the  second  line  of  genteel  comedy  with 
delicacy  and  refinement,  and  was  also  a  good  representative 
of  saucy  boys.  Mrs.  Young  was  frequently  in  New  York,  and 
made  her  last  appearance  at  the  Bowery  Theatre,  in  1828. 
She  afterward  performed  at  Philadelphia,  where  she  died 
May  12th,  1831,  aged  42  years.  Her  maiden  name  was  Re- 
becca Foster. 

Reynolds'  comedy  of  "Cheap  Living"  was  played  during 
the  month,  probably  for  the  first  time  in  New  York — Mrs. 
Jones  personating  the  part  so  successfully  rendered  in  Lon- 
don by  Mrs.  Jordan. 

Old  Woodland    .    .    .    Mr.  Hoqg.  William  Mr.  Robertson. 

Young  Woodland    .    .     "   Hallam,  Jr.  Sir  Edwd.  Bloouily  .    Mrs.  Jones. 

Farmer  Cole  ....      "    Charnock.  Elinor  Bloomly   .     .      44  Villibbs. 

Spunge  44    Martin.  Mrs.  Scatter   ..."  Simpson. 

Scatter     ....  Bailey.  Stella    ....         "    G.  Marshall. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1806,  Dibdin's  celebrated  romance 
of "  Valentine  and  Orson,"  produced  in  London  with  unex- 
ampled splendor,  was  thus  first  played  in  America : 

King  Pepin   ....  Mr.  Tyleb.  Emperor   ....  Mr.  Hallam. 

Henry   44  Utt.  Blandiman     ..."  Bord. 

Haufrey    ......  44  Bailey.  Empress  Belisant    .  Mrs.  Barrett. 

Valentine   44  Robertson.  Princess  Eglantine  .  u  Johnson. 

Orson    44  Young.  Princess  Floramunda  "  Hallam. 

Agremont   "  Martin.  .              Agatha     ....  M  Jones. 

Hugo   44  Hoqg.  I     Cecily   "  Simpson. 

This  has  continued  one  of  the  most  favorite  of  holiday 
dramas  to  the  present  time. 

On  the  3d  of  January,  1806,  Mr.  Fennell  commenced  an  en- 
gagement as  Hamlet,  with  Mrs.  Jones  as  Ophelia,  and  Mrs. 
Barrett  as  the  Queen.  He  also  appeared  as  Pen ruddock, 
Hastings,  Othello,  Jajfier,  Macbeth  and  Richard,  supported  by 
Young  as  Cassio,  Macduff  and  Richmond.  Barrett  refused  to 
play  a  secondary  part  with  him,  but  appeared  as  Pierre  to  his 
Jajfier. 

30 


234 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


January  20th,  Colman's  comedy  of  "  Who  Wants  a  Guinea  ?" 
from  which  Hackett  adapted  his  "  Jonathan  in  England,"  was 
first  brought  out,  cast  as  follows : 

Torrent  Mr.  Johnson.  Andrew  Bang    .    .    Mr.  Martin. 

Barford  "   Tyler.  Hogmore  ....     "  Charnock. 

Sir  Larry      ....     "   Barrett.  Carridot  ....     "  Rinqwood. 

Henry  "   Young.  Mrs.  Glastonbury        Mrs.  Simpson. 

Heartly  "   Robertson.  Fanny  "  Jones. 

Solomon  Gundy      .    .     "    Hogg.  Amy  Miss  Ross. 

February  7th.  A  comedy  written  by  a  young  gentleman 
signing  himself  "Eugenius,"  and  entitled  the  "Wanderer," 
was  played  for  the  first  time  to  a  full  house,  and  with  con- 
siderable applause.    Its  cast  stood  thus : 

Ranger  Mr.  Young.  Sailor  Mr.  Burd. 

Frederick     ....     "   Bailey.  Julia  Mrs.  Jones. 

Harry  "   Martin.  Maria    .    .        .    .     "  Villiers. 

Longville  "    Tyler.  Betsy  *'     G.  Marshall. 

Sharp  Longville     .    .     "   Hogg.  Mrs.  O'Denis  ..."  Simpson. 

Courand  "   Robertson.  Mrs.  Courand  .    .    .    Miss  White. 

O'Denis  "    Ringwood.  Dorothy  Mrs.  Wheatley, 

[late  Miss  Ross.] 

March  5th.  The  favorite  Cooper  made  his  first  appearance 
as  Hamlet ;  and  on  the  8th,  for  the  benefit  of  Miss  Dellinger 
(whose  father  had  just  committed  suicide),  played  Lord  Hast- 
ings in  "  Jane  Shore."  Mr.  Cooper's  engagement  terminated 
on  the  14th,  when  he  played  Beverly  in  the  "  Gamester,"  with 
Mrs.  Johnson,  for  the  first  time,  as  Mrs.  Beverly. 

On  the  17th,  after  an  absence  of  two  years  at  Philadelphia, 
Mr.  Jefferson  made  his  first  appearance  as  Jacob  Gawky  in 
the  "  Chapter  of  Accidents,"  and  Jeremy  Diddler  in  "  Raising 
the  Wind." 

On  the  29th  of  March,  Mr.  Oliver  Cozine  made  his  first 
appearance  on  the  stage  as  Valentine  in  the  "  Farmer,"  but  his 
name  never  again  appears  on  the  New  York  play-bills. 

The  house  was  closed  during  Passion  Week,  and  re-opened 
on  the  9th  of  April  with  "John  Bull,"  Harwood  as  Dennis 
Brulgruddery,  his  first  appearance  this  season. 

On  the  11th,  a  pantomimic  melo-drama,  by  Anthony  Pas- 
quin,  called  the  "Manhattan  Stage,  or  Cupid  in  his  Va- 
garies," was  thus  performed — the  prologue  delivered  by  Mrs. 
Johnson : 


Cupid  Miss  F.  Hodgkinson. 

Hymen  Mast.  Martin. 

Peace  Miss  Graham. 

Manager  Mr.  Barrett. 

Prompter  "  Ringwood. 

Gulliver  "  Utt. 


Soldier   Mr.  Johnson. 

Sailor   Tyler. 

Marjoram  ....  "  Young. 

Spriggins  ....  Mrs.  Jones: 

Barmaid   ....  "  Young. 

Stage  Sweeper   .    .  "  Wheatley. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


235 


The  piece  was  damned,  and  Huggins,  the  hair-dresser  of  the 
day,  published  a  card  denying  its  authorship. 

On  the  16th,  Morton's  admirable  comedy,  called  the  "School 
of  Reform,"  was  played  for  the  first  time  in  America.  The 
cast  is  subjoined : 

Lord  Avondale  ...    Mr.  Tyler.  Timothy    ....    Mr.  Bailey. 

Gen.  Tarragon   ..."    Harwood.  Mrs.  Ferment     .    .    Mrs.  Johnson. 

Ferment  "    Young.  Mrs.  St.  Clair     .    .     "  Barrett. 

Frederick  "   Martin.  Julia  "  Jones. 

Tyke  "    Hogg.  Mrs.  Nicely    ..."  Simpson. 

Old  Tyfce      ....     "    Robertson.  Shelah  Miss  White. 

The  excellence  of  this  comedy  makes  it  still  a  favorite, 
though  the  character  of  Tyke  has  seldom  an  able  represent- 
ative. 

Reynolds'  comedy  of  the  "  Delinquent"  was  first  played  in 
New  York,  for  Mr.  Tyler's  benefit,  April  28th,  and  was  thus  cast : 


The  Delinquent  .    .    .    Mr.  Tyler.  Tom  Tackle    .    .    .  Mr.  Martin. 

Sir  Edward  Specious   .     "    H  allah,  Jr.  Tradelove  ....     "  Charnock. 

Major  Tornado   ..."    Hogg.  Nicholas    ....     "  Johnson. 

Old  Doric  "    Harwood  Mrs.  Aubrey  .    .    .  Mrs.  Barrett. 

Young  Doric      ..."   Young.  j     Miss  Stoic  ....     "  Simpson. 

Dorville  "   Robertson.        ;     Olivia  "  Jones. 


On  the  2d  of  May,  Mr.  Twaits  commenced  an  engagement 
with  a  ridiculous  representation  of  Richard  III.,  though  he 
redeemed  his  reputation  by  the  great  merit  of  his  Caleb 
Quotem,  in  the  afterpiece.  On  the  5th,  the  tragedy  of  u  Doug- 
las''  was  presented  for  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Barrett — she  being 
the  Lady  Randolph ;  her  husband,  Old  Norval ;  Mr.  Young, 
Glenalvon;  and  Master  Geo.  Barrett,  Young  Norval;  his  first 
appearance  on  the  New  York  boards  in  six  years.  He  played 
the  character  so  well  that  it  was  repeated  on  the  23d,  when 
he  also  appeared  in  a  fencing  display  with  his  father,  and 
personated  the  boy,  in  the  "  Adopted  Child."  Mr.  George 
Barrett's  career  is  so  well  known  that  it  is  hardly  necessary 
i  to  enlarge  upon  it,  yet  some  may  not  know  that  for  many 
I  years  he  was  indisputably  the  best  light  comedian  in  America, 
and  that  the  great  skill  and  beauty  of  his  first  wife,  from 
f  whom  he  was  long  separated,  rendered  her  for  many  years  a 
\  most  efficient  coadju tress.  He  was  born  at  Exeter,  England, 
June  9th,  1794;  first  trod  the  stage  at  the  Park  Theatre,  De- 
cember 10th,  1798,  as  one  of  the  children  in  Dunlap's  version 
of  the  "  Stranger ;"  first  appeared  at  Boston,  as  the  Child,  in 
"Laugh  when  you  Can,"  October  14th,  1799;  first  played  in 


236  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

- 

New  York,  after  reaching  manhood,  at  the  Park,  as  Belcour, 
in  the  "West  Indian,"  March  5th,  1822;  married  Mrs.  Ann 
Henry,  June  24th,  1825 ;  was  stage  manager  of  the  Bowery 
Theatre,  under  Gilfert,  in  1828 ;  first  acting  manager  of  the 
Broadway  Theatre  in  1847;  has  been  manager  of  the  Boston 
and  New  Orleans  theatres,  and  was  known  throughout  the 
Union  as  an  intellectual  and  discriminating  actor,  and  one  of 
the  most  accomplished  gentlemen  of  the  age.  His  last  en- 
gagement was  at  Burton's  Theatre,  during  the  season,  1854-5. 

Mr.  Barrett  took  a  formal  farewell  of  the  stage  (of  which  he 
was  an  active  member  for  a  period  of  fifty-seven  years),  with  a 
complimentary  testimonial,  at  the  Academy  of  Music,  Nov. 
20th,  1855,  when  he  presented  to  the  audience,  as  an  apology 
for  the  accepted  benefit,  two  little  girls,  the  offspring  of  a 
second  marriage  with  a  Miss  Mason,  since  deceased.  One  of 
these  little  girls  is  now  favorably  known  as  Miss  Mary  Barrett, 
of  Wallack's  Theatre.  His  eldest  daughter,  Georgiana,  by  his 
first  wife,  became  Mrs.  Philip  Warren. 

As  years  increased,  health  declined,  and  fortune  frowned  ; 
and,  in  impoverished  circumstances,  Mr.  G.  Barrett,  once  the 
centre  of  all  admiration,  the  "  Gentleman  George"  of  the 
Union,  and  "  the  best  fellow  in  the  world,"  was  forced  to  eke 
out  a  scanty  subsistence  by  preparing  aspirants  for  a  profes- 
sion from  which,  with  prudence,  and  under  favorable  circum- 
stances, he  should  have  acquired  a  fortune.  He  died  in  New 
York,  after  a  lingering  illness,  Sept.  5,  1860,  aged  66  years. 

May  12th.  Mrs.  Villier's  benefit.  "  The  Honeymoon,"  fol- 
lowed by  Column's  farce  of  "  Blue  Devils,"  its  first  perform- 
ance in  New  York.  Megrim,  Mr.  Twaits  ;  Demison,  Mr.  Char- 
nock  ;  James,  Mr.  Martin ;  Annette,  Mrs.  Villiers ;  concluding 
with  the  "  Wedding  Day" — Sir  Adam  and  Lady  Contest,  Mr. 
Twaits  and  Mrs.  Villiers. 

May  14th.  On  the  occasion  of  Mrs.  Johnson's  benefit,  Miss 
Chambers's  excellent  moral  comedy,  called  the  "  School  for 
Friends,"  was  first  played,  with  the  annexed  cast  : 


Lord  Belmour  .  . 
Sir  Felix  Mordent  . 
Sir  Edward  Epworth 

Hardy  

Matthew  Daw     .  . 


Mr.  Martin. 
"  Tyler. 
"  Young. 
"  Johnson., 
"  Harwood. 


Jenkins     .  . 
Lady  Courtland 
Mrs.  Hamilton 
Emily  .    .  . 
Lucy    .    .  . 


Mr.  Shapter. 
Mrs.  Simpson. 

"  Johnson. 

"  Villiers. 

"  Jones. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


237 


The  same  evening,  little  Ellen  Johnson,  aged  five  years,  re- 
cited the  pathetic  ballad  of  Red  Ridinghood,  with  a  propriety 
of  accent  and  grace  of  action  that  astonished  every  beholder. 
She  afterward  became  a  renowned  favorite,  as  Mrs.  Hilson. 

On  the  2d  of  June,  Mr.  Hallam  took  his  benefit,  and  made 
his  last  appearance  on  the  New  York  stage  as  Lord  Ogleby, 

Mr.  Hallam  will  be  remembered  as  having  first  trod  the 
boards  at  Williamsburg,  Va.,  in  1752,  so  that  he  had  been  in 
dramatic  harness  for  fifty-four  years.  He  had  been  the  only 
performer  of  Lord  Ogleby,  his  most  favorite  part,  for  nearly 
forty  years,  having  first  appeared  in  it  in  1767. 

On  the  6th,  Mr.  Clark,  from  the  Charleston  Theatre,  first  ap- 
peared in  New  York,  as  the  Captain  of  Banditti,  in  Hodgkin- 
son's  play,  called  the  "  Man  of  Fortitude  f  and  as  Abom-elique, 
in  "  Blue  Beard."  He  was  an  American  by  birth,  and  though 
many  years  on  the  stage,  never  reached  the  goal  of  excellence. 
He  married  Mrs.  G.  Marshall,  and  is  last  remembered  here 
during  the  season  of  1814.  Allingham's  capital  farce  of 
the  "  Weathercock"  was  produced  by  Twaits  on  the  9th,  for 
his  benefit,  and,  with  the  annexed  cast,  was  very  successful : 

Tristam  Fickle  .        .    Mr.  Twaits.  I     Sneer  Mr.  Robertson. 

Old  Fickle    ....     "   Johnson.               Variella     ....    Mrs.  Jones. 
Briefwit  "-Hogg.  Ready  "  G.Marshall. 

June  20th,  The  Way  to  Get  Married  ; 

Tangent  [From  the  Charleston  Theatre]    .    .    .    Mr.  Solly. 

Capt.  Faulkner  .    .    .    Mr.  Tyler.  '     McQuery   ....     "  Shapter. 

Toby  Allspice     ..."   Harwood.  Julia  Faulkner  .    .    Mrs.  Johnson. 

Caustic     ....     "    Hoaa.  Clementina  Allspice.     "  Villiers. 

Dasball  "   Twaits.  Lady  Sorrell  ..."  Simpson. 

and  "  Vulcan's  Gift,"  a  Ballet  Pantomime. 

Pierrot  [His  first  appearance  in  five  years]      .        Mons.  Placide. 

Harlequin     ....    Mr.  Sully.  !     Vulcan  Mr.  Shapter. 

Pantaloon     ....     "   Hogq.  Columbine     .    .    .    Mrs.  Young. 

Mr.  Sully,  who  now  played  a  brief  engagement,  was  a  very 
capital  comedian,  and  will  be  remembered  as  belonging  to 
Solee's  company,  in  John  Street,  1797. 

Mrs.  Placide  made  her  first  appearance  this  season,  June 
30th,  for  her  husband's  benefit,  as  Lady  Priory,  in  "  Wives  as 
They  Were,"  and  also  with  him  danced  a  pas  de  deux. 

For  his  benefit,  July  2d,  Mr.  Sully  played  Zekiel  Homespun 
and  Harlequin ;  and  the  season  terminated  on  the  glorious 
Fourth,  with  the  "Weathercock;"  the  "Spoiled  Child;"  (Mrs. 


238 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Jones  as  Little  Pickle,  for  the  fifteenth  time)  and  the  pan- 
tomime of  "  Jupiter  and  Europa,"  in  which  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Placide  took  part. 

After  the  close  of  the  theatre,  several  of  the  company  were 
engaged  by  Mr.  Delacroix  to  perform  at  the  new  Vauxhall 
Garden  (in  the  Bowery,  near  its  present  junction  with  Third 
avenue),  which  was  neatly  fitted  up  as  a  summer  theatre, 
and  remained  open  till  the  latter  end  of  August,  commencing 
July  9th,  with  the  farce  of  "Animal  Magnetism"  and  a  grand 
concert.  Sully,  Twaits,  Hogg,  Poe,  Bailey,  Charnock,  Stock- 
well,  and  Ringwood,  with  Mesdames  Poe,  Placide,  Villiers, 
Young,  Simpson,  and  Dellinger,  were  the  principal  members 
of  the  dramatic  corps. 

Mr.  Poe,  father  of  the  late  distinguished  and  eccentric  poet, 
Edgar  A.  Poe,  here  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York  as 
Frank,  in  "  Fortune's  Frolic,"  July  18th ;  and  his  wife,  who 
will  be  remembered  as  Miss  Arnold,  of  Solee's  company,  in 
John  Street,  1797,  made  her  re-entree  on  the  16th,  as  Priscilla 
Tomboy.  The  lady  was  young  and  pretty,  and  evinced  talent 
both  as  singer  and  actress ;  the  gentleman  was  literally 
nothing.    Both  were  at  the  Park  in  1809. 

Messrs.  Johnson  and  Tyler  gave  up  the  duties  of  manage- 
ment at  the  close  of  the  previous  seasoD  at  the  Park,  and  the 
former  returned  to  Europe  with  his  accomplished  wife,  who 
had  received  liberal  offers  from  the  managers  of  Covent  Gar- 
den. Mr.  Cooper  became  the  lessee  of  the  theatre,  with  Mr. 
Dunlap  as  his  assistant  in  the  general  direction  of  the  busi- 
ness. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barrett,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Young,  Mrs.  G.  Mar- 
shall and  Mr.  Bailey  were  engaged  in  other  cities;  Mrs. 
Hallam  retired  with  her  husband ;  and  Mrs.  Jones  was  seized 
with  her  last  illness  at  the  commencement  of  the  season,  and 
was  unable  to  appear.  Among  the  new  engagements,  tempo- 
rary or  permanent,  were  Messrs.  Bernard,  Allen,  Chambers, 
Lindsley,  Saubere  and  Mrs.  Oldmixon,  the  first  and  last  only 
enjoying  high  professional  reputation.  Harwood,  Twaits 
and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Darley  resumed  their  old  situations,  and 
Fennell  played  an  engagement  of  twelve  nights.    The  sea- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE.  239 

son  commenced  on  the  6th  of  October,  1806 ;  the  bill  is 
annexed : 

Richard  the  Third  ; 


King  Henry  VI.      .    .  Mr.  Tyler.  Catesby     ....  Mr.  Dahlki. 

Gloster   44   Fennell.  Lieutenant     ...     u    Hallam,  Jr. 

Richmond         ...  44    Cooper.  Prince   Miss  Hodgkinson. 

Buckingham      ...  44    Martin.  York  44  Martin. 

Lord  Stanley     ..."    Shapter.  Queen  Elizabeth  .    .  Mrs.  Villiers. 

Lord  Mayor  ....  ,4    Harwood.  Lady  Ann  ....     44  Wheatley. 

Tressell   44   Sadbere.  Duchess  of  York  .    .     44  Simpson. 

Concluding  with  The  Prize. 

Doctor  Lenitive  .    .    .  Mr.  Twaits.  Juba   Miss  Dellinger. 

Caddy   44    Hogg.  Caroline     ....  Mrs.  Oldmixon. 

Label   44  Martin. 


To  make  the  attraction  irresistible,  Mr.  Cooper  was  wisely 
willing  to  play  a  secondary  part,  even  to  Fennell,  who,  during 
this  engagement,  exerted  his  powers  to  the  utmost.  Mrs.  Old- 
mixon was  the  only  novelty  introduced,  and  she  was  not  new 
to  our  stage,  though  an  absence  of  seven  years  rendered  her 
appearance  an  attractive  inducement  to  many. 

On  the  10th  of  October,  Shakspeare's  "Henry  IV."  was 
played  with  uncommon  excellence.  Harwood  was  perfection 
io  Falstaff,  while  Fennell  as  the  King,  Cooper  as  Hotspur, 
Martin  as  Prince  Hal,  Twaits  as  Francis  and  the  Carrier,  and 
Mrs.  Villiers  as  Lady  Percy,  sustained  him  with  a  force  of 
talent  seldom  combined.  In  this  play,  at  this  time,  the  part 
of  Gads  hill  was  played  by  Mr.  Allen,  the  prefix  of  Andrew 
Jackson  not  having  yet  been  used. 

As  an  actor,  he  was  nobody,  or,  at  most,  not  worth  speaking 
of;  but  he  contrived,  in  his  latter  years,  as  the  professional 
costumer  and  traveling  companion  of  Forrest,  the  tragedian, 
to  make  a  great  deal  of  noise  in  the  world.  He  was  born  in 
New  York,  December,  1776,  and  is  said  to  have  appeared  as  a 
child  in  the  John  Street  Theatre,  in  1786,  from  which  cir- 
cumstance, in  his  old  age,  he  boasted  of  being  the  parent  of 
the  American  Stage.  He  was  attached  to  various  theatres  in 
this  city,  in  subordinate  situations,  and  is  remembered  to 
have  played  at  the  National  Theatre  in  December,  1838,  and 
to  have  offered  his  name  for  a  benefit  at  the  Lyceum,  Broad- 
way, in  the  summer  of  1852.  He  was  very  deaf,  and  conse- 
quently very  annoying  to  those  with  whom  he  played,  who  not 
unfrequently  took  an  unkind  revenge  on  his  misfortune,  by 


240  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

misleading  him  with  an  inaudible  movement  of  the  lips  dur- 
ing performance,  to  which  he  thought  he  must  reply,  his 
speeches  often  being  introduced  quite  mal-apropos.  He  pos- 
sessed a  patent  for  the  manufacture  of  gold  and  silver  leather, 
much  used  upon  stage  costume,  and  in  his  last  days  kept  a 
restaurant  near  the  Bowery  Theatre.  He  died  in  New  York, 
Oct.  30th,  1853. 

During  Mr.  Fennell's  engagement,  he  also  appeared  as 
Othello,  the  Ghost,  Iago,  Woodville,  Stukely  and  Bassanio,  with 
Mr.  Cooper  as  Iago,  Hamlet,  Othello,  Penruddock,  Beverly  and 
Shylock. 

Mr.  aod  Mrs.  Placide  appeared  for  a  few  nights  early  in  the 
season,  in  pantomime,  with  undiminished  success. 

On  the  28th  of  November,  Mr.  Morse,  a  young  gentleman 
of  Massachusetts,  and  a  protege  of  Cooper,  made  his  first  ap- 
pearance on  the  stage,  as  Pierre,  in  "  Venice  Preserved,"  with 
a  success  that  promised  great  future  excellence.  He  after- 
ward played  Macduff,  Pizarro,  Earl  Osmond,  and  Horatio,  in 
the  "  Fair  Penitent,"  with  much  applause.  He  subsequently 
went  to  London,  where  he  appeared  professionally  a  few  times 
with  some  success,  but  becoming  absorbed  in  the  vortex  of 
dissipation,  he  narrowly  escaped  with  his  life,  and  returned  to 
America,  the  mere  wreck  of  his  former  self.  Renouncing  the 
stage,  he  joined  the  American  army  during  the  war  of  1812, 
and  was  afterward  appointed  a  Chaplain  in  the  Navy,  his  fine 
voice,  easy  assurance  and  taking  address  being  his  principal 
recommendations.  About  1820,  he  was  ordained  a  Minister 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  settled  at  Williams- 
burg, Va.,  where  he  died  while  still  in  the  prime  of  life.  He 
had  more  than  six  feet  "  of  a  very  proper  person,"  muscular 
and  well  proportioned,  with  a  good  rather  than  a  handsome 
face,  and  had  been  originally  educated  for  the  law,  which  he 
practiced  but  a  short  time.  Among  other  employments,  he 
at  one  time  gave  lessons  in  elocution  in  New  York. 

December  3d,  one  of  Dibdin's  humorous  farces  was  pro- 
duced with  great  applause;  it  was  called  the  " Finger-Post, 
or  Five  Miles  Off,"  and  was  cast  as  follows  : 

m 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


241 


Sprigging      ....  Mr.  Hoaa.  Luckless    ....  Mr.  Martin. 

Flourish   "    Dakley.  Edward     ....  M  Rohertson. 

Squire  Flail  ....  "   Tyler.  Laura  luckless  .    .  Miss  Dellinuek 

O'Gimlet   "    Harwood.  Mary  Flail      .    .    .  '*  White. 

Calendar   "   Twaits.  Mrs.  Prue  ....  Mrs.  Simpson. 

Sordid   "    Siiapter.  .lenny   "  Villieks. 


December  17th.  Master  Augustus  Durang,  from  Philadel- 
phia, aged  six  years  (son  of  John  Durang,  who  had  danced 
in  the  John  Street  Theatre  for  many  years),  was  introduced  to 
the  New  York  public  in  the  character  of  Tom  Thumb,  which 
he  played  with  considerable  success.  In  after  life  he  became 
a  sailor,  and  is  supposed  to  have  been  lost  at  sea. 

December  24th.  Allingham's  amusing  piece,  "  'Tis  all  a 
Farce,"  was  first  played  with  much  success,  and  long  remained 
a  great  favorite,  Numpo  being  a  pet  character  with  several 
eminent  comedians. 

Don  Gortez    ....    Mr.  Hogg.  Xumpo  Mr.  Twaits. 

Col.  Belgardo    ...     14    Harwood.               Caroline    ....    Miss  Dellinqer. 
Myrtillo  "    Darley.  Ursula  Mrs.  Simpson. 

January  2d,  1807.  Mr.  Rutherford,  also  from  Philadelphia, 
made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  George  Barnwell, 
and  afterward  played  Orlando,  in  "As  You  Like  It;"  Dan,  in 
f  John  Bull ;"  Sir  Larry,  in  "  Who  Wants  a  Guinea  ?"  Alonzo, 
Stukely,  &c.  He  gave  evidence  of  talent,  but  was  not  long 
attached  to  the  company. 

January  9th,  Colman's  play  of  the  "  Iron  Chest "  was  first 
acted  in  New  York.  Mr.  Cooper  as  Sir  Edward  Mortimer,  Mr. 
Harwood  as  Wilford,  Mr.  Twaits  as  Sampson,  Mrs.  Darley  as 
Lady  Ellen,  Mrs.  Villiers  as  Blanche,  and  Mrs.  Oldmixon  as 
Barbara,  all  played  finely  and  contributed  materially  to  its 
success.  The  character  of  Sir  Edward  was,  in  later  days,  a 
favorite  with  Mr.  Booth,  who  played  it  in  a  masterly  manner, 
but  the  drama  itself  has  never  enjoyed  great  popularity. 

On  the  14th,  a  benefit  was  given  to  Mr.  Hallam,  and  on  the 
16th,  another  to  the  orphan  children  of  Mrs.  Jones. 

On  the  22d,  Mr.  Bernard  made  his  first  appearance  in  ten 
years,  as  Lord  Ogleby.  He  afterward  played  Sheva,  Ruttekin, 
Lovegold,  Touchstone,  Farmer  Ashjield,  Nipperkin,  Sir  Robert 
Ramble,  concluding  with  Dennis  Bulgruddery,  and  Sharp,  in 
the  "  Lying  Yalet,"  for  his  benefit,  February  2d. 

January  26th,  the  farce  of  the  "  Invisible  Girl "  was  first 

31 


242  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

played,  with  Mr.  Twaits  as  Captain  Allclack,  assuming  various 
other  characters  very  successfully. 

Mrs.  Warren  (previously  Mrs.  Wignell  and  Mrs.  Merry)  com- 
menced her  last  engagement  on  the  18th  of  February,  in  the 
character  of  Calista,  followed  by  Isabella,  Alicia,  Mrs.  Beverly, 
Roxana  and  Euphrasia,  playing  all  with  her  accustomed  bril- 
liant success.  The  6th  of  March  witnessed  her  last  appear- 
ance in  New  York,  as  Elvira,  in  "  Pizarro." 

Colman's  farce,  entitled  "  We  Fly  by  Night,"  was  first  pro- 
duced on  the  27th  of  February,  with  the  following  cast : 


Geu.  Bastion  ....  Mr.  Tyler.  Countess   ....    Mrs.  Oldmixon. 

Winlove   "   Darley.  Lady  Lynx    ..."  Simpson. 

Ferrett   "   Twaits.  Mrs.  Stubby   ...     "  Villiees. 

Ct.  de  Grenouille    .    .  "    Harwood.  j     Emma  Miss  Dellixger. 

Gaby  Grim    ....  14  Hogg. 


For  many  years  this  little  piece  remained  very  popular. 

March  16th,  the  amusing  farce  of  "Mr.  H.,  or  the  Beau 
with  a  Bad  Name,"  was  first  played.  The  fun  of  the  piece 
turned  on  the  uncouth  name  of  the  hero,  Hogsflesh,  who, 
although  young,  handsome  and  rich,  was  shunned  by  every  one 
an  account  of  his  unlucky  cognomen,  a  difficulty  he  finally 
managed  to  overcome  by  having  it  changed  to  Bacon.  Har-' 
wood  personated  the  unfortunate  Mr.  H.;  Darley,  Bellville ; 
Hogg,  Landlord  Pry  ;  Mrs.  Darley,  Melissinda  ;  and  Mrs. 
Simpson,^  Old  Lady  D. 

April  1st,  the  "  Merry  Wives  of  Windsor "  was  played  for 
the  benefit  of  Mr.  Harwood,  on  which  occasion  we  first  note 
the  name  of  Mr.  Lindsley,  who  played  Jack  Rugby.  He  was 
afterward  attached  to  the  various  city  theatres,  and  had  some 
little  merit  in  French  characters.  He  was  last  at  the  Rich- 
mond Hill,  playing  "  old  men,"  in  the  summer  of  1833. 

We  give  the  full  cast  of  the  "  Merry  Wives  " — it  being,  we 
think,  the  first  time  of  its  performance  on  the  Park  stage : 


Falstaff   Mr.  Harwood.  Host   Mr.  Hogg. 

Ford   "  Ttlee.  Bardolph   ....  "    Hallam,  Jr. 

Page   "  Robertson.  Pistol   "  Allen. 

Shallow   "  Shapter.  Jack  Rugby   ..."  Lindsley. 

Slender   "  Twaits.  Mrs.  Ford  ....  Mrs.  Darley. 

Dr.  Caius   "  Darley.  Mrs.  Page  ....  "  Villiers. 

Sir  Hugh  Evans     .    .  "  Rutherford.      ]     Anne  Page.    .    .    .  Miss  Dellinger. 

Fenton   "  Saubere.  Mrs.  Quickly  .    .    .  Mrs.  Simpson. 


Mr.  Martin's  benefit  took  place  on  the  13th  of  April,  but 
he  was  too  ill  to  appeaiwhis  sickness  terminating  in  death. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


243 


The  season  ended  on  the  17th  of  April  with  the  following 
bill  : 

The  Siege  of  Belgrade  ; 


Seraskier  .  . 
Col.  Cohenberg 
Leopold    .  . 
Useph  .    .  . 
Peter  .    .  . 


Mr.  Daklky. 

"  Robertson. 
"  Twaits. 
w  Harwood. 
"  Hogg. 


Ismael  . 
Lilla  . 
Catharine 
Ghita  . 
Fatima  . 


Mr.  Shapter. 
Mrs.  Oldmixon. 

"     Da  RLE  V. 
Mias  Dellinoer. 

"  White. 


The  Review. 


Mr.  Hogg. 
"  Twaits. 
"  Harwood. 


I  Grace  Gaylove 
Lucy  .  .  . 
Phccbe  .    .  . 


Mrs.  Darley. 
Miss  Dellinger. 
Mrs.  Villiers. 


and 

John  Lump   .  . 
Caleb  Quotem 
Looney  McTwolter 

Immediately  after  the  close  of  the  theatre,  the  whole  in- 
terior was  taken  down,  and  the  entire  building  remodeled 
and  improved  in  every  respect,  under  the  direction  of  Mr. 
John  J.  Holland,  a  very  able  architect,  brought  out  by  Wignell 
for  the  Philadelphia  Theatre.  A  pupil  of  the  celebrated 
Marinelli,  of  London,  he  was  an  artist  of  great  taste,  and  as 
a  scenic  and  decorative  painter,  surpassed  all  who  had  been 
known  before  him  in  this  country. 

He  married  in  New  York,  becoming  brother-in-law  to  Vice- 
Chancellor  W.  T.  McCoun,  and  died  in  the  prime  of  life,  leav- 
ing behind  him  the  reputation  of  an  amiable,  honorable,  and 
high-minded  gentleman. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Park  Theatre,  1807-8— Vauxhall,  1808— Park,  1808-9. 

THE  interior  of  the  Park  Theatre  having  been  entirely 
remodeled,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Holland,  so  as 
to  comfortably  seat  1,600  persons  in  the  three  tiers 
of  boxes,  and  1,100  in  the  pit  and  gallery1,  and  clothed  with  a 
magnificence  hitherto  unknown  in'  New  York — the  boxes  glit- 
tering in  blue  and  white  and  gold,  with  crimson  drapery  at 
top,  new  and  superb  glass  chandeliers,  gorgeous  mirrors,  and 
every  improvement  that  could  be  suggested  for  the  conveni- 
ence, comfort  and  safety  of  the  audience — once  more,  under 
the  direction  of  Mr.  Cooper,  opened  its  doors  to  the  public,  on 
the  evening  of  September  9th,  1807. 

A  little  trifle,  called  "  Confusion,"  was  gone  through  with 
by  Messrs.  Cooper,  Harwood,  Allen  and  Oliff,  the  prompter, 
after  which  Mr.  Cooper  delivered  an  Opening  Address. 

The  comedy  of  the  "  Country  Girl "  followed — Moody  by  Mr. 
Harwood;  Sparkish,  Mr.  Twaits;  Harcourt,  Mr.  Tyler;  Bell- 
ville,  Mr.  Darley ;  Peggy,  Mrs.  Darley ;  Alithea,  Mrs.  Villiers ; 
and  the  evening's  entertainments  concluded  with  "  Paul  and 
Virginia" — Paul  by  Mr.  Darley;  Capt.  Tropic,  Mr.  Tyler; 
Dominique,  Mr.  Harwood ;  Alamba,  Mr.  Twaits ;  Virginia,  Mrs. 
Darley ;  Mary,  Mrs.  Villiers. 

On  the  11th,  the  "  Poor  Gentleman  "  was  played,  in  which  Mr. 
Spear  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York,  as  Sir  Charles 
Cropland  ;  Mr.  Comer  also  made  his  first  appearance  as  Hum- 

1  This  was  stated  as  the  capacity  of  the  theatre,  in  a  newspaper  of  the  day,  but  is  probably 
exaggerated.  The  largest  amount  of  receipts  we  have  found  recorded,  at  regular  prices, 
is  $1,878. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


245 


phrey  Dobbin  ;  and  Mr.  Claude,  his  first  appearance  in  two  years, 
as  Frederick.  The  afterpiece  was  the  "  Romp,"  introducing  Mrs. 
Claude,  after  an  absence  of  two  years,  as  Priscilla  Tomboy. 

Mr.  Spear  attracted  no  attention ;  but  Mr.  Comer  proved  to 
be  a  good  comedian,  and  gave  general  satisfaction. 

Mr.  Morse  played  Earl  Osmond,  in  the  "  Castle  Spectre,"  on 
the  21st,  on  which  occasion  Mrs.  Turner  made  her  first  appear- 
ance here  as  Angela,  a  character  she  was  totally  inadequate 
to  fill.  She  soon  subsided  into  a  range  of  inferior  parts,  and 
remained  with  the  company  only  one  season.  She  was  after- 
ward at  Boston,  and  in  1810  was  with  one  of  the  strolling 
companies  that  first  pioneered  the  West.  She  was  last  in 
New  York  in  1828,  playing  "old  women"  at  Chatham  Garden. 

A  very  pretty  ballet  pantomime,  called  "Love's  Stratagems," 
performed  entirely  by  children,  was  produced  on  the  same 
evening,  in  which  Miss  Caroline  Placide  personated  a  youth- 
ful Shepherd;  Miss  Andrews,  a  Shepherdess ;  and  Miss  Julia 
Jones,  Cupid — her  first  appearance  on  any  stage. 

Miss  Placide  was  the  eldest  daughter  of  Mons.  Placide, 
having  been  born  in  1798.  Accustomed  to  the  stage  from 
infancy,  she  was  perfectly  at  ease,  and  her  childish  efforts  had 
no  awkwardness  or  embarrassment  to  mar  their  excellence. 
In  1S14,  Miss  Placide  played  at  the  little  theatre  in  Anthony 
street,  and  there  first  began  to  attract  notice  as  an  actress  of 
leading  characters. 

About  that  time  she  married  Mr.  Waring,  a  member  of  the 
company,  by  whom  she  had  one  daughter,  since  well  known 
and  greatly  admired  as  Mrs.  W.  Sefton  and  Mrs.  J.  Wallack, 
Jr.  Becoming  a  widow  at  an  early  age,  Mrs.  Waring,  in  1826, 
married  Mr.  W.  R.  Blake,  then  a  gay,  young,  "light"  comedian. 

As  a  general  actress,  Mrs.  Blake  has  had  few  superiors, 
being  almost  equally  at  home  in  tragedy,  comedy,  opera  or 
farce.  She  was  at  one  time  a  very  great  favorite  as  a  vocalist, 
and  has  appeared  with  eclat  as  piima  donna  in  all  the  old 
English  operas,  and  as  the  second  singer  in  most  of  the 
modern  ones.  When  "  Cinderella"  was  produced  at  the  Park, 
in  1830,  with  Mrs.  Austin  as  the  heroine,  Mrs.  Blake  was  the 


246  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

original  Clorinda,  and  her  singing  and  acting  in  that  charac- 
ter have  been  surpassed  by  none  of  her  successors.  She  pos- 
sesssed  a  very  sweet  voice,  and  her  simple,  unaffected  style  of 
ballad  singing  was  truly  delightful ;  but  comedy  was  per- 
haps her  forte,  and  in  that  line,  her  brilliant  black  eyes,  be- 
witching smiles,  and  arch,  airy  manner,  appeared  to  the  best 
advantage,  and  acquired  for  her  the  highest  approbation. 
Warned  by  the  approach  of  autumnal  years,  Mrs.  Blake  finally 
confined  herself  to  a  line  of  characters  suited  to  her  age,  in 
which  she  gathered  much  well-merited  applause  on  the 
boards  of  our  leading  theatres.  Mrs.  Blake  appeared  in  New 
York,  at  the  Winter  Garden,  in  May,  1862,  in  conjunction  with 
Miss  Bateman,  and  the  last  new  characters  she  represented 
were  Joan  in  "  Geraldine,"  and  Marita  in  "  Rosa  Gregorio." 
She  was  engaged  for  Laura  Keene's  Theatre,  in  the  fall  of 
1862,  but  a  prostration  of  the  nervous  system  then  prevented 
her  appearance,  and  since  Mr.  Blake's  death,  she  has  never 
resumed  her  profession. 

Miss  Jones  was  a  charming  little  "Love,"  and  won  all 
hearts  by  the  artless  naivete  of  her  manner.  As  she  ap- 
proached womanhood,  her  great  beauty  and  grace  rendered 
her  an  especial  favorite  in  the  lighter  characters  of  the 
drama,  and  had  she  continued  on  the  stage,  would  no  doubt 
have  attained  distinction.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Mrs. 
Jones,  heretofore  mentioned,  and  retired  on  her  marriage 
with  Edmund  Simpson,  in  1820.  She  is  still  living  in  this 
city,  enjoying  the  highest  respect  and  esteem. 

As  in  former  years,  Monsieur  Placide  appeared  for  a  few 
nights  in  pantomimes,  previous  to  opening  the  theatre  at 
Charleston. 

On  the  19th  of  October,  Mr.  Green  made  his  first  appear- 
ance in  New  York  as  Sir  William  Dorillon.  He  had  been 
brought  out  by  Wignell,  and  made  his  debut  at  Philadelphia, 
in  1794.  Young,  tall  and  handsome,  he  was  at  that  time 
more  admired  for  his  personal  appearance  than  his  excellence 
as  an  artist,  but  age  and  experience  finally  gave  him  a  good 
reputation  in  the  serious  characters  of  comedy  and  the  second 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


247 


parts  of  tragedy,  and  on  his  debut  in  New  York  he  was  fully 
competent  to  undertake  the  leading  business  of  the  theatre. 
His  wife,  whom  he  married  after  his  arrival  in  America,  was 
Miss  Willems,  a  very  lovely  girl,  and  of  high  repute  as  a 
singer.  Mr.  Green  was  one  of  the  managers  of  the  Richmond 
Theatre,  destroyed  by  fire  December  26th,  1811,  and  had  the 
misfortune  to  lose  an  only  daughter  by  that  terrible  calamity, 
which  clothed  Richmond  in  unutterable  woe,  and  the  whole 
Union  in  mourning.  Seventy-one  human  beings,  including 
indiscriminately  youth  and  old  age,  beauty,  genius  and  talent, 
the  gay,  the  witty  and  the  accomplished,  were  all  over- 
whelmed in  one  promiscuous  ruin.  So  complete  and  perfect 
was  their  destruction  that  nothing  remained  but  rude  and 
shapeless  heaps  of  bones,  and  it  was  only  by  counting  the 
skulls  that  the  number  of  sufferers  was  at  first  ascertained 
From  this  period  Mr.  Green  was  heart-broken,  and  though  he 
continued  in  the  profession,  his  feelings  never  recovered  their 
former  tone.  He  was  last  in  New  York  in  1815,  and  died 
soon  after. 

Morton's  comedy  of  "  Town  and  Country"  was  played  here, 
for  the  first  time,  on  the  2d  of  November,  thus  cast  : 


Reuben  Glenroy  .    .    .    Mr.  Cooper.  Hawbuck       .    .    .    Mr.  Comer. 

Rev.  0.  Glenroy  .    .    .     "   Tyler.  Mrs.  Glenroy  .    .    .    Mrs.  Turner. 

Capt.  Glenroy    ..."   Claude.  Rosalie  Somers  .    .     M  Darley. 

Plastic  "    Darley.  Mrs.  Trott.    ..."  Oldmixon. 

Cosey  "   Twaits.  Mrs.  Moreen  ..."  Simpson. 

Trott   "    Harwood.  Taflline     ....     '  Claude. 


On  the  11th  of  December,  Dimond's  play  of  "Adrian  and 
Orilla,  or  a  Mother's  Vengeance,"  was  brought  out  with 
marked  success,  and  remained  a  favorite  for  many  years. 
Mr.  Claude  played  Adrian;  Mr.  Greene,  Prince  Altenberg ; 
Mr.  Harwood,  Count  Rosenheim;  Mr.  T waits,  Michael;  Mrs. 
Claude,  Lothair  ;  Mrs.  Darley,  Orilla  ;  Mrs.  Villiers,  Madame 
Clermont ;  Mrs.  Oldmixon,  Githa ;  and  Miss  Dellinger,  Minna. 

On  the  21st,  "Tekeli,  or  the  Siege  of  Mongatz,"  a  melo- 
drama, by  T.  E.  Hook,  the  music  by  his  father,  was  first  played, 
received  with  the  greatest  applause,  and  frequently  repeated  : 


Tekeli  Mr.  Cooper.  Maurice    ....    Mr.  Robertson. 

Wolf  "  Green.  Isidore  "  Darley. 

Conrad  "  Harwood.  liras  de  Far  ..."  Twaits. 

Count  Caraffa    ..."  Tyler.  Alexina    ...        Mrs.  Villiers. 

Edmund  "  Claude.  Christine  ....     "  Claude. 


248 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mrs.  Joana  Cooper,  the  first  wife  of  the  manager,  dying  on 
the  11th  of  January,  1808,  the  theatre  was  closed,  and  enter- 
tainments suspended  until  the  17th  of  February,  when  Mr. 
Bernard  commenced  an  engagement,  in  the  characters  of 
Farmer  Ashfteld  and  Sharp.  On  the  same  evening,  Mr.  Dykes 
was  announced  as  Sir  Abel  Handy,  his  first  appearance  here, 
as  the  bills  asserted ;  but  he  had  played  in  this  city,  in  subor- 
dinate characters,  eight  years  before. 

The  "  Secret,"  a  comedy,  by  Edward  Morris,  was  produced 
on  the  26th,  and  was  well  received,  with  the  following  cast : 
Dorville,  Mr.  Robertson ;  Sir  Harry  Fleetly,  Darley ;  Lizzard, 
Bernard ;  Jack  Lizzard,  Green ;  Torrid,  Dykes ;  Harry  Torrid. 
Claude  ;  Lady  Esther  Dorville,  Mrs.  Simpson ;  Rosa,  Mrs.  Dar- 
ley; and  Susanna  Lizzard,  most  capitally  rendered  by  Mrs. 
Oldmixon. 

Mr.  Bernard's  engagement  terminated  March  3d,  when  he 
played  Major  O  Flaherty,  in  the  "  West  Indian." 

On  the  5th,  Tobin's  beautiful  play,  entitled  the  "  Curfew," 
was  first  presented.  This  work,  like  the  "  Honeymoon,"  was 
unknown  to  the  public  until  after  its  author's  death ;  and  it 
possesses  so  many  and  such  great  beauties  that  we  are  sur- 
prised that  our  modern  managers  have  so  long  suffered  it  to 
slumber  in  oblivion.  On  its  performance  here,  Mr.  Cooper 
played  Fitzharding ;  Mr.  Green,  Hugh  de  Tracy ;  Mr.  Darley, 
Robert ;  Mr.  T waits,  Conrad ;  Mr.  Claude,  Bertrand  ;  Mr.  Tyler, 
Armstrong;  Mr.  Harwood,  Walter;  Mr.  Dykes,  Philip;  Mr. 
Robertson,  Herman ;  Mrs.  Villiers,  Matilda ;  and  Mrs.  Darley, 
Florence.  But  the  30th  of  March  witnessed  the  production  of 
a  spectacle,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Twaits,  that  completely 
eclipsed  all  the  other  attractions  of  the  season.  This  was  the 
renowned  fairy  tale  of  "  Cinderella,"  (not  the  modern  opera) 
with  Kelly's  beautiful  music,  accompanied  with  entirely  new 
scenery,  by  Holland  and  Reinagle,  new  dresses  by  Mr.  Gib- 
bons, and  new  decorations  by  Mr.  Geslain.  Mr.  Darley  was 
the  Prince  ;  Mr.  Twaits,  Pedro  ;  Mrs.  Darley,  Cinderella  ;  Mes- 
dames  Villiers  and  Wheatley,  the  Tormenting  Sisters.  A  few 
heathen  deities  were  thrown  in  by  way  of  embellishment — 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


249 


Mrs.  Claude  personating  Venus;  Mr.  Allen,  Hymen;  Miss 
Martin,  Cupid ;  and  Mrs.  Dykes  and  Miss  Bellinger,  the  prin- 
cipal dancing  Nymphs. 

"Time's  a  Telltale,"  a  very  excellent  play  in  point  of  lan- 
guage and  moral,  was  produced  on  the  18th  of  April.  It  was 
written  by  Henry  Siddons,  son  of  the  tragic  actress,  and  thus 
cast  on  its  first  performance:  Sir  Arthur  Tessell,  Mr.  Darley; 
Sir  David  Delmar,  Mr.  Robertson ;  Blanford,  Mr.  Green ; 
Query,  Mr.  T  waits;  Hardacre,  Mr.  Harwood ;  Lady  Del  mar, 
Mrs.  Villi ers;  Miss  Laurel,  Mrs.  Oldmixon ;  Olivia,  Mrs. 
Claude ;  Zelidy,  Mrs.  Darley. 

On  the  22d,  another  of  Hook's  melo-dramas,  called  the 
"Fortress,"  was  first  acted,  and  though  it  held  possession  of 
the  stage  for  several  years,  is  now  forgotten.  The  cast  was  as 
follows :  Count  Everard,  Mr.  Green ;  Valbron,  Mr.  Tyler ; 
Adolphus,  Mr.  Darley  ;  Oliver,  Mr.  Claude  ;  Vincent,  Mr.  Twaits ; 
Philip,  Mr.  Harwood;  C destine,  Mrs.  Darley;  Alice,  Mrs.  Vil- 
liers  ;  Paulina,  Miss  Oldmixon. 

Industry  and  novelty  being  at  this  time  the  policy  of  Mr. 
Cooper's  management,  on  the  25th,  Reynolds'  farce  of  "  Arbi- 
tration, or  Free  and  Easy,"  was  produced,  with  the  following 
cast :  Sir  Toby  Tritely,  Mr.  Dykes ;  Thorough,  Harwood  ;  Jack 
Familiar,  T waits  ;  Checquer,  Darley;  Nisi  Prius,  Doyle  ;  Wil- 
liam, Allen ;  John,  Lindsley  ;  Lady  Litigious,  Mrs.  Simpson ; 
Mrs.  Checquer,  Turner ;  Harriet,  Claude. 

The  character  of  Nisi  Prius  is  one  of  the  earliest  in  which 
Mr.  Doyle  is  remembered.  He  was  attached  to  the  Park  for 
some  four  or  five  years,  and  in  "  Old  Men"  and  "  Irishmen" 
gave  good  satisfaction. 

Matthew  Lewis's  romance  of  the  "  Wood  Demon"  was  the 
next  novelty,  and  was  received  with  the  utmost  demonstration 
of  delight  on  its  first  production,  May  9th.  It  was  got  up 
with  care,  had  a  long  run,  and  is  frequently  revived  even  at 
the  present  time.  The  characters  were  distributed  as  fol- 
lows :  Count  Holslein,  Mr.  Robertson ;  Guelpho,  Harwood ; 
Wilikind,  Twaits;  Rolfo,  Dykes;  Ulric,  Claude;  Ghost  of 
Ruric,  Doyle;    Wood  Demon,  Darley;  Leolyn,  Miss  Martin ; 

32 


250  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

Una,  Mrs.  Darley ;  Clotilda,  Mrs.  Villiers ;  Paulina,  Miss  Del- 
linger;  Fairy  Auriol,  Mrs.  Claude;  Ghost  of  Alexina,  Mrs. 
Turner. 

On  the  3d  of  June,  a  young  gentleman  made  his  debut  as 
Norval;  and  in  the  character  of  Lady  Randolph,  Mrs.  Villiers, 
having  again  entered  the  holy  state  of  matrimony,  was  first 
announced  as  Mrs.  T waits. 

For  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Dunlap,  acting  manager,  June  8th, 
Shakspeare's  beautiful  creation,  the  "Tempest,"  was  revived. 
Its  cast  at  this  time  was  judicious,  and  its  performance  ef- 
fective, as  may  be  judged  by  the  following: 

Prospero   Mr.  Green.  I  Caliban 

Alonzo   "  Robertson.             Gonzalo  . 

Ftrdiuand    ....  "  Darlly.                Ariel    .  . 

Antonio   "  Dykes.                   Hypolito  . 

Trincu'o   "  Twaits.  I     Miranda  . 

Stepliano   "  Harwood.  ]     Do\inda  . 


John  Kemble's  melo-drama  of  l>  Lodoiska, 


Mr.  Shatter. 

"  Tyler. 
Mrs.  Claude. 
"  Twaits. 
"  Turnkr. 
"  Dakley. 

with  the  music 

of  Storace,  was  brought  out  for  Twaits's  benefit  on  the  13th, 
and  long  retained  great  popularity :  Prince  Lupanski,  Mr. 
Tyler ;  Verbel,  Mr.  Twaits  ;  Count  Floreski,  Mr.  Darley  ; 
Kera  Khan,  Mr.  Robertson ;  Baron  Lorvinski,  Mr.  Green ; 
Khor,  Mr.  Dykes;  Adolphus,  Mr.  Claude;  Lodoiska,  Mrs. 
Darley. 

The  last  new  piece  of  the  season  was  produced  for  Har- 
wood's  benefit  on  the  15th,  making  in  all  thirteen,  exclusive 
of  pantomimes.  It  was  written  by  Kenney,  and  entitled 
"  Ella  Rosenberg,"  and  is  one  of  the  best  melo-dramas  ever 
put  on  the  stage.  Its  original  cast  was  as  follows :  The 
Elector,  Mr.  Tyler ;  Rosenberg-,  Mr.  Green ;  Col.  Mountfort, 
Mr.  Robertson ;  Storm,  Mr.  Harwood ;  Flulterman,  Mr.  Twaits ; 
Ella,  Mrs.  Darley ;  Christine,  Mrs.  Twaits ;  Mrs,  Flulterman, 
Mrs.  Simpson. 

July  1st,  little  Miss  Martin,  the  orphan  daughter  of  John. 
E.  Martin,  was  allowed  a  benefit,  on  which  occasion  Mrs.  Lip- 
man  (being  simply  announced  as  a  lady  from  Europe)  made 
her  first  appearance  in  America,  as  Lady  Contest,  in  the  "Wed- 
ding-Day," with  well-merited  success.  Of  her  personal  history 
nothing  is  known.  She  ranked  with  the  best  performers  in 
high  comedy,  and  played  during  the  whole  of  the  next  season, 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


251 


at  the  end  of  which  she  engaged  for  the  Charleston  Theatre, 
and  is  never  again  heard  of  in  New  York. 

The  season  closed  on  the  4th  of  July,  with  "Lodoiska"  and 
I  Glory  of  Columbia." 

Vauxhall  Garden  Theatre  was  opened  on  the  11th  by  Mr. 
Delacroix,  with  Greene,  Barrett,  Mills,  Rutherford,  Doyle, 
Ringwood,  Spear,  Sanford,  Master  G.  Barrett,  Mrs.  Barrett 
Mrs.  Woodham,  Mrs.  Mills,  Mrs.  Cunningham,  Miss  Dellinger, 
and  Miss  Delamater,  in  his  company. 

Mr.  Mills  was  a  good  comedian,  well  known  at  Boston  and 
Philadelphia.  His  wife  had  some  repute  in  singing  charac- 
ters, and  was  a  respectable  walking-lady. 

Mrs.  Woodham  was  a  great  favorite  in  romps  and  similar 
parts  at  Philadelphia.  She  was  afterward  connected  with  the 
Boston  Theatre,  and  married  a  gentleman  of  that  city  named 
Moore. 

The  performances  at  Vauxhall  were  brought  to  an  abrupt 
conclusion  by  the  conflagration  of  the  buildings,  on  the  30th 
of  August. 

At  this  establishment,  this  season,  Mr.  Barrett,  Sr.,  made 
his  last  appearance  in  New  York. 

Returning  to  the  Park,  the  name  of  Stephen  Price,  so  well 
known  in  theatrical  annals,  occurs  in  connection  with  its 
management,  this  season,  for  the  first  time.  He  purchased 
of  Mr.  Cooper  an  interest  in  the  establishment,  and  subse- 
quently became  its  sole  lessee,  continuing  a  principal  director 
of  its  affairs  for  a  period  of  thirty-two  years,  during  a  portion 
of  the  time  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  E.  Simpson.  Mr.  Price 
was  a  man  of  great  perseverance  and  energy  of  character, 
strict  and  severe,  though  honorable  in  his  dealings,  and  for  a 
long  period  displayed  good  taste,  judgment,  and  liberality  in 
all  his  dramatic  arrangements.  A  long  residence  abroad, 
during  which  he  was  for  a  time  manager  of  Drury  Lane 
Theatre,  London,  gave  him  great  facilities  for  the  engage- 
ment of  distinguished  talent,  and  through  him  many  of  the 
most  eminent  British  artists  were  introduced  to  the  American 
public.     In  fact,  he  had  the  entire  monopoly  of  traveling 


252  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

"  Stars,"  and  only  through  him  for  several  years  could  man- 
agers in  other  American  cities  obtain  their  services,  and  by 
this  means  he  added  greatly  to  the  profits  of  his  business, 
which  in  a  short  time  yielded  him  an  independent  fortune. 
But  "  easy  won,  easy  gone,"  is  an  old  adage,  and  from  his 
habits  of  life  it  is  probable  that  his  pecuniary  circumstances 
were  far  from  easy  during  the  last  years  of  his  existence.  For 
a  period  he  and  Mr.  Cooper  occupied  two  adjoining  houses 
(afterward  thrown  into  one  and  called  the  Carlton  House),  on 
the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Leonard  Street.  Here  they  lived 
in  a  style  of  the  most  sumptuous  elegance,  entertaining  their 
friends  beyond  the  bounds  of  true  hospitality,  and  attracting 
around  them  all  who  were  fond  of  the  wine,  wit,  and  jovial 
companionship  of  two  good  fellows  like  themselves ;  and  at 
that  time  life  presented  no  other  prospect  to  them  than  a  per- 
petual holiday.  Between  Stephen  Price  and  Thomas  A. 
Cooper  the  foolish  bet  was  made,  as  recorded  by  Clapp,  in 
his  "Record  of  the  Boston  Stage,"  as  to  which  could  pull 
the  longest  wisp  of  straw  from  a  load  passing  at  the  time 
The  former  staked  a  thousand  dollars  against  the  net  proceeds 
of  Cooper's  next  benefit,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of  winning 
twelve  hundred  dollars  from  his  friend,  who,  on  paying,  re- 
marked that  he  had  only  lost  two  hours'  acting.  Such  reck- 
lessness could  end  only  in  one  way,  and  to  Cooper,  especially, 
that  end  was  most  mortifying  and  distressing. 

During  the  last  years  of  Mr.  Price's  management,  owing  to 
the  powerful  rivalry  of  Mr.  Wallack  at  the  National  Opera 
House,  the  Park  Theatre  declined  greatly  in  popularity,  and 
being  himself  absent,  he  could  not  understand  the  necessity 
of  new  outlays  to  keep  the  attraction  with  the  old  house ;  he 
seemed  to  think  that  the  mere  prestige  of  its  name  would  be 
sufficient  to  sustain  it  against  all  opposition,  and  is  under- 
stood to  have  thwarted  or  prevented  all  plans  of  Mr.  Simpson 
for  improving  the  style  of  getting  up  its  pieces,  or  engaging 
a  better  class  of  stock  actors  to  sustain  them.  He  finally  re- 
turned to  this  country  for  the  purpose  of  personally  superin- 
tending the  business  of  the  theatre,  but  was  soon  after  seized 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


253 


with  a  mortal  sickness,  which  terminated  his  life  on  the  20th 
of  January,  1840.  He  belonged  to  a  family  well  known  in 
New  York,  and  was  brother  to  William  M.  Price,  long  a  con- 
spicuous politician,  and  at  one  time  United  States  Attorney 
for  this  district. 

The  theatre  opened  on  the  9th  of  September,  1808,  with 
the  "  School  of  Reform,"  in  which  Mr.  Hogg,  whose  re-en- 
gagement gave  great  satisfaction,  made  his  first  appearance 
in  two  years  in  his  favorite  character  of  Tyke.  The  afterpiece 
was  the  "  Padlock" — Mr.  Darley  playing  Leander ;  Mr.  Tyler, 
Diego ;  Mr.  T waits,  Mungo ;  Mrs.  Darley,  Leonora ;  and  Mrs. 
Oldmixon,  Ursula. 

The  company  was  substantially  the  same  as  on  the  previous 
season.  Weakened  by  the  loss  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Claude,  Mr. 
Green,  Mr.  Comer,  Mr.  Dykes,  Mrs.  Turner,  and  Mrs.  Simpson, 
its  strength  was  repaired  by  the  addition  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hogg,  Mr.  Rutherford,  Mr.  Huntington,  and  Mrs.  Lipman,  who 
made  her  second  appearance  in  New  York,  and  the  first  this 
season,  on  the  14th  of  September,  in  the  "  School  for  Scandal," 
with  the  following  magnificent  cast,  which  would  not  lose  by  a 
comparison  with  any  that  our  city  theatres  could  now  put  forth : 

Sir  Peter  Teazle  .    .    .    Mr.  Twaits.  Moses   Mr.  Hoog. 

Sir  Oliver  Surface  .    .     "  Tyler.  Rowley    ....     "  Huntington. 

Joseph  Surface  ..."  Rutherford.  Trip  "  Robertson. 

Charles  Surface  ..."  Cooper.  Lady  Teazle  .    .  Mrs.  Lipman. 

8ir  Benj.  Backbite  .    .     "  Darley.  Lady  Sneerwell.    .  "  Twaits. 

Crabtree  "  Harwood.  Mrs.  Candour  "  Oldmixon. 

Careless       ....     "  Shapter.  I     Maria   Miss  Dellinqer. 

Mrs.  Lipman  deepened  the  favorable  impression  she  had 
made  at  the  close  of  the  last  season,  and  the  excellent  acting 
of  Mrs.  Twaits  redeemed  the  character  of  Lady  Sneerwell  from 
its  usual  insipidity. 

On  the  23d,  Mrs.  Hogg's  re-appearance  as  Mrs.  Malaprop, 
after  two  years'  absence,  was  warmly  greeted  by  her  numerous 
friends. 

On  the  19th  of  October,  Kenney's  fine  comedy  of  the 
"  World"  was  produced,  with  a  most  gratifying  success  : 


Cheviot   Mr.  Cooper.  Wellw.rth  Mr.  Dotli. 

Echo   44  Twaits.  Williams  ....  "  Lindsley. 

Withers   "  Tyler.  Vellum    ....  "  Huntington. 

Index   "  Harwood.  Margin    ....  **  Shapte  k. 

Dauutless   •«  Robertson.  Lady  Blonrafleld  Mrs.  Dakley. 

Loiter   "  Daklev.  Mrs.  Barclay     .    .  14  Twaits. 

Social   "  Rutherford,      i     Eliuor  Barclay  .    .  44  Llpma*. 


254 


RECORDS  OP  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mr.  West,  a  favorite  comedian  of  Charleston,  appeared  on 
the  7 th  of  November  as  Tolterton,  in  "  Love  Laughs  at  Lock- 
smiths f  and  again  on  the  11th,  as  Snarl  in  the  "  Village 
Lawyer." 

On  the  9th,  Reynolds'  comedy  called  "  Begone,  Dull  Care," 
was  first  played,  but  never  attained  great  popularity.  Its  cast 
was  as  follows : 


Sir  Arthur  St.  Albyn 
Algernon  St.  Albyn 
Modern  .... 
Danvers  .... 
Lord  Blushdale  .  . 
Solace  


[r.  Tyler. 
u  Robertson. 
"  Twaits. 
"  Darley. 
"  Harwood. 
"  Hogg. 


Trusty  . 
Geoffrey 
Legis  . 
Selina  , 
Cecily  . 
Deborah 


Mr.  Huntington. 

"  Rutherford. 

"  Doyle. 
Mrs.  Twaits. 

"  Lipman. 

"  Hogg. 


Mr.  Burton  very  improperly  applied  the  title  of  this  comedy 
to  Morton's  "  School  for  Grown  Children,"  on  its  revival  at  his 
house  in  1849. 

The  first  performance  of  the  tragedy  of  "Adelgitha,  or 
the  Fruits  of  a  Single  Error,"  by  far  the  best  of  all  Monk 
Lewis's  dramatic  productions,  took  place  on  the  14th,  with 
the  annexed  cast : 


Guiscard   .  . 
Lothair 
Michael  Ducas 
Dercetus   .  . 
Julian  . 


Mr.  Cooper. 
"  Robertson. 
"  Rutherford. 
"  Doyle. 
"  huntinoton. 


Rainulf 
Adelgitha 
Inima 
Abbess  - 
Claudia. 


Mr.  Lindsley. 
Mrs.  Twaits. 

"  Darley. 

"  Hogg. 
Miss  White. 


Its  success  was  perfect,  being  admirably  acted,  and  its 
merit  so  great  that  it  was  frequently  performed  for  many 
years. 

"Plot  and  Counterplot,"  an  amusing  farce  by  Charles 
Kemble,  was  brought  out  on  the  18th,  with  great  applause, 
its  characters  thus  distributed: 


Don  Hernandez 
Don  Gaspard 
Don  Leon  .  . 
Don  Fernando 
Fabian.    .  . 


Mr.  Harwood. 
"  Hogg. 
"  Darley. 
"  Robertson. 
"  Twaits. 


Isidore 
Pedrillo 
Lorenza 
Juana  . 
Beatrice 


Mr.  Huntington. 

"  Rutherford. 
Miss  Dellinger. 
Mrs.  Oldmixon. 

"  Hogg. 


The  touching  drama  of  the  "  Blind  Boy,"  which  is  still  a 
favorite  afterpiece,  was  produced  for  the  first  time  on  the  7th 
of  December,  and  was  eminently  successful. 

Mr.  Tyler  played  Stanislaus ;  Mr.  Robertson,  Rodolph ;  Mr. 
Twaits,  Kalig:  Mr.  Rutherford,  Oberto ;  Mrs.  Lipman,  Ed- 
mond:  and  Mrs.  Twaits,  Elvina. 

On  the  19th  of  December,  the  debut  in  New  York  of  Mrs. 
Stanley  was  announced  in  the  characters  of  Lady  Townly  and 
Roxalana.   This  lady,  whose  maiden  name  was  Wattle,  mar- 


I 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


255 


ried  in  1790  the  Hon.  Thomas  Twistleton,  second  son  of  Lord 
Say  and  Sele,  and  in  conjunction  with  him  received  great  ap- 
plause in  the  private  performance  of  plays,  then  in  high  vogue 
as  an  amusement  with  the  nobility  and  gentry  of  England. 
The  first  public  appearance  of  Mrs.  Twistleton  was  at  Glou- 
cester, for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Holman,  when  she  personated 
Belvidera  with  such  success  that  she  was  immediately  en- 
gaged at  Co  vent  Garden  for  six  nights,  where  she  attracted 
very  full  and  fashionable  houses.  Her  husband  was  also  an- 
nounced at  the  same  establishment,  but  was  dissuaded  from 
appearing,  and  a  difference  soon  after  occurring  between 
them,  they  separated  by  mutual  consent,  he  taking  orders  in 
the  ministry,  and  she  following  the  histrionic  profession  under 
the  assumed  name  of  Stanley.  She  was  brought  to  this  coun- 
try by  Bernard  for  the  Boston  Theatre,  where  she  was  very 
favorably  received,  and  afterward  played  in  Philadelphia 
with  similar  success.  In  New  York  she  played  four  or  five 
times,  and  though  possessing  a  handsome  person,  a  fine,  intel- 
ligent countenance  and  pleasing  manners,  did  not  prove  at- 
tractive.   She  died  soon  after  at  Burlington,  Vt. 

On  the  4th  of  January,  1809,  an  Indian  pantomime,  called 
"  Harlequin  Panattahah,  or  the  Genii  of  the  Algon quins,"  in 
which  the  whole  company  did  service,  was  brought  out ;  but, 
as  usual  at  that  season  of  the  year,  the  audiences  were  so  small 
that  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  close  the  theatre,  and  it  was 
not  re-opened  until  Washington's  birthday,  February  22d  (then 
always  celebrated  with  enthusiasm),  when  "  Gustavus  Vasa" 
and  the  Indian  pantomime  were  performed. 

On  the  24th,  Master  Payne,  afterward  designated  the  young 
American  Roscius,  made  his  first  appearance  on  a  public  stage 
in  the  character  of  Young"  Norval,  with  triumphant  success. 
His  debut  was  followed  by  his  appearance  as  Zaphna,  in 
"  Mahomet,"  which  he  played  three  times  ;  Oclavian ; 
Achmet,  in  "  Barbarossa ;"  Tancred ;  and  Romeof  for  his 
benefit,  on  the  loth  of  March,  all  of  which  he  represented 
with  the  skill  of  a  finished  artist,  combined  with  the  fresh- 
ness, simplicity  and  impulsiveness  of  youth.    Born  in  this 


256 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


city,  on  the  9  th  of  June,  1792,  John  Howard  Payne,  when 
very  young,  had  removed  with  his  parents  to  Boston,  where 
he  first  acquired  a  taste  for  theatrical  representations,  and 
where  he  often  appeared  with  his  young  friends  in  private 
performances.  He  was  afterward  placed  in  a  store  in  New 
York,  but  wearying  of  the  situation,  and  pining  for  public 
applause,  when  nearly  seventeen  years  of  age,  with  the  ad- 
vantage of  a  neat  though  rather  small  figure,  and  a  handsome 
countenance,  beaming  with  intelligence,  with  the  consent 
of  his  father  he  entered  the  profession,  of  which  he 
was  immediately  recognized  as  one  of  the  brightest 
ornaments. 

After  visiting  Boston,  where  he  played  an  engagement  with 
the  same  distinguished  approbation,  he  returned  to  this  city, 
opening  on  the  17th  of  May  with  Young  Norval,  and  playing 
subsequently  Lord  Hastings,  Frederick,  in  "  Lovers'  Vows," 
Rolla,  Edgar,  and  Hamlet.  After  acting  with  the  greatest 
applause  in  all  the  American  theatres,  he  visited  Europe,  and 
made  a  successful  debut  at  Drury  Lane,  on  the  4th  of  June, 
1813,  in  the  character  of  Norval.  He  afterward  played  in 
the  provincial  theatres,  and  though  always  attractive,  soon 
became  so  absorbed  in  literary  pursuits  that  he  abandoned 
the  stage,  devoting  his  talents  (and  he  held  a  most  graceful 
and  eloquent  pen)  to  critical  essays  on  the  Drama,  and  the 
composition  of  dramatic  pieces,  many  of  the  latter  being  ori- 
ginal, though  some  were  compilations,  or  adaptations,  from 
the  French,  and  among  them,  still  holding  possession  of  the 
stage,  are  the  tragedy  of  "  Brutus,"  the  melo-drama  of  "  The- 
rese,"  the  domestic  opera  "  Clari,"  with  its  beautiful  and 
touching  song  of  "  Home,  Sweet  Home,"  "  Charles  the 
Second,"  "Two  Galley  Slaves,"  « 'Twas  I,"  "Peter  Smink," 
"  Love  in  Humble  Life,"  &c. 

After  a  long  residence  in  London  and  Paris,  he  returned  to 
this  country  in  1832,  being  received  with  the  warmest  demon- 
strations of  respect  and  regard,  and  on  the  29th  of  November 
in  that  year,  the  first  complimentary  benefit  given  by  the 
citizens  of  New  York  took  place  at  the  Park  Theatre  in  his 


JOHN    HOWARD  PAYNE. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


257 


honor.  The  admission  to  the  boxes  and  pit  on  that  oc- 
casion was  five  dollars,  and  to  the  gallery  one  dollar. 

Disappointed  in  his  efforts  to  establish  a  periodical  which 
he  had  projected  on  a  scale  of  great  expensiveness,  and  prob- 
ably afflicted  with  the  usual  accompaniment  of  genius,  care- 
lessness for  the  morrow,  Mr.  Payne  is  reported  to  have  suf- 
fered uncomplainingly  many  of  the  ills  of  poverty,  until  he 
was  appointed,  by  Mr.  Tyler,  Consul  to  Tunis,  in  1841,  where 
he  officiated  with  credit  to  himself  and  country.  Recalled 
by  Mr.  Polk,  he  was  again  appointed  under  President  Taylor's 
administration,  and,  after  a  brief  illness,  died  at  his  post,  on 
the  10th  of  April,  1852.  Although  his  later  years  did  not 
fulfill  the  promise  of  his  youth,  his  buoyancy  of  manner,  his 
rich  and  varied  stock  of  information,  his  brilliant  wit,  and 
general  amiability  and  good  nature,  made  him  the  most  agree- 
able of  companions.  His  criticism  evinced  the  nicest  taste 
and  judgment,  and  his  ordinary  conversation  was  not  only 
faultless,  but  perfectly  fascinating.  His  death  was  a  source 
of  deep  sorrow  to  many  warmly  attached  friends  and  rela- 
tives, most  of  whom  occupy  a  high  station  in  society. 

The  beautiful  musical  romance  of  the  "  Forty  Thieves," 
the  combined  production  of  four  authors,  the  outline  having 
been  sketched  by  Sheridan  from  the  tale  in  the  Arabian 
Nights,  the  dialogue  written  by  his  brother-in-law,  Ward.-  the 
music  composed  by  Kelly,  and  the  whole  revised  by  Colman, 
was  first  put  upon  the  stage  of  New  York  on  the  20th  of 
March.  Cast  as  follows :  All  Baba,  Harwood :  Cassirn  Baba, 
Huntington;  Ganem,  Darley;  Mustapha,  Twaits;  Hassarac, 
Robertson ;  Abdallah,  Rutherford  ;  Selim,  Lindsley ;  Oreo- 
brandy  Doyle;  Princess  Zelir,  Miss  White:  Morgiana,  Mrs. 
Darley:  Cogia,  Oldmixon ;  Zai/le,  Hogg;  Ardinelle,  Twaits: 
Gossamer,  Miss  Dellinger.  Its  success  was  triumphant,  and 
it  remains  a  favorite  holiday  piece  to  this  day. 

On  the  27th,  another  of  Tobin's  comedies  was  produced, 
called  the  "School  for  Authors,"  with  the  following  cast: 
Diaper,  Mr.  Harwood;  Cleveland,  Robertson;  Wormwood, 
Rutherford:  Jeffrey,  Hogg;  Frank,  Twaits;   William,  Doyle; 

33 


258 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Jane  Diaper,  Mrs.  Darley ;  Susan,  Mrs.  Lipman.    It  was  not 

as  successful  as  it  had  been  in  Europe. 

On  the  5th  of  May,  Arnold's  comedy  of  "  Man  and  Wife" 
was  first  played.  Its  cast  will  prove  the  excellence  of  its 
representation,  which,  with  one  exception,  was  perfect,  Mr. 
Rutherford  being  out  of  his  element  as  Sir  Willoughby  Wor- 
rett. Lord  Austencourt,  Mr.  Darley ;  Sir  R.  Austencourt,  Doyle ; 
Charles  Austencourt,  Cooper :  Sir  W.  Worrett,  Rutherford ; 
Faulkner,  Robertson;  Cornelius  O'Dedimus,  Harwood;  Pon- 
der, T waits;  William,  Lindsley;  Lady  Worrett,  Mrs.  Old- 
mixon  ;  Helen  Worrett,  Mrs.  Darley ;  Fanny,  Mrs.  Twaits :  Tiff- 
any, Miss  Dellinger. 

May  26th,  Mr.  Twaits  played  King  Lear,  with  Master 
Payne's  Edgar,  and  on  the  3d  of  June,  took  his  benefit  with 
the  following  bill : 


Every  One  has  his  Fault ; 

Lord  Norland    .    .    .  Mr.  Tyler.  Lady  Elinor   .    .    .    Mrs.  Twatts. 

Sir  Robert  Ramble  .    .  *   Twaits.  Mrs.  Placid     ..."  Oldmixoh. 

Solus   "   Hogq.  Miss  Spinster  .    .         M  Hogg. 

Harmony      ....  M    Harwood.  Miss  Wuoburn      .    .     "  Darlet. 

and,  The  Turnpike  Gate. 

Crack   Mr.  Twaits.                  Robert  Maythorn     .  Mr.  Hogg. 

Harry  Blunt  ....     "   Darley.  Peggy   Mrs.  Oldmixon. 

Joe  Standfast     ...     "   Harwood.  Mary   Miss  Dellinger. 

On  the  9th  of  June,  Hugh  Kelly's  once  highly  popular 
comedy  of  "False  Delicacy"  was  first  played  here  with  con- 
siderable success,  for  Mr.  Tyler's  benefit,  cast  as  follows : 

Col.  Rivers    ....  Mr.  Tyler.  Lady  Betty  Lambkin    Mrs.  Lipman. 

Cecil   "    Harwood.  Mrs.  Harley    ...  Oldmixon. 

Sir  Harry  Newburg  "   Darley.  Miss  Marchmont  .    .     "  Darley. 

Lord  "Winwor'h  .    .  "   Rutherford  Miss  Rivers    ..."  Twaits. 

Sidney   "    Robertson.  Sally    .    .    .    .    .    Miss  "White. 

On  the  14th  of  June,  Mrs.  Lipman  produced  for  her  benefit 


J.  N.  Barkers  musical  drama,  entitled  the  "  Indian  Princess," 
founded  on  the  story  of  Pocahontas,  with  the  following  cast: 
Lord  De-la-war,  Mr.  Tyler ;  Capt.  Smith,  Rutherford  ;  Rolfe, 
Robertson  ;  Percy,  Huntington :  Walter,  Darley  ;  Larry,  Har- 
wood; Robin,  Hogg;  Powhatan,  Shapter;  Miami,  Twaits; 
Pocahontas,  Mrs.  Lipman ;  Geraldine,  Mrs.  Twaits :  Alice, 
Mrs.  Oldmixon ;  Kate,  Miss  Dellinger ;  Nina,  White. 

Mr.  Barker,  a  resident  of  Philadelphia,  was  one  of  the 
earliest  and  best  of  American  dramatic  authors,  and  this  piece, 
though  not  his  first  effort,  was  the  first  that  had  been  pre- 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


259 


sented  to  the  New  York  public,  and  notwithstanding  the  Idle- 
ness of  the  season,  met  with  a  very  gratifying  success. 

Two  excellent  comedies,  entitled  "Tears  and  Smiles"  and 
"How  to  Try  a  Lover,"  are  the  productions  of  his  pen.  "Mar- 
mion"  was  dramatized  by  him  from  Scott's  poem,  and  had  an 
extraordinary  run,  both  in  Philadelphia  and  New  York.  He 
wrote  several  other  meritorious  pieces,  including  "  Supersti- 
tion," a  remarkably  fine  tragic  play,  represented  with  the 
greatest  applause  in  Philadelphia,  and  deserving  a  better  fate 
than  the  oblivion  in  which  it  is  now  buried. 

On  the  21st  of  June,  a  play  by  Mrs.  Ellis,  called  the  "  Duke 
of  Buckingham,"  being  the  last  new  piece  of  the  season,  and 
never  before  performed,  was  brought  out  only  to  be  con- 
demned.   It  was  thus  cast : 

Buckingham  ....    Mr.  Robertson.        j     Sir  Ralph  ....    Mr.  Doyle. 

Egbert  "    Darlet.  Theodore   ....    Mrs.  Lipman. 

Vincent    .....     "   Rutherford.  Duchess     ....     "  Twaits. 

Felton  "   Twaits.  I     Selina  .....     "  Darlet. 

Ghost  of  Villiers  .    .    .     "   Tyler.  Clara  "  Dellinger. 

The  season  terminated,  as  usual,  on  the  4th  of  July,  with 
"George  Barnwell"  and  the  "Forty  Thieves,"  and  with  it  ter- 
minated the  theatrical  career  of  the  favorite  comedian  Har- 
wood,  who  died,  as  before  mentioned,  early  in  the  ensuing 
fall,  in  the  full  meridian  of  his  powers,  leaving  for  many 
years  -a  vacancy  that  none  were  adequate  to  fill. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

Park  Theatre,  1809-10. 

TH  E  New  York  Theatre  was  re-opened  by  Messrs. 
Cooper  and  Price,  (Mr.  Twaits  being  the  acting 
manager)  September  6th,  1809,  with  the  tragedy  of 
the  "  Castle  Spectre,"  Mr.  Young  making  his  first  appearance 
in  three  years  as  Earl  Osmond;  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Poe,  who 
had  formerly  played  at  Vauxhall,  their  first  appearance  at 
this  establishment  as  Hassan  and  Angela.  The  afterpiece 
was  the  "  Romp,"  Capt.  Sightly  by  Mr.  Poe ;  Watty  Cockney, 
Twaits ;  Priscilla  Tomboy,  Mrs.  Poe. 

Mr.  Young  had  changed  but  little  during  his  absence,  and 
Mr.  Poe  soon  sunk  into  insignificance,  but  his  wife  proved  to 
be  a  pleasing  and  acceptable  actress.  • 

Mr.  Cooper  made  his  first  appearance  on  the  8th,  as  Rolla, 
supported  by  Mr.  Young  as  Pizarro ;  Mr.  Robertson  as 
Alonzo ;  Mrs.  Poe,  Cora;  and  Mrs.  Twaits,  Elvira.  The 
rustic  opera  of  "  Rosina"  followed — Belville,  by  Mr.  Tyler ; 
Capt.  Belville,  Mr.  Poe ;  William,  Mr.  Twaits ;  Rosina,  Mrs. 
Poe ;  Phoebe,  Mrs.  Oldmixon. 

On  the  11th,  the  beautiful  Mrs.  Young  re-appeared  as  Cow- 
slip, but  her  abilities  were  not  well  suited  to  the  part. 

"  Is  He  a  Prince  ?"  a  farce  by  Prince  Hoare,  was  produced 
on  the  13th,  with  the  following  cast : 

Baron  Crackenburg         Mr.  Doyle.  \     Moritz  Mr.  Robeetson. 

Count  Rosenblum    .    .     "   Young.  Frantz  "  Lindslet. 

Bluffberg  "   Twaits.  Caroline     ....    Mrs.  Yoong. 

Lindorf  "   Poe.  i     Mrs.  Crackenburg    .      "  Oldmixon. 

On  the  15th,  Mr.  Foster,  a  brother  of  Mrs.  Young,  made  his 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


261 


first  appearance  as  Ganemy  in  the  "Forty  Thieves,"  but  never 
attained  a  high  station  on  the  boards. 

A  farce,  entitled  "  Princess  or  No  Princess,"  was  brought 
out  on  the  27th,  and  repeated  several  times,  cast  as  follows: 
Almorah,  Mr.  Poe  ;  Oswald,  Robertson  ;  Zavolano,  Young ; 
Kasil,  Doyle  ;  Stork,  Lindsley  ;  Basil,  Tyler ;  Andrew,  Twaits ; 
Elizene,  Mrs.  Poe ;  Ulrica,  Mrs.  Twaits ;  Gertrude,  Mrs.  Hogg. 

Mrs.  Inchbald's  comedy,  entitled  "To  Marry  or  Not  to 
Marry,"  was  introduced  to  the  American  stage  on  the  5th  of 
October,  with  the  following  distribution  of  parts : 

Lord  Danberry  .    .    .  Mr.  Twaits.  Amos   Mr.  Pok. 

Sir  Oawin  Mortland .    .  "   Cooper.  Hester   Mrs.  Young. 

Lavensforth  ....  u   Robertson.  Lady  Susan  Courtly .  44  Oldmixon. 

Willowear     ....  41   Young.  Mrs.  Sarah  Mortland  "  Hogg. 

Mr.  Young  possessed  few  requisites  for  the  character  of 
Willowear,  but  his  wife  was  a  very  charming  representative  of 
the  artless  and  unsophisticated  Hester. 

"Grieving's  a  Folly,"  a  comedy  by  Richard  Leigh,  was 
produced  on  the  18th,  and  met  with  considerable  success. 


Herbert  Mr.  Young.  Joe  Thresher  .    .    .    Mr.  Robertson. 

Sir  0.  Cypress   ..."  Doyle.  O'Harrolan     ..."  Tyler. 

Capt.  Cypress    ..."  Poe.  Woodburn  .                  "    Hallam,  Jr. 

Belford     ...        .     "  Anderson.  Mrs.  Mordent  .    .    .    Mrs.  Twaits. 

Sedley  "  Foster.  Ellen   "  Young. 

Crape  41  Twaits.  Susan  ....    Miss  White. 


The  name  of  Mr.  Anderson  is  noticed  for  the  first  time  in 
the  above  piece. 

On  the  23d  of  October,  the  "Gamester"  was  announced, 
with  Mr.  Cooper  as  Beverly ;  Mr.  Collins  (his  first  appearance 
in  New  York)  as  Lewson ;  and  Mrs.  Beverly,  by  Mrs.  Mason, 
her  first  appearance  in  America.    The  debutants  were  not 

!  very  successful,  Mr.  Collins'  talents  being  better  adapted  to 
the  lower  comic  walks  of  the  drama,  and  he  seldom  appeared 

\  again  out  of  that  line,  save  in  the  choleric  and  testy  old  gen- 
tleman.   He  was  in  after  years  well  known  at  the  West. 

Mrs.  Mason  appeared  to  be  laboring  under  indisposition, 
and  gave  little  evidence  of  the  ability  which  afterward  ren- 
dered her  an  eminent  favorite.  Her  second  appearance  was 
announced  as  Beatrice,  for  the  25th,  but  she  was  too  ill  to 
perform,  and  on  that  evening  Mr.  Edmund  Simpson  made 
his  first  appearance  on  the  American  stage,  with  merited 
success,  in  the  character  of  Harry  Dornton,  in  the  substituted 


262  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

comedy  of  the  "Road  to  Ruin."  This  excellent  man  and 
spirited  manager,  so  long  and  favorably  known  to  all  players 
and  play-goers,  was  born  in  the  year  1784,  and  though  edu- 
cated for  a  mercantile  life,  was  not  able  to  resist  the  fascina- 
tion of  the  stage,  having  engaged  in  that  amusement  so 
dangerous  to  those  who  have  other  and  more  settled  pursuits 
in  view — the  private  theatre.  He  made  his  first  public  ap- 
pearance at  Towcester,  England,  in  May,  1806,  as  Baron 
Sfeinfort,  in  the  "  Stranger  f  and  having  a  new  blue  coat  and 
white  breeches,  was  selected  to  play  all  the  "  walking  gentle- 
men," and  so  captivated  the  heart  of  a  milliner  of  good  repute 
and  business  in  that  town,  that  she  made  him  proposals 
which  he  was  ungracious  enough  to  decline. 

At  this  time  he  had  a  good  face  and  figure,  and  played  the 
dashing  young  fellows  of  comedy — scamps  and  spendthrifts — 
the  heroes  of  melo-drama,  and  many  juvenile  tragic  characters 
with  general  approbation.  In  1810,  he  became  an  assistant 
in  the  management,  and  subsequently  the  partner  of  Mr. 
Price.  In  1820,  he  married  and  took  from  the  stage  the 
young  and  amiable  Miss  Jones,  with  whom  he  enjoyed  in 
the  highest  degree  all  the  purest  pleasures  of  a  domestic  life, 
unlike  many  of  his  professional  brethren,  retaining  an  un- 
blemished reputation  for  purity  of  morals,  as  well  as  for 
integrity  of  purpose,  and  the  most  thorough  honesty  and 
honor  in  all  his  business  relations. 

About  the  year  1833,  Mr.  Simpson  retired  from  the  boards 
of  the  theatre,  confining  himself  solely  to  the  duties  of  man- 
agement, occasionally  appearing  in  one  of  his  old  characters 
on  his  benefit  nights,  which  were  always  crowded  by  his 
friends,  for  few  men  numbered  more  or  warmer  ones. 

On  the  death  of  Mr.  Price,  in  1840,  Mr.  Simpson  was  sup- 
posed to  have  become  the  sole  lessee  of  the  theatre,  though 
his  name  did  not  appear  in  the  heading  of  its  bills,  the  an- 
nouncements being  usually  issued  as  from  "the  manage- 
ment." 

The  terrible  revulsion  in  the  value  of  real  estate  which  fol- 
lowed the  almost  universal  bankruptcy  of  1837-38,  gave 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


263 


a  fatal  blow  to  the  private  fortune  of  Mr.  Simpson,  who  was 
deeply  involved  in  land  speculations,  and  the  unexpected 
(allure  ofVestris  and  her  husband,  of  whom  great  anticipa- 
tions had  been  formed,  gave  a  downward  tendency  to  the 
destiny  of  the  theatre  from  which  it  never  recovered. 

From  this  period,  with  an  occasional  spasmodic  exception, 
every  effort,  however  apparently  judicious,  seemed  attended 
with  ill  success;  lectures  became  the  rage,  and  continued 
qourses  were  delivered  nightly  by  the  most  brilliant  and 
eminent  men  in  the  country,  while  the  unceasing  efforts  of 
fashionable  cliques  to  establish  the  Italian  opera  caused  the 
theatre  to  be  neglected,  and  attractions  that  would  once  have 
Commanded  overflowing  houses  were  now  presented  to  bare 
walls  and  empty  benches.  Again,  though  the  rent  paid  for 
the  building  was  enormous,  the  proprietors  could  rarely  be 
persuaded  to  allow  a  cent  even  for  its  external  embellish- 
ment, so  that  its  appearance  rather  repulsed  than  attracted 
strangers ;  and  in  its  last  days,  owing  to  the  entire  removal  of 
the  old  residents  of  the  neighborhood,  it  wras  too  remote  from 
the  centre  of  population  to  make  it  the  accustomed  lounge  of 
those  who  had  once  been  seen  almost  nightly  within  its  walls. 
The  end  was  utter  ruin. 

June  5th,  1848,  was  the  last  night  of  the  management  of 
Mr.  Simpson,  who,  in  conclusion,  issued  the  following  card: 
u  Mr.  Simpson,  in  retiring  from  the  management  of  the  Park 
Theatre,  which,  as  stage  and  acting  manager,  he  has  held  for 
thirty-eight  years,  returns  his  thanks  to  his  friends  and  the 
public  for  their  generous  support  during  that  long  period." 
Only  ten  performers  of  all  who  had  prospered  under  his  fost- 
ering care  were  left  to  assist  on  the  last  night,  and  these  were 
Messrs.  Barry,  Bass,  Grattan,  S.  Pearson, Povey, Mrs.  Barry,  Mi  s. 
E.  Knight,  Mrs.  Dyott,  Miss  Kate  Horn  and  Miss  Flynn.  Alas  ! 
For  this  the  end  of  all  his  greatness.  He  resigned  the  lease  of 
the  theatre  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Hamblin,  on  the  condition 
<>f;i  life  annuity — fifteen  hundred  dollars,  if  our  memory  i> 
correct;  but  grief  and  mortification  at  the  total  wreck  of  his 
fortunes,  worked  bitterly  on  his  feelings,  and  with  a  dejected 


- 

264  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

spirit  and  a  broken  heart,  he  lingered  but  a  short  time  in 
this  troublous  world  after  the  completion  of  this  arrange- 
ment, dying  on  the  31st  of  July,  in  the  same  year,  at  the  age 
of  64. 

The  benevolent  feelings  of  personal  and  professional  friends 
were  immediately  aroused,  and  though,  from  various  obstacles, 
action  seemed  deferred  and  tardy,  yet  his  widow  and  family 
finally  had  no  cause  of  complaint  for  the  want  of  efforts 
made  for  their  relief.  Under  the  direction  of  an  influential 
committee,  with  the  gratuitous  aid  of  the  performers,  an  enter- 
tainment for  that  purpose  was  given  at  the  Park  (then  man- 
aged by  Mr.  Hamblin),  on  the  7th  of  December,  1848,  of  which 
we  insert  the  entire  bill  to  show  the  forgetfulness  of  self 
evinced  by  the  volunteers,  and  their  willingness  to  assume 
any  character  to  insure  the  best  result,  there  being  no  less 
than  five  gentlemen  in  the  cast  who  had  played,  and  might 
justly  have  laid  claim  to  the  principal  character  of  the  play. 

The  School  for  Scandal — Sir  Peter,  Mr.  Placide ;  Sir  Oliver, 
Barton;  Joseph,  Barry;  Charles,  G.  Barrett;  Crabtree,  Blake; 
Sir  Benjamin,  Richings ;  Careless,  Walcot ;  Sir  Harry,  H.  Hunt ; 
Rowley,  Stafford ;  Moses,  Povey ;  Snake,  Morehouse ;  Trip, 
Dawson ;  Lady  Teazle,  Mrs.  Shaw ;  Lady  Sneerwell,  Mrs.  Gil- 
bert ;  Mrs.  Candour,  Mrs.  Winstanley ;  Maria,  Miss  Mary 
Taylor. 

Cavatina,  from  Ernani,  Signorina  Truffi. 

Pas  de  deux — Mons.  and  Mad.  Monplaisir. 

Comic  Song — "Debating  Society" — W.  B.  Chapman. 

Trio — Trufii,  Signori  Benedetti  and  Rossi,  with  violin  obli- 
gate, Mast.  Giovanni  Sconcia. 

On  the  8th,  Mr.  Macready  read  the  tragedy  of  "  Hamlet,"  at 
the  Stuyvesant  Institute,  for  the  same  benevolent  object.  On 
the  14th,  at  the  Olympic,  Mr.  Mitchell  gave  a  night,  assisted 
by  Messrs.  Holland,  Nickinson,  Arnold,  Conover,  Reynolds, 
Miss  Clarke,  Miss  Gannon,  Miss  M.  Phillips,  Miss  Roberts, 
Miss  Partington,  &c.  Mr.  Chanfrau,  at  the  National,  followed 
on  the  21st,  playing  his  great  character  of  Mose,  and  supported 
by  J.  R.  Scott,  R.  J.  Jones,  Tilton,  Pardey,  Herbert,  Dawes, 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


265 


Seymour,  T.  G.  Booth,  Miss  E.  Mestayer,  Mrs.  Woodward,  Miss 
Gordon,  Mrs.  G.  Chapman  and  others. 

Burton,  on  the  5th  of  March  ensuing,  also  contributed  a 
night,  with  Mrs.  Vernon,  Miss  Caroline  Chapman,  Mrs.  A. 
Knight,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brougham,  Geo.  Jordan,  T.  Johnson, 
(laymond,  &c.  Mr.  Fry,  at  the  Astor  Opera  House,  had  also 
given  a  grand  musical  entertainment  on  the  11th  of  January, 
aided  by  the  talents  of  Mesdames  Laborde,  Truffi  and  Amalia 
Patti,  with  Signori  Benedetti,  Rossi,  Patti  and  Monsieur 
Laborde. 

Their  various  results  we  have  now  forgotten,  but  we  cannot 
doubt  that  their  united  contributions  were  as  substantial  as 
their  motives  were  praiseworthy. 

The  second  appearance  of  Mrs.  Mason  on  the  27th  of  Octo- 
ber, as  Widow  Cheerly,  in  the  "Soldier's  Daughter,"  to  the 
Frank  Hearlall  of  Mr.  Simpson,  did  away  with  the  disagree- 
able impression  left  by  her  Mrs.  Beverly,  and  her  great  spirit, 
liveliness  and  humor  soon  established  her  as  the  first  actress 
of- her  time  in  high  and  dashing  comedy.  Juliana,  Catharine, 
Viol  ante,  Lady  Tovrniy,  Mrs.  Oakley  and  Mrs.  Sullen  had  had 
no  representative  worthy  to  be  compared  with  her  since  the 
departure  of  Mrs..  Johnson ;  and  in  Lady  Teazle,  the  best 
critics  for  many  years  allowed  that  she  entirely  eclipsed  all 
rivalry.  Mrs.  Mason  played  for  two  seasons  at  the  Park,  and 
was  then  engaged  for  Philadelphia — married  Mr.  Entwistle  in 
1816,  and  resumed  her  old  situation  at  the  Park,  with  undi- 
minished success,  during  the  seasons  of  1818-19  and  1821-22. 
From  1825  to  1828  she  was  one  of  the  main  attractions  of  the 
Chatham  Garden  Theatre,  about  which  time,  being  again  a 
widow,  she  contracted  a  marriage  with  a  Mr.  Crooke,  with 
whom  she  afterward  played  in  the  Southern  theatres.  She 
died  at  New  Orleans,  in  1835. 

To  give  a  just  idea  of  this  lady's  merit,  we  copy  the  re- 
marks of  an  eminent  critic  on  her  Widow  Cheerty :  "The 
polished  manners  and  elegant  deportment  of  the  woman  of 
fashion  were,  in  Mrs.  Mason's  Widow,  blended  with  the  be- 
witching sportiveness  and  undefinable  fascination  of  high 


266 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


comedy.  Throughout  the  whole  of  her  performance  there 
was  nothing  that  approximated  vulgarity,  nothing  coarse, 
nothing  forced,  nothing  studied,  nothing  which  the  most  fas- 
tidious taste  would  wish  otherwise,  but  all  was  of  that  refined, 
polished,  yet  natural  and  pungent  quality  of  humor,  that 
skillfully  attenuated  pleasantry,  which  casts  a  mild  sunshine 
over  the  heart,  filling  it  with  pure  enjoyment,  which  rather 
exhilarates  the  spirits  than  provokes  laughter,  and  imparts 
sensations  of  an  order  much  superior  to  those  of  mere  side- 
shaking  merriment.  Mrs.  Mason's  merit  is  of  that  sterling 
kind,  the  value  of  which  all  capacities  and  conditions  are  ca- 
pable of  perceiving  and  must  admire,  and  her  humor  is  dis- 
tinguished by  ease  and  elegance,  no  less  than  by  spirit  and 
vivacity." 

Although  anxious  to  acquire  distinction  in  tragedy,  she  fell 
in  that  line  far  short  of  her  excellence  as  a  comedienne. 

"De  Montfort,"  which  has  never  yet  met  with  the  success 
it  deserves,  was  brought  out  on  the  8th  of  November,  with 
the  annexed  cast: 


De  Montfort  . 
Renzevelt .  . 
Count  Friberg 


Mr.  Cooper. 
"  Young. 
"  Robertson. 


Jerome  . 

Jane  de  Montfort 
Countess  Friberg 


Mr.  Collins. 
Mrs.  Twaits. 
"  Young. 


"  Yes  or  No,"  a  little  farce  by  Pocock,  was  first  played  on 
the  20th,  as  follows  : 


Sir  B.  Oldstyle  .  . 
Charles  Fervor  .  . 
"Wm.  Seagrave  . 
Obadiah  Broadbrim 


Mr.  Collins. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Robinson. 

"  Doyle. 


Drab     .    .  . 
Corporal  Barrel 
Penelope  Snap 
Patty    .    .  . 


Mr.  Tyler. 

"  Twaits. 
Mrs.  Hogg. 
"  Young. 


The  first  representation  of  Dimond's  "Foundling  of  the 
Forest,"  on  the  27th,  was  attended  with  great  success. 


Count  de  Valmont 
Baron  Longueville 
Florian 

Bertrand  .  .  . 
L'Eclair  .  .  . 
Gaspard 


Mr.  Young. 

"  Doyle. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Robertson. 

"  Twaits. 

"  Collins. 


Sanguine 

Lenoir 

Eugenia 

Geraldine 

Rosabella 

Monica  . 


Mr.  Hallam,  Jr. 

'  Lindsley. 
Mrs.  Mason. 

"  Young. 

"  Poe. 

"  Hogg. 


"Venoni,"  a  drama  by  M.  Lewis,  followed  on  the  6th  of 
December,  was  played  a  few  nights,  and  has  now  long  been 
forgotten. 


Venoni 
Viceroy  . 
Lodovico  . 
Celestino  . 
Michael 
Jeronymo 


Mr.  Simpson. 

"  Young. 

"  Tyler. 

"  Robertson. 

"  Doyle. 

"  Collins. 


Benedetto 
Hortensia 
Veronica 
Josepha 
Teresa  . 
Sister  Luci? 


Mr.  Twaits. 
Mrs.  Twaits. 

'•  Hogg. 

"  Young. 

•'  Poe. 

"  Oldmixon. 


On  the  11th,  Mr.  Morrell,  a  gentleman  of  this  city,  made  his 


RKCORDS  OF  THE  NKW  YORK  STAGE. 


267 


debut  as  Rolla,  and  on  the  20th,  appeared  as  Octavian.  Some 
time  after  he  re-appeared  in  characters  many  degrees  lower. 

Colman's  comedy  of  the  "  Africans  "  was  first  played  on  the 
1st  of  January,  1810,  when  Twaits  made  a  great  hit  in  the 
character  of  Henry  Augustus  Mugg.  The  following  are  its 
characters : 

Farulho  Mr.  Tyler.  Henry  A.  Mugg  .        Mr.  Twaits. 

Torribal  "   Youno.  Fetterwell  ....     "     Hallam,  Jr. 

Madiboo  "    Simpson.  Marrowbone   ..."  Lindslet. 

Selico  .    .        ..."   Robertson.  Darina  Mrs.  Twaits. 

Demba  Lega  ...         "   Doyle.  Berissa   "  Youno. 

Daucan  "   Collins.  Sutta   "  Oldmixon. 

On  the  15th,  the  entertainments  were  brought  to  a  close, 
and  a  recess  of  several  weeks  ensued,  commencing  again  with 
"  Gustavus  Vasa  "  and  the  "  Africans,''  on  the  22d  of  February. 

Master  Payne  commenced  an  engagement  on  the  5th  of 
March  as  Rolla,  and  played  Zaphna  for  his  benefit  on  the 
12th,  when  was  also  brought  out  Allingham's  sprightly  little 
comedy  entitled  "Who  Wins,  or  the  Widow's  Choice,"  with 
the  following  cast :  Extempore,  Mr.  Twaits ;  Caper,  Mr.  Simp- 
son ;  Friendly,  Mr.  Anderson ;  Mole,  Mr.  Robertson ;  Trust, 
Mr.  Lindsley;  Widow  Bellair,  Mrs.  Poe.  On  the  14th,  the 
following  bill  was  announced  : 

The  Weft  Indian. 


Belcour  [his  first  appearance  in  America]        .    Mr.  Dwyer. 

Stockwell  Mr.  "Tyler.  Fulmer  Mr.  Collins. 

Major  O'Flaherty    .    .     "    Doyle.  Lady  Rusport .    .    .    Mrs.  Oldmixon. 

Captain  Dudley      .    .     "    Robertson.  Charlotte  Rusport  "  Mason. 

Charles  Dudley  ..."    Youno.  Louisa  Dudley     .    .     "  Young. 

Varland  "   Twaits.  Mrs.  Fulmer   ...     "  Hogg. 


Mr.  Dwyer  was  the  son  of  an  Irish  gentleman,  who  intended 
him  for  the  practice  of  the  law ;  but  becoming  disgusted  with 
that  profession,  he  made  his  debut,  contrary  to  the  wishes  of  his 
friends,  at  the  age  of  seventeen,  at  the  Theatre  Royal,  Dublin, 
with  a  success  that  confirmed  him  in  his  predilection  for  the 
stage ;  and  after  playing  in  various  provincial  theatres,  made 
his  first  appearance  on  the  boards  of  Drury  Lane,  May  1st, 
1802,  as  Belcour,  receiving  the  approbation  of  the  audience 
so  unequivocally,  that  he  was  immediately  installed  as  the 
light  comedian  of  the  theatre,  a  situation  that  he  held  for 
three  consecutive  years,  and  threw  up  in  consequence  of  the 
introduction,  on  that  stage,  of  Mr.  Elliston,  who  occasionally 
trenched  on  his  peculiar  line  of  business,  an  indignity  that 


268  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

Mr.  Dwyer  was  too  spirited  to  brook.  Arriving  in  this  coun- 
try in  1810,  he  made  his  debut,  as  above,  with  triumphant 
success — a  success  that  in  Belcour  was  richly  deserved.  He 
had  a  very  handsome  face  and  person,  a  frank  and  manly  ex- 
pression of  countenance,  the  most  polished  address,  a  fine 
voice,  an  inexhaustible  fund  of  animal  spirits,  and  in  light, 
dashing  comedy  was,  at  times,  almost  faultless.  Yet  he  was 
frequently  careless  and  inattentive  to  his  duties,  lacked  study, 
and  his  conception  of  character  wanted  that  nice  discrimina- 
tion which  seizes  upon  the  minutest  points,  and  renders  seem- 
ing incongruities  one  harmonious  whole.  Though  he  main- 
tained his  popularity  for  several  years,  playing  at  intervals, 
in  this  city,  until  1827,  he  lived  to  find  himself  neglected 
and  almost  totally  forgotten,  when,  after  a  lapse  of  twelve 
years,  he  appeared  on  the  boards  of  the  National  Opera  House, 
as  Falstaff,  May  30th,  1839,  being  his  last  attempt  at  acting. 
About  that  time,  he  gave  one  or  two  public  readings  and  lec- 
tures on  elocution,  and  is  supposed  to  have  died  in  New  York 
shortly  after. 

During  his  first  engagement  at  the  Park,  he  also  appeared 
as  Gossamer,  Goldfinch,  Ranger,  Archer,  Octavian,  Capt.  Ab- 
solute, Rover,  Vapid,  Tangent,  Mercutio,  Michael  Perez,  &c. 

Reynolds'  musical  play,  the  "Exile  of  Siberia,"  with  the 
charming  melodies  of  Mazzinghi,  was  brought  out  with  great 
success  on  the  27th  of  April. 

Daran  Mr.  Simpson.  Servitz  Mr.  Twaits. 

Count  Ulric  ....     "    Robertson.  Empress  Elizabeth   .    Mrs.  Young. 

Governor  '•   Tyler.  Sedona  "  Oldmixon. 

Baron  Altradoff      .    .     "    Young.  Alexina     ....     "  Mason. 

Patriarch  "    Hallam,  Jr.  Catharine  ....     "  Poe. 

Sir  James  Bland  Burges'  play  of  "  Riches,"  adapted  to  the 
modern  stage  from  Massinger's  "  City  Madam,"  was  played  on 
the  16th  of  May,  and  repeated  a  few  times.  Though  possess- 
ing great  merit  in  many  points,  the  character  of  its  hero  is  so 
repulsive  that  it  has  never  become  a  favorite  acting  play.  It 
was  thus  performed : 

Luke   .    .        ...    Mr.  Simpson.  Heartwell  ....    Mr.  Robertson. 

Sir  John  Traffic  ..."   Tyler.  Lady  Traffic   .    .    .    Mrs.  Mason. 

Sir  Maurice  Lacy    .    .     "    Doyle.  Maria  "  Young. 

Edward  Lacy     ..."    Young.  )     Eliza         ....     "  Poe. 

Mrs.  Mason  produced  for  her  benefit  on  the  13th  of  June, 
Reynolds'  drama  of  the  «  Free  Knights,"  with  the  following  cast: 


RECORDS  OF  THK  NKW   YORK  STAGE.  269 

Prince  Palatine      .    .    Mr.  Collins.  Zastrow     ....    Mr.  Dotle. 

Rayen9purg  ....     "    Simpson.  Christopher    ..."  Twaits. 

Baron  Ravenspnrg  .         "   Tyler.  Countess  Roland  .        Mrs.  Oldhixon. 

Count  Roland     .  Halum,  Jr.  Agnes  "  Mason 

Abbott  ..."  Robertson.  |    Ulrica  "  Poe. 


It  was  not  as  successful  as  many  of  his  other  pieces. 

Mrs.  Twaits  took  her  benefit  on  the  15th,  being  her  last  on 
the  Park  stage,  when  she  appeared  as  Isabella,  in  the  "  Fatal 
Marriage/' 

On  the  occasion  of  Mr.  Simpson's  benefit,  June  18th,  Mr. 
Bray  made  his  first  appearance  in  America  as  Solus,  in  "Every 
One  has  His  Fault."  He  proved  to  be  a  man  of  respectability, 
and  a  valuable  comedian,  and  was  connected  with  the  theatre 
during  the  next  season,  at  the  end  of  which  he  was  engaged 
for  Philadelphia.  He  was  afterward  a  great  favorite  for 
several  years  at  Boston,  leaving  that  city  for  his  native  land, 
in  consequence  of  ill  health,  in  the  spring  of  1822.  He  died 
at  Leeds,  England,  a  few  days  after  his  arrival  there,  at  the 
age  of  40. 

On  the  22d  of  June,  Mr.  Tyler  announced  his  farewell  bene- 
fit, with  the  comedy  of  the  "  Poor  Gentleman,'"  in  which  he 
played  with  great  excellence  the  character  of  Lieutenant 
Worthington.  Mr.  Tyler  had  been  attached  to  the  establish- 
ment for  more  than  twelve  years,  and  had  given  universal 
satisfaction,  both  as  actor  and  singer,  and  his  loss  was  greatly 
regret-ted.  He  afterward  occasionally  appeared  for  brief 
periods,  and  was  greatly  esteemed  in  his  character  of  Host,  at 
a  favorite  summer  resort,  on  what  is  now  the  south-west 
corner  of  Spring  and  Hudson  Streets. 

On  the  29th,  for  her  benefit,  Mrs.  Young  played  Sophia,  in 
the  "  Road  to  Ruin,''  and  brought  out  another  of  Reynolds' 
pieces,  called  the  •'Caravan,"  which  was  received  with  much 
favor,  and  east  as  follows : 

Marquis  Calatrava  .    .    Mr.  Simpson.  Roderigo    ....    Mr.   Hallam,  Jr. 

Count  Navarro  ..."    Doyle.  Ferdinand  ....     "  Anderson. 

Don  Gomez   ....     "    Bray.  Julio  Miss  Jones. 

Blabbo  "    TwAITS.  Marchioness    .    .    .    Mrs.  Ym  n<;. 

Aral'bo  "   Robertson.        i     Rosa  «*  Poe. 

The  season  ended  on  the  4th  of  July,  with  the  "Free 
Knights''  and  the  "Caravan,"  and  with  it  ended  the  engage- 
ments of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Twaits,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Poe,  Mr.  and  Mrs 
Young,  Mr.  Tyler,  Mr.  Collins,  Mr.  Foster  and  Miss  White 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

■ 

Park  Theatre,  A.D.  1810-11. 

N  the  10th  of  September,  1810,  the  New  York 
Theatre,  still  directed  by  Cooper  and  Price,  with  Mr. 
Simpson  as  stage  manager,  commenced  its  new  season 
with  the  fine  comedy  entitled  "  She  Stoops  to  Conquer,"  thus 
cast : 

Sir  Charles  Marlow .    .    Mr  Doyle.  Diggory     ....    Mr.  Robertson. 

Young  Marlow  ..."    Simpson.  Landlord    ....     "  Claude. 

Hastings  "   Claude.  Mrs.  Hardcastle  .    .    Mrs.  Hogg. 

Hardcastle    .        .    .     "    Hogg.  Miss  Hardcastle  .    .     "  Mason 

Tony  Lumpkin  ..."    Bray.  Miss  Neville  ..."  Claude. 

The  afterpiece  was  the  "  Caravan,"  in  which  Mr.  Hogg  took 
Twaits's  part  of  Blabbo,  and  Mrs.  Claude  personated  the  Mar- 
chioness, formerly  played  by  Mrs.  Young.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Claude's  return,  after  an  absence  of  two  years,  was  a  source  of 
much  pleasure  to  the  audience. 

On  the  13th,  Mr.  W.  B.  Wood,  of  Philadelphia,  made  his 
first  appearance  in  New  York,  as  Count  de  Valmont  in  the 
"Foundling  of  the  Forest."  On  the  14th,  he  played  Don 
Felix,  in  the  "Wonder."  On  the  17th,  Penruddock  and  Sir 
Charles  Rackett ;  and  on  the  19th,  Rolla,  with  Simpson  as 
Alonzo,  and  Mrs.  Mason,  Elvira.  For  his  benefit  on  the  21st, 
he  personated  Count  de  Valmont,  and  Felix,  in  the  "  Hunter 
of  the  Alps,"  making  a  most  agreeable  impression  on  the 
audience,  and  playing  most  of  the  above  characters  with 
marked  excellence.  Mr.  Wood  was  born  in  the  city  of  Mont- 
real, on  the  26th  of  May,  1779.  His  father,  who  had  been  a 
resident  of  New  York,  left  the  city  for  Canada,  when  the 
British  took  possession,  returning  on  its  evacuation  in  1783, 
and  bringing  with  him  our  hero,  who  was  kept  at  school  1 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


271 


until  he  reached  eleven,  at  which  age  he  was  placed  in  a 
counting-house.  He  was  afterward  in  an  attorney's  office, 
and  then  again  attempted  a  commercial  life,  making  a  voyage 
to  the  West  Indies,  whence  he  returned  "extremely  poor, 
somewhat  profligate,  and  very  proud/'  Difficulties  ensuing, 
while  still  in  his  minority  he  was  imprisoned  for  debt  in  the 
Philadelphia  jail,  where,  meditating  on  his  condition  and 
prospects  in  life,  he  resolved,  on  the  earliest  opportunity,  to 
attempt  the  stage,  which  he  did  soon  after  his  release,  at 
Wigiielfs  Theatre,  in  Annapolis,  as  George  Barnwell,  making, 
however,  a  complete  failure.  Abandoning  the  stage,  he  again 
engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits,  but  becoming  disgusted  with 
them,  persuaded  Mr.  Wignell  to  give  him  another  trial,  and 
after  appearing  in  very  inferior  parts,  finally  made  something 
of  a  hit  as  Dick  Dowlas,  when  the  "  Heir  at  Law"  was  first 
produced  in  Philadelphia.  In  1799,  he  was  appointed  treas- 
urer of  the  theatre,  and  afterward,  as  an  actor,  worked  his 
way  gradually  to  an  enviable  reputation.  When  Mr.  Wignell 
died,  in  1803,  Mr.  Wood  became  assistant  manager  with  Mr. 
Warren,  and  in  that  year  visited  England,  for  the  purpose  of 
bringing  out  recruits  for  the  company.  On  the  30th  of  Jan- 
uary, 1804,  he  married  Miss  Westray,  and  was  ever  after  held 
in  the  highest  esteem  as  an  actor  and  as  a  gentleman.  Mr. 
Wood  remained  one  of  the  managers  of  the  Chestnut  Street 
Theatre  until  1826,  and  was  afterward  lessee  of  the  Arch 
j  Street  Theatre,  but  in  the  latter  part  of  his  career  met  with 
many  reverses,  seriously  impairing  the  ample  fortune  he  had 
previously  acquired. 

Mr.  Wood  took  a  formal  leave  of  the  stage  at  the  Walnut 
Street  Theatre,  November  18th,  1846,  at  a  truly  complimentary 
benefit,  tendered  him  by  the  most  eminent  citizens  of  Phila- 
delphia. He  appeared  on  the  occasion  as  Sergeant  Austerlilz,  in 
the  drama  of  the  "  Old  Guard  " — a  most  appropriate  selection  for 
the  last  remaining  veteran  of  that  corps  which  had  included  on 
its  roll  the  names  of  Cooper,  Fennell,  Merry,  Darley,  Duff,  Jef- 
ferson, Warren,  Francis,  Burke  and  others,  and  had  been  dis- 
|  tinguished  throughout  the  land  as  being  the  best  drilled  and 


272 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


most  efficient  company  of  comedians  known  to  the  Western 
World.  In  1855  Mr.  Wood  published  his  "  Personal  Recollec- 
tions of  the  Stage,"  which  should  be  in  the  hands  of  all  who 
have  a  prejudice  against  the  profession.  He  died  at  Philadel- 
phia, September  21st,  1861,  in  the  eighty-third  year  of  his  age. 

His  biographer  remarks  that  "his  forte  was  decidedly  gen- 
teel comedy,  but  he  succeeded  admirably  well  in  tragedy  too. 
His  striking  excellence  was  a  never-failing  knowledge  of  his 
author,  both  as  to  sentiment  and  language.    His  reputation 
was  not  so  much  the  effect  of  natural  endowments,  as  the 
legitimate  offspring  of  long  and  unwearied  application,  per- 
severing ambition,  and  an  enthusiastic  love  of  the  profession, 
which  he  embraced  almost  through  necessity.    These  quali- 1 
ties  enabled  him  to  combat  and  finally  to  defeat  the  disad- 
vantages of  a  delicate  frame  and  an  unmelodious  voice,  and  i 
they  gained  him  a  reputation,  at  one  time,  scarcely  surpassed  j 
on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic.    They  were  enforced,  indeed,  by 
the  advantages  of  a  person  tall  and  genteel,  a  deportment 
easy  and  graceful,  manners  engaging  and  polite,  and  a  most 
amiable  character  in  private  life." 

On  the  28th  of  September,  another  Mrs.  Stanley  made  her 
debut  in  America,  in  the  character  of  Adelgitha.  She  was  not 
equal,  in  the  highest  walks  of  the  drama,  to  actresses  who 
had  preceded  her,  but  she  was  a  woman  of  good  sense,  and 
seldom  violated  any  principle  of  taste  or  propriety,  and  in 
many  characters  gave  great  satisfaction.  She  afterward  be- 
came Mrs.  Aldis,  and  continued  on  the  Park  stage  until  the 
summer  of  1817.  She  subsequently  returned  to  England,  and 
played  there  for  many  years. 

Mr.  Stanley,  her  husband,  was  announced  on  the  1st  of 
October,  in  the  "  Rivals,"  as  Sir  Anthony  Absolute,  and,  though 
not  devoid  of  merit,  was  afflicted  with  an  infirmity  which  un- 
fits the  most  talented  for  the  stage — deafness.  He  played  for 
a  while,  but  a  lingering  illness,  which  finally  resulted  in  his 
death,  compelled  him  to  retire  before  the  end  of  the  season. 

October  10th,  Dimond's  play,  "The  Doubtful  Son,  or  the 
Secrets  of  a  Palace,"  was  brought  out,  as  follows : 


KING  RICHARD  III 

Engraved  by  Pc^ht  from  a  painting  by  D 
(German) 


RKCORDS  OF  THK   XKW  YORK  STAGE. 


273 


Marquis  Lerida  .    .    .  Mr.  Robertson.  Notary  Mr.  Hogg. 

Malvogli      ....     "   Doyle.  Vasques     ....     a  Thornton 

Fabuletto  '*   Simpson.  Victoria     ....    Mrs.  Mason. 

Borachio  "    Hallam,  Jr.  Rosaviva   ....     "  Stanley. 

Leon  "   Claude.  Floribel     ...         "  Oldmixon. 

C.J.  Eyre's  comedy  of  "High  Life  in  the  City"  was  sue 
cessfully  produced  on  the  19th,  with  annexed  cast: 

Duplex     .    .        .    .  Mr.  Hogg.  Juvenile    ....    Mr.   Hallam,  Jr. 

Pimento  "   Robertson.  John  Woulds  ..."  Bray. 

Crastinus      ....     "   Simpson,  Lady  Janet    .    .    .    Mrs.  Mason. 

Connaught    ....     "    Stanley.  Miss  Duplex  u  Oldmixon. 

Henry  "    Claude.  Emily  11  Stanley. 

Capt.  Frazer  ....     "    Doyle.  Jenny  Miss  Ryckman. 


On  the  31st,  little  Miss  Jones  made  quite  a  hit  as  Tom 
Thumb — Mr.  Bray  personating  Lord  Grizzle,  and  Mrs.  Old- 
mixon Queen  Dollalolla. 

Mr.  Fennell,  after  an  absence  of  four  years,  commenced  an 
engagement  on  the  2d  of  November,  as  Othello,  and  afterward 
appeared  as  Richard  III.,  Pierre,  Macbeth,  &c,  giving  evidence 
that  his  once  brilliant  histrionic  abilities  were  becoming  sadly 
shattered.  This  is  believed  to  have  been  his  last  engagement 
in  New  York. 

A  Mr.  Doige  made  his  first  appearance  in  America  on  the 
19th,  as  Governor  Heartall,  and  Ralph  in  "Lock  and  Key." 
He  afterward  played  several  of  Twaits's  parts,  but  was  not 
connected  with  the  company  any  subsequent  season. 

But  it  was  not  until  the  21st  of  November,  that  the  great 
gun  of  the  campaign  was  fired,  in  the  announcement  of 
George  Frederick  Cooke,  who  on  that  evening  made  his  first 
appearance  on  the  American  stage,  in  his  celebrated  character 
of  Richard  III.,  to  an  audience  more  numerous  than  had 
ever  before  been  crowded  within  the  walls  of  the  theatre.  He 
played  seventeen  nights,  the  receipts  averaging  for  each 
$1,263,  his  debut  $1,820,  and  his  benefit  $1,878.  His  first 
characters  were  Richard,  Sir  Pertinax  McSycophant,  Shylock 
and  Sir  Archy  McSarcasm,  each  played  three  times;  Sir 
(riles  Overreach  and  Falstaff,  both  repeated ;  Glenalvon,  Zan- 
ga,  Macbeth  and  Cato.  It  is  somewhat  remarkable  that  at  a 
benefit  for  the  poor,  given  on  the  21st  of  December,  his  ap- 
pearance as  Shylock  only  commanded  $467. 

Mr.  Cooke  was  born  in  Dublin,  in  1755  (his  father  being  a 
subaltern  in  the  regiment  of  the  garrison),  and  brought  to 

35 


274  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 

England  in  infancy,  where  he  received  his  education.  His 
first  attempt  at  theatricals  was  in  a  play  at  school,  in  the 
character  of  Horatio,  completely  triumphing  over  the  Hamlet 
of  the  night  in  the  applause  of  the  audience. 

In  1771  he  went  to  sea,  and  on  his  return  was  put  to  the 
printing  trade,  but  resolving  to  become  a  player,  he  made  his 
first  public  appearance  at  Brentford,  in  the  spring  of  1776,  as 
Dumont,  in  "  Jane  Shore,"  and  his  first  in  London  at  the  Hay- 
market,  in  1778,  as  Castalio,  in  the  "  Orphan."  He  afterward  ' 
played  in  the  provincial  theatres,  and  at  Dublin,  with  great 
success,  and  finally  met  with  a  brilliant  reception  on  his  first 
appearance  at  Covent  Garden,  on  the  31st  of  October,  1800,  as 
Richard  III.,  his  own  subsequent  triflings  with  his  audience 
alone  keeping  him  from  the  highest  station  in  the  metropolis. 
As  an  actor,  his  genius  was  of  the  loftiest  kind.  Nature  and 
impulse  were  his  only  guides.  He  completely  eclipsed  all 
who  had  been  seen  before  him  in  this  country,  and  has  re- 
mained unequaled  in  some  characters,  except  by  Kean  and 
Booth.  Like  the  latter  great  but  wretched  man,  he  often  dis- 
appointed his  warmest  friends  by  his  infatuated  devotion  to 
the  damning  bowl,  whose  poisoned  liquid  completely  unfitted 
him  for  his  duties,  and  ultimately  brought  him  to  the  grave. 
It  was  while  under  the  effects  of  one  of  his  bacchanalian 
revels  that  Cooper  persuaded  him  to  engage  for  America — a 
step  that  he  probably  never  would  have  taken  in  his  sober 
moments,  but  which  he  had  no  cause  to  regret.  Mr.  Cooke's 
last  appearance  in  New  York  was  in  the  character  of  Sir  Per- 
tinax,  June  22d,  1812,  and  his  last  appearance  on-  any  stage 
was  in  Boston,  July  31st,  as  Sir  Giles  Overreach.  He  died  in 
New  York  on  the  26th  of  September,  1812,  aged  57  years  and 
five  months,  and  was  interred  in  St.  Paul's  churchyard,  where, 
in  1821,  a  handsome  monument  was  erected  to  his  memory  by 
Edmund  Kean.  In  1794  Mr.  Cooke  married  Miss  Alicia 
Daniels,  a  favorite  vocalist,  who  soon  after  deserted  him, 
and  the  marriage  was  declared  null  and  void.  His  second 
wife  was  a  Miss  Lamb,  whom  he  brought  to  London  in  1808 ; 
and  his  third,  whom  he  married  in  New  York  on  the  20th  of 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


275 


June,  1811,  was  Mrs.  Behn,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  Bryden,  keeper 
of  the  Tontine  Coffee  House. 

On  the  24th  of  November,  Mr.  Smalley,  who,  when  a  lad, 
had  sung  with  success  in  London,  made  his  first  appearance 
in  America  as  Edmund,  in  the  "Purse;"  and  on  the  26th,  Mr. 
McFarland,  an  actor  of  considerable  merit  in  "  Irishmen,"  and 
of  still  more  note  as  a  vocalist,  also  appeared  for  the  first  time 
in  America,  as  Major  G'Flaherty. 

A  capital  farce,  by  Pocock,  was  brought  out  on  the  5th  of 
December,  called  "  Hit  or  Miss,"  and  in  it  Mathews'  great  part 
of  Dick  Cypher  was  played  by  Mr.  Doige ;  Janus  Jumble  by 
Mr.  Simpson;  Jerry  Blossom,  Mr.  Bray;  O Daisy,  Mr.  McFar- 
land; Adam  Sterling,  Mr.  Doyle:  Clara,  Miss  Ryckman ;  Mrs. 
Honey  mouth,  Mrs.  Hogg;  Dolly  G  Daisy,  Mrs.  Oldmixon. 

u  A  New  Way  to  Pay  Old  Debts'"  was  first  rendered  popular 
by  the  appearance  of  Mr.  Cooke  as  Sir  Giles  Overreach — its 
only  previous  representative,  Mr.  Hodgkinson,  having  failed  in 
it  in  1801.    It  was  now  presented  with  the  following  cast : 

Sir  Giles   Mr.  Cooke  Mirall   Mr.  Doige. 

Wellborn   "  Simpson.  Tapwell     ....     "  Doyle. 

Lord  Lnvell  ....  "  Stanley.  Lady  AH  worth  Mrs.  Stanley. 

Allworth               .    .  Robertson.  Margaret  Overreach  .     "'  Mason. 

Justice  Creedy  "  Bray.  Froth  11  Hogg. 

January  1st,  1811.   Mr.  McFarland  enacted  Murtoch  Delany, 

and  the  celebrated  pantomimic  drama  of  "La  Perouse"  was 
first  played  thus : 

Perouse  Mr.  Roukktson.  Chimpanze     .    .    .    Mi.  Smalley. 

Conje  "    Brat  Umba  Mrs.  Mason. 

Kauko         ....     "    Simpson.  Mad.  Perouse  .    .    .     "  Wheatley. 

Patapaw  Doile.  Child  Miss  Delamater. 

Mr.  Knox,  from  the  Edinburgh  Theatre,  who,  in  serious 
i  characters,  proved  to  be  a  capable  but  very  unreliable  actor, 
.  made  his  drtmt  in  America  on  the  18th  of  January,  as  the 
t   Stranger,  and  played  till  the  end  of  the  season. 

On  the  21st.  the  "Poor  Gentleman"  was  announced — Lieiden- 
I  ant  Worlhington  by  Mr.  Knox;  Frederick  by  Mr.  James  Prit- 
chard,  from  the  Liverpool  and  Aberdeen  Theatres,  his  first 
appearance  in  America.  The  latter  gentleman  possessed  tal- 
ents of  a  high  order,  and  soon  worked  his  way  into  the  favor 
of  the  audience,  retaining  it  in  the  fullest  extent,  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  on  the  31st  of  January,  1823,  at  the 


276  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

age  of  35.  He  was  the  leading  stock  tragedian  for  many 
years,  and  was  also  quite  successful  in  low  comedy,  not  un- 
frequently  playing  such  dissimilar  characters  as  Lear  and 
Looney  McTwolter,  or  the  Stranger  and  Solomon  Lob  on  the 
same  evening. 

Mr.  Cooke  commenced  his  second  engagement  on  the  1st  of 
February,  as  Shylock,  his  new  characters  being  Pierre,  Falstaff 
(in  the  "Merry  Wives")  and  Lear,  which  he  played  for  the 
benefit  of  Master  Payne,  who  personated  Edgar,  on  the  1st 
of  March.  Mr.  Cooke's  brutal  indulgence  of  his  appetite 
greatly  marred  the  profits  of  this  engagement,  which  averaged 
nightly  only  about  $455,  excluding  the  night  when  Master 
Payne  played  in  conjunction,  when  they  reached  $827. 

On  the  8th  of  April,  Mr.  Cooper  made  his  first  appearance 
this  season  in  the  character  of  Hamlet,  and  was  received  with 
all  the  honors  to  which  he  had  been  long  accustomed.  On 
the  15th,  he  played  Shylock,  and  critics  then  first  perceived 
his  inferiority  to  Cooke,  who,  however,  deprived  him  of  but 
very  few  parts. 

On  the  same  evening,  the  modest  announcement  of  a  young 
gentleman's  first  appearance  as  Walter,  in  the  "  Children  of 
the  Wood,"  had  not  prepared  the  audience  for  the  great  treat 
that  was  presented  to  them  by  the  excellent  delineation  of 
that  character  by  Thomas  Hilson,  who,  though  at  this  time 
not  so  fine  an  actor  as  the  lamented  Harwood,  was  the  first 
who  had  appeared  since  his  death  who  could  lay  claim  to  his 
vacant  place,  which,  by  his  versatility  and  general  excellence, 
he  was  at  length  deemed  fully  adequate  to  fill.  He  was  a 
member  of  a  respectable  English  family  by  the  name  of  Hill, 
which,  on  adopting  the  profession,  he  converted  into  Hilson. 
Accustomed  to  amateur  theatricals  in  his  native  land,  he 
had  acquired  the  necessary  familiarity  with  the  business  of 
the  stage,  which  rendered  him  perfectly  at  ease  in  his  repre- 
sentations when  he  came  before  the  public.  His  fine  intel- 
lectual faculties  had  received  the  highest  cultivation,  his 
perception  was  clear  and  accurate,  his  countenance  manly 
and  intelligent,  and  his  ability  to  execute  equaled  the  cor- 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


277 


rectiiess  of  his  conceptions.  As  a  comedian,  his  humor  was  of 
the  most  bustling  and  vivacious  quality,  and  in  parte  of 
gayety  and  motion,  shifts  and  stratagems,  such  as  intriguing 
footmen  and  lying  valets,  he  was  in  his  element.  From  Fals- 
taff  to  Figaro,  in  Sir  Peter  Teazle,  Sam  Savory,  or  Somno, 
Touchstone,  Tony  Lumpkin  or  Tyke,  he  was,  equally  at  home 
and  equally  admirable,  and  his  Paul  Pry,  which  he  played 
here  over  two  hundred  nights,  was  the  very  apex  of  eccen- 
tricity. But  there  was  another  ground  on  which  he  excelled 
every  other  comedian  known  to  our  stage,  and  that  was  in  the 
exhibition  of  strong,  deep  feeling,  and  rough,  violent  passion; 
his  Rolamo  in  "Clarj,"  and  Farmer  Ash/ield,  his  Job  Thorn- 
berry,  Martin  Heywood,  and  Luke  the  Laborer,  were  literally 
perfection,  and  formed,  perhaps,  his  most  perfect  line.  He 
could  play  Richard  III.  remarkably  well,  and  Cooper  con- 
sidered his  Iago  the  best  on  our  stage.  In  the  buffo  charac- 
ters of  opera,  having  a  fine  baritone  voice,  he  also  won  great 
applause,  and  was  for  years  in  that  line  entirely  unrivaled. 
He  was  an  adept  in  the  painter's  art,  and  left  many  beautiful 
specimens  of  his  skill,  both  in  design  and  coloring. 

Mr.  Hilson  married  Miss  Johnson  (daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Johnson,  formerly  of  this  theatre)  in  August,  1825,  and  con- 
tinued in  New  York,  with  the  exception  of  one  or  two  seasons, 
until  the  summer  of  1831 ;  after  which  he  made  the  usual 
starring  tour  with  his  accomplished  wdfe — occasionally  reap- 
pearing for  brief  periods,  and  playing  for  the  last  time  at  the 
Park  Theatre.  August  1st,  1833.  He  died  very  suddenly  of 
apoplexy,  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  on  the  23d  of  July,  1834,  aged 
about  50.  His  wife  survived  his  death  less  than  three  years. 
His  only  daughter  was  then  adopted  by  the  benevolent  Mr. 
Simpson,  and  afterward  married  a  respectable  and  wealthy 
gentleman  of  New  York. 

On  the  24th  of  April,  Miss  Gordon  appeared,  for  the  first 
time  in  America,  as  Juliet,  and  subsequently  played  Amelia 
Wildenhei/n,  Cicely  Homespun,  &c.  She  was  not  long  a  mem- 
ber of  the  company. 

Mr.  Spiller,  from  the  Haymarket,  London,  made  his  bow  on 


278  RECORDS   OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 

the  26th  of  April,  as  Frederick,  in  "  Lovers'  Vows."  Juvenile 
tragedy  and  comedy  were  the  lines  at  which  Mr.  Spiller 
aimed,  but  his  abilities  were  developed  to  better  advantage  in 
the  more  eccentric  and  broadly  humorous  walks  of  the  drama, 
in  which  he  finally  acquired  a  very  distinguished  reputation. 
His  person,  though  well  formed,  was  rather  below  the  middle 
size ;  his  voice  was  powerful,  articulation  distinct,  and  action 
graceful ;  and,  witKal,  he  was  a  man  of  fine  literary  acquire- 
ments, using  his  pen  with  great  ease,  vigor  and  elegance.  He 
was  a  favorite  at  the  Park  and  Cnatham  Garden  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  in  the  year  1827.  His  widow  was 
attached  to  the  Park  many  years  after,  in  a  very  subordinate 
situation. 

Another  capital  comedian  was  first  introduced  to  the  audi- 
ence on  the  29th  of  April,  as  Dr.  Pang-loss.  This  was  Mr.  • 
Thomas  Burke,  who  had  played  in  Charleston  as  early  as  1802. 
He  fulfilled  several  engagements  in  New  York,  with  great 
applause,  and  was  long  a  member  of  the  Philadelphia  Theatre, 
ranking  as  a  low  comedian  with  the  first  artists  of  the  day. 
His  wife,  as  a  vocalist,  was  for  many  years  highly  esteemed 
for  the  great  sweetness  and  purity  of  her  voice,  albeit  it  * 
lacked  the  cultivation  now  deemed  essential  to  a  finished 
singer.  Mr.  Burke  died  at  Baltimore,  in  the  latter  part  of 
the  year  1824,  leaving  a  son,  Mr.  Charles  Burke,  whose  celeb- 
rity as  a  comedian  almost  equals  that  of  his  father. 

Mr.  Cooke's  third  engagement  commenced  on  the  6th  of 
May,  with  Richard  III.,  in  which  Mr.  Cooper  played  Richmond. 
The  latter  afterward  ajDpeared  as  Othello,  Beverly,  Alexander, 
Lothario,  Jaffier  and  Hotspur,  to  Cooke's  lago,  Stukely,  Clytus, 
Horatio,  Pierre  and  Falslaff.  Their  united  efforts  had  the 
effect  of  drawing  full  houses,  the  average  nightly  receipts 
being  over  $1,000. 

May  27th.  The  elegant  Dwyer  opened  as  Cheveril  in  the 
"Deserted  Daughter,"  playing  for  his  benefit,  on  the  7th  of 
June,  Belcour  and  Young-  Wilding-.  On  the  27th  of  June, 
for  Mr.  Simpson's  benefit,  Morton's  version  of  Scott's  "  Lady 
of  the  Lake,"  entitled  the  "  Knight  of  Snowdoun,"  was  per- 


RECORDS   OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


279 


formed,  with  Robertson  as  FUz-James,  Simpson  as  Roderick 
Dhu.  and  Mrs.  Mason  Ellen. 

Mr.  Cooke  again  played  for  a  few  nights,  and  on  the  26th 
of  June  appeared  as  Kite/?/,  in  "Every  Man  in  His  Hunior,"  to 
a  house  of  S697. 

The  season  terminated  on  the  5th  of  July,  with  "  George 
Barnwell "  and  "  La  Foret  Noire,"  having  proved  throughout 
unusually  brilliant  and  attractive,  and  being  the  first  on 
record  that  continued  to  the  end  without  taking  a  recess  in 
mid-winter. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Park  Theatre.  1811-12— Olympic  Theatre,  1812. 

Tff  CW  0  M  E  '  S  tragedy  of  "  Douglas"  commenced  the  en- 
•fie^sA  tertainments  for  the  season  at  the  Park  Theatre,  on 
the  evening  of  September  2d,  1811 ;  the  character 
of  Glenalvon  by  Mr.  Cooke ;  Young  Norval,  Mr.  Cooper ;  Old 
Norval,  Mr.  Doyle  ;  Lord  Randolph,  Mr.  Pritchard ;  Lady  Ran- 
dolph, Mrs.  Stanley  ;  Anna,  Mrs.  Wheatley  ;  concluding  with 
the  musical  farce  of  "Lock  and  Key" — Ralph,  Mr.  Hilson; 
Fanny,  Mrs.  Oldmixon.  On  the  4th,  Mr.  Cooke  appeared  as 
Richard ;  on  the  6th  as  Othello,  to  Cooper's  Iago ;  and  on  the 
9th  as  King  John,  to  Cooper's  Falconbridge.  The  afterpiece 
on  the  latter  evening  was  "  Fortune's  Frolic  " — Mr.  Hilson  play- 
ing Robin  Roughead,  and  Mr.  William  J  ones  making  his  first 
appearance  in  New  York  as  Old  Snacks.  Mr.  Jones,  afterward 
a  well-known  favorite,  both  as  actor  and  manager,  in  the  Phil- 
adelphia and  Western  Theatres,  was  at  this  time  about  thirty 
years  of  age,  and  had  had  some  little  previous  practice  in  the 
profession.  He  grew  to  be  a  respectable  actor  in  "  old  men," 
both  serious  and  comic,  and  was  for  several  seasons  attached 
to  the  Park  Theatre,  where,  however,  he  never  gained  that 
lavish  applause  bestowed  on  him  in  other  cities.  In  his  latter 
years  he  frequently  played  at  the  Olympic,  Franklin,  and  New 
Chatham  Theatres — dying  in  this  city,  at  the  residence  of  Mr. 
Forrest,  Dec.  1st,  1841,  aged  60  years,  and  in  very  straitened 
circumstances. 

On  the  11th  of  September,  Mr.  Cooke  played  Clyius,  to 


RRCORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK   STAGE.  28 i 

Cooper's  Alexander  the  Great;  on  the  13th,  Kitely,  in  "Every 
Man  in  his  Humor;"  on  the  16th,  Stukely,  to  Cooper's  Beverly, 
in  the  "  Gamester  f  and  on  the  20th,  Macduff,  to  Cooper's  Mac- 
beth. On  the  25th,  "  Othello  "  was  repeated,  when  Mrs.  Darley 
made  her  first  appearance  in  two  years  as  Desdemona,  retaining 
every  charm  of  mind  and  person  that  rendered  her  for  years 
so  prominent  a  favorite. 

Shakspeare's  play  of  "  Henry  VIII."  was  produced  on  the  2d 
of  October,  for  the  first  time  in  ten  years,  with  the  following 
cast,  which  only  needed  a  Mrs.  Johnson,  or  a  Mrs.  Melmoth, 
for  the  injured  Queen,  to  have  rendered  it  perfect,  Mrs.  Stan- 
ley, though  a  good  actress,  not  being  equal  to  the  part : 

King  Henry  VIII.   .    .    Mr.  Cooke.  Cromwell  ....    Mr.  Simpson. 


Cardinal  Wolaey     .    .  '*  Cooper.  Lord  Sands     ..."  Hilson. 

Campeius   "  Wheatley.  Lord  Chamberlain    .      "  Jones. 

Capucius   "  Hai.lam.  Jr.  Sir  Thomas  Lovell         "  Morrf.ll. 

Cranmer   "  Knox.  Sir  H.  Guilford   .         "  Hogg. 

Bishop  Gardiner     .    .  "  Doyle.  Queen  Katharine         Mrs.  Stanley. 

Buckingham  ....  "  Pritchard.  Anue  Bullen  ..."  Darley. 

Norfolk     .....  "  McFarland.       ,     Lady  Denny  ..."  Hogg. 

Suffolk   "  Carpenter.  Patience    •    .    .    .     "  Claude. 

Surrey   "  Darley.  Cicely  "  Wheatley. 


On  the  loth  of  October,  Mons.  Labottiere,  the  dancer,  made 
his  first  appearance  in  six  years,  in  the  ballet  "L'OfFrande 
d' Amour."  He  also  produced  the  pretty  little  piece,  "  Les 
Cinq  Savoyards,"  assisted  by  Mr.  Jones,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wheatley, 
the  Misses  Ryckman,  Miss  Delamater,  &c.  The  musical  farce 
of  the  "Bee  Hive,"  so  long  a  favorite,  was  first  played  on  the 
24th  of  October,  and  frequently  repeated. 

Mr.  Cooke's  engagement  terminated  on  the  4th  of  No- 
vember, when,  for  his  benefit,  he  appeared  as  Sir  Pertinax 
McSycophard.  Mr.  Mirvan  Hallam  (the  son  of  Lewis  Hallam 
the  second,  and  grandson  of  Lewis  Hallam,  the  first,  who  es- 
tablished the  drama  in  America  in  1752)  died  on  the  8th  of 
November,  aged  about  40,  and  the  next  evening  a  benefit  was 
given  for  his  wife  and  children. 

In  December,  Mr.  Cooke  again  went  through  a  round  of 
characters,  alternating  with  the  regular  stock  company,  who 
on  the  7th  appeared  in  Miss  Chambers'  drama,  entitled  "  Our- 
selves," then  first  performed  in  America,  as  follows  : 


Sir  J.  Rainsford  .     .    .    Mr.  Hogg.  Miss  Beaufort .    .  Mrs.  Darley. 

Sir  S.  Beaufort  "    Pritchard.  Unknown  Lady   .    .  "  Stanley. 

Fitzaubin  "    Simpson.  Mrs.  O'Shaunauhan  .  "  Oldmixon. 

O'Shaunauhan   ..."    McFarland.  Octavia     ....  "  Claddk. 


8b 


282 


RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Holman's  comedy,  the  "  Gazette  Extraordinary,"  met  with 
deserved  success,  being  performed  for  the  first  time  on  the 
27th,  with  the  following  cast: 

Lord  de  Mallory .    .    .    Mr.  Simpson.  (     Julia    .    .    .    .    .    Mrs.  Darlet. 

Sir  Henry  Aspen    .    .     "    Darlet.  Miss  Alford "...     "  Claude. 

Doct.  Suitall  ....     "    Hilson.  Mrs.  Leach     ..."  Oldmixon. 

January  1st,  1812,  "Blue  Beard"  was  thus  revived : 

Aboiuelique  ....  Mr.  Doyle.  Fatima  ....  Mrs.  Darlev. 

Ibrahim   "  Hogg.  Irene  "  Claude. 

Selim   "  Darlet.  Beda  "  Oldmixon. 

Shacabac   "  Hilson. 

In  the  second  act  a  pas  de  deux  was  introduced  by  Mr.  Ver- 
beeq,  and  his  pupil,  Mr.  Charruaud,  his  first  appearance  on  the 
stage.  The  latter  is  the  since-renowned  teacher  of  dancing, 
who  to  three  generations  successfully  imparted  grace  of  mo- 
tion and  elegance  of  deportment,  and  by  industry  and  good 
management  amassed  a  fortune. 

On  the  13th  of  January,  Mr.  Jefferson  commenced  an  en- 
gagement as  Solus,  in  "  Every  One  has  His  Fault ;"  and  on  the 
loth,  played  Cosey,  in  "  Town  and  Country,"  with  the  Reuben 
Glenroy  of  Mr.  Wood,  his  first  appearance  this  season.  The 
former  also  appeared  as  Toby  Allspice,  Tristram  Fickle,  Nicholas 
Rue,  Francisco,  ("Tale  of  Mystery")  Item,  Buskin,  to  Hil- 
son's  Apollo  Belvi,  in  "  Killing  no  Murder,"  first  performed 
on  the  24th,  Doctor  Last,  Stave,  ("  Shipwreck ")  Sampson 
Rawbold,  La  Gloire,  ("Surrender  of  Calais")  and  Captain 
Bertram. 

Mr.  Wood  personated  Tangent,  Egerton,  Count  Romaldi, 
Cheveril,  Sir  Edward  Mortimer,  Eustace  de  St.  Pierre  and  Felix, 
(in  the  "Hunter  of  the  Alps")  and  both  fully  sustained  their 
previous  excellent  repute. 

On  the  5th  of  February,  a  Mr.  Cleary  first  appeared  in  New 
York  as  Pierre,  in  "  Venice  Preserved."  On  the  7th,  he  per- 
sonated Fitzharding,  in  the  "  Curfew,"  and  on  the  1-lth, 
Othello,  for  his  benefit.  This  young  gentleman  had  lately 
made  his  debut  at  Philadelphia,  receiving  the  commendation 
of  critics,  and  having  a  handsome  face  and  person,  and  a  fine, 
melodious  voice,  it  was  hoped  that  he  would  become  an  orna- 
ment to  the  profession.  This  anticipation  was  not  realized, 
as  we  have  no  record  of  any  subsequent  appearance. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


288 


On  the  22d  of  February,  Mr.  Diirang  (whom  we  suppose  to 
be  Charles  Durang,  well  known  at  Philadelphia)  first  ap- 
peared in  New  York  as  Harlequin,  giving  great  satisfaction 
by  his  grace  and  dexterity. 

Kenney's  musical  farce,  called  "  Oh  !  this  Love,"  with  Hilson 
as  Tornado,  and  Mrs.  Darley  as  Lauretta,  was  first  produced 
on  the  26th,  but  as  audiences  grew  thinner,  it  was  deemed 
advisable  to  suspend  performances  for  a  time,  and  the  theatre 
was  closed  until  March  16th,  when  Mr.  Cooke  commenced 
another  engagement. 

Mr.  Twaits'  first  appearance  this  season  was  announced  on 
the  1st  of  April,  in  the  characters  of  Dr.  Pang-loss  and  Caleb 
Quotem ;  but  indisposition  prevented  the  fulfillment  of  his  en- 
gagement, and  the  house  was  again  closed  for  a  few  nights, 
re-opening  on  the  18th,  with  J.  N.  Barker's  adaptation  of 
Scott's  beautiful  poem  of  "Marmion."  It  was  well  put  on 
the  stage,  and  from  the  prejudice  then  existing  against  Am- 
erican authors,  announced  as  the  production  of  an  English 
dramatist,  and  thus,  with  its  fine  cast,  commanded  an  extra- 
ordinary success : 


Marmion   Mr.  Cooper.  Host     .    .  . 

King  James  ....  "  Pritohard.  Constance  . 

De  Wilton     ...  Simpson.  Clara  de  Clare 

Earl  Surrey  ....  "  Hogg.  Lady  Heron 

Fitz  Eustace  ....  "  Darley.  Janet    .  . 

Blunt  ."   "  HIL80N.  Abbess  .    .  . 

Lindsay   "  Doyle.  Prioress 


Mr.  McFarlano. 

Mrs.  Stanley. 

"  Darley. 

"  Oldmixon. 

"  Claud*. 

"  Hogg. 

"  Wheati.ev. 


On  the  20th,  a  Mrs.  Young,  who  had  played  in  Albany  and 
Montreal,  made  her  debut  here  as  Amanthis,  in  the  "  Child  of 
Nature,'' — this  lady  is  not  to  be  confounded  with  Mrs. 
Charles  Young,  noticed  in  a  previous  chapter — and  has  since 
been  widely  known  as  Mrs.  Hughes,  an  actress  of  great  gen- 
eral ability  during  her  prime  of  womanhood,  and  for  the  last 
ten  years  of  her  theatrical  career,  a  representative  of  "  old 
women"  at  Burton's  Theatre,  where  she  enjoyed  the  very 
highest  favor.  Her  last  appearance  in  this  city  was  in  con- 
junction with  Mr.  Burton,  at  Niblo's  Garden,  in  1859.  She  is 
still  living  (1866)  and  probably  75  years  of  age. 
.  On  the  same  evening,  Mr.  Simpson  made  a  hit,  as  the  Three 
Singles,  in  the  farce  of  "  Three  and  Deuce." 


284 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


On  the  29th,  a  comedy,  called  "  Lost  and  Found,"  by  M.  K. 
Masters,  was  introduced  to  the  New  York  audience,  Mrs. 
Young  playing  Emily,  and  a  Mr.  Graham  (of  whom  we  have 
no  previous  record)  personating  Wilmot. 

Another  version  of  the  "  Lady  of  the  Lake  "  was  given  on 
the  8th  of  May,  which,  with  the  following  cast,  became  very 
popular : 

Fitz  James    ....    Mr.  Pritchard.  Lady  Margaret    .    .    Mra.  Stanley. 

Roderick  Dhu     ..."    Simpson.  Ellen  "  Young. 

Earl  Douglas .    ..."   Graham.  Blanche  of  Devon .    .     "  Darley. 

Malcolm  "   Carpenter.  I 

On  the  13th,  an  entertainment  was  given  in  honor  of  the 
memory  of  George  Clinton,  formerly  Vice-President,  and 
lately  deceased,  the  building  being  appropriately  hung  in 
mourning.  The  play  was  "Gustavus  Vasa;"  a  monody  was 
recited  by  Mr.  Simpson,  and  the  beautiful  anthem,  "  Angels 
ever  bright  and  fair,"  was  sung  with  exquisite  taste  by  Mrs. 
Oldmixon. 

On  the  20th,  "Wild  Oats"  and  the  "Weathercock"  intro- 
duced Mr.  Leigh  Waring  to  the  American  public,  in  the  char- 
acters of  Rover  and  Tristram  Fickle.  He  subsequently  played 
Earl  Osmond,  Frank  Heartall,  Frederick,  ("Lovers'  Vows") 
Count  de  Valmont,  &c.  As  a  light  comedian,  he  possessed 
much  merit,  and  in  other  lines  displayed  considerable  versa- 
tility and  excellence. 

He  married  Miss  Caroline  Placide,  June  23d,  1814,  and 
their  daughter,  Mrs.  James  Wallack,  Jr.,  is  now  one  of  our 
most  popular  actresses.  Mr.  Waring  is  last  remembered  here 
in  1814,  and  we  presume  died  soon  after. 

Mr.  Yates,  who  soon  became  a  favorite  comedian,  made  his 
first  bow  in  America  as  Sir  Willoughby  Worrett,  in  "  Man  and 
Wife,"  and  Dr.  Lenitive,  in  the  "  Prize,"  on  the  25th,  meeting 
with  a  very  cordial  reception.  He  played  the  general  run  of 
low  comedy,  but  his  peculiar  forte  was  in  "  old  men."  He 
was  last  at  the  Park  in  1814. 

Mr.  Bernard  appeared  on  the  27th,  as  Sir  Peter  Teazle  and 
Mungo ;  and  on  the  30th,  for  his  benefit,  played  Lord  Ogleby 
and  Ruttekin,  in  "  Robin  Hood,"  but  he  had  passed  the  zenith 
of  attraction. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


285 


Beazeley's  farce  of  the  "  Boarding  House,"  with  Hilson  as 
Simon  Spatterdash,  and  Mrs.  Wheatley  as  Caroline  Whealsheaf, 
was  played  with  much  applause,  on  the  3d  of  June,  and  was 
long  a  favorite. 

Mrs.  Darley  brought  out  for  her  benefit,  June  8th,  a  piece 
by  Stephen  Clarke,  entitled  the  "  Kiss,"  cast  as  follows  : 


Count  Olmedo    .    .    .  Mr.  Pritchard.  Diego  Mr.  Hilson. 

Octavio  "   Doyle.  Orelia   ...  Mrs.  Darley. 

Leandro  "    Simpson.  Amarantha     ..."  Cladde. 

Lopez  "   Yates.  Phujbe      ....     "  Wheatley. 


Moore's  musical  comedy,  called  "  M.  P.,  or  the  Blue  Stock- 
ing," was  first  acted  in  New  York  on  the  12th,  and  though 
certainly  possessing  much  merit,  failed  to  attract. 

Mr.  Robertson  made  his  first  appearance  this  season,  on  the 
17th,  as  Abcellino,  being  warmly  greeted  by  his  old  admirers, 
and  on  the  22d,  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Darley,  Mr.  Cooke  made 
his  last  appearance  on  the  New  York  stage,  as  Sir  Pertinax 
McSycophant.  He  went  hence  to  Boston,  and  after  fulfilling 
his  engagement,  returned  here  only  to  die. 

Dimond's  pleasing  and  effective  drama  of  the  *  Peasant 
Boy  "  was  first  played  on  the  26th,  for  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Old- 
mixon,  and,  with  the  following  cast,  was  very '  successful,  re- 
taining its  popularity  for  many  years  : 

DukeAlberti.    .    .    .    Mr.'  Pritchard.  Julian  Mrs.  Darley. 

Baron  Montaldi  .    .    .     "     Simpson.  Duchess  Leonora  .    .     "  Stanley. 

Hypolito  "    Darley.  Olympia    ....     "  Oldmixon. 

Ludovico  "    Hilson.  Marinetta  ....     "  Claude. 

On  the  29th,  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Robertson,  who  played 
Alexander  the  Great,  his  brother,  Mr.  W.  Robertson,  first  ap- 
peared in  New  York  as  Cassander.  The  season  terminated, 
as  usual,  on  the  4th  of  July,  the  pieces  being  "  Bunker  Hill  " 
and  "  Tars  for  Tripoli." 

The  first  serious  opposition  that  the  theatre  had  to  contend 
with,  was  the  appearance  of  a  fully  organized  company  of 
comedians,  who  took  possession  of  the  building  then  known 
as  the  Circus,  on  the  east  side  of  Broadway,  corner  of  White 
Street,  combining  their  forces  under  the  management  of 
Messrs.  Dwyer  and  McKenzie,  with  Mons.  Breschard,  the 
equestrian  director,  and  thus  presenting  a  mixed  entertain- 
ment that  proved  very  attractive  to  many. 

The  dramatic  corps  was  composed  of  Messrs.  Dwyer,  Tyler, 


286  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

Collins,  Hogg,  Foster  and  Allen,  all  formerly  of  the  Park, 
with  Messrs.  McKenzie,  Fisher,  Southey,  Horton,  Drummond, 
Mrs.  Wilmot,  Mrs.  Bray,  Mrs.  McKenzie,  Mrs.  Allfort,  Miss 
Brobston,  Miss  Ellis,  and  last,  though  not  least,  in  either  size 
or  merit,  the  enormous  Mrs.  Melmoth,  who,  from  an  accident 
occurring  to  the  stage-coach  in  which  she  came  from  Phila- 
delphia, was  prevented  by  a  sprain  from  appearing  for  many 
weeks. 

The  establishment  was  now  called  the  New  Olympic  Thea- 
tre, and  cpened  in  due  form  on  the  20th  of  May,  1812,  with 
Morton's  comedy,  "  The  Way  to  Get  Married,"  cast  as  follows  : 

Tangent  Mr.  Dwyer.  McQuery    ....    Mr.  Horton. 

Capt.  Faulkner  ..."   McKenzie.  Ned  "  Drummond. 

TobyAlspice.    ..."   Fisher.  Lady  Sorrell  .    .    .    Mrs.  Allfort. 

Caustic  "    Socthet.  Julia  Faulkner    .    .     '*  Wilmot. 

Pashall  "   Foster.  Clementina    ..."  Brat. 

Master  Whale  followed  in  a  pas  seul,  and  Mons.  Breschard 
and  others  concluded  with  a  display  of  horsemanship. 

Mr.  McKenzie,  a  native  of  Scotland,  had  been  for  several 
years  attached  to  the  Philadelphia  Theatre,  where  he  had 
gained  a  reputation  in  the  performance  of  second  tragedy,  and 
parts  requiring  dignity  and  firmness  of  deportment,  for  which 
his  person  and  manner  gave  him  every  advantage.  His 
Scotchmen  were  also  deemed  far  above  mediocrity.  He  be- 
came intemperate  in  his  habits,  and  subject  to  despondency, 
in  a  fit  of  which,  it  is  supposed,  he  committed  suicide  by 
drowning  in  the  Delaware. 

Mrs.  Wilmot  has  been  heretofore  noticed  as  Mrs.  Marshall. 
Her  present  husband  was  a  comedian  who  played  here  in  1801. 

Mr.  Palmer  Fisher  (well  known  in  the  provincial  theatres 
of  England)  was  a  most  useful  and  versatile  actor,  playing 
every  thing,  high  or  low,  tragic  or  comic,  young  or  old,  being 
decently  respectable  in  all,  but  doing  nothing  so  well  as  in 
giving  to  the  dramatic  world  a  danghter,  who  has  reflected 
the  highest  credit  on  herself  and  her  profession — we  allude 
to  Miss  Alexina  Fisher,  now  Mrs.  Baker — for  many  years  the 
bright,  particular  star  of  the  Philadelphia  stage.  Mr.  Fisher 
was  one  of  the  earliest  pioneers  of  the  drama  in  the  West — 
was  again  in  New  York  the  latter  years  of  his  life,  and 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


287 


died  at  Boston  in  1827,  leaving'  a  widow,  who  has  since,  as 
Mrs.  Thayer,  gained  a  reputation  as  a  comic  actress,  in  cham- 
bermaids and  old  women,  second  to  none  in  the  country. 

Mr.  Horton  played  the  ordinary  run  of  old  men,  was  long  a 
resident  of  Philadelphia,  and  is  last  remembered  in  New  York 
in  1830.  Mr.  Southey  was  the  low  comedian  of  the  company, 
and  not  deficient  in  merit. 

Miss  Brobston  had  youth,  beauty,  and  a  fine  voice  to  recom- 
mend her,  but  lacked  ease,  grace  and  every  thing  like  finish  in 
her  style  of  acting.  She  made  her  first  appearance  on  the 
loth  of  May,  as  Mrs.  Mortimer,  in  "  Laugh  when  You  Can.'' 
Mr.  Drummond  was  a  mere  nobody,  but  afterward  acquired 
some  reputation  as  a  singer  and  dancer,  and  more  notoriety 
as  t  he  first  husband  of  Mrs.  Geo.  Barrett. 

Two  young  Whales  were  attached  to  the  company  as  dan- 
cers, one  of  whom  enjoyed  the  soubriquet  of  the  "Youthful 
Vestris,"  and  has  since  been  well  known  as  a  teacher  of  danc- 
ing in  this  city. 

Mrs.  McKenzie  made  her  first  appearance  in  New  York 
on  the  80th,  as  Amanthis,  in  the  "  Child  of  Nature." 
.  On  the  3d  of  August,  for  the  benefit  of  the  widow  and  six 
children  of  Mons!  Placide,  lately  deceased,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Iwaits  made  their  first  appearance  as  Grumio  and  Catharine, 
in  "  Taming  of  the  Shrew."  August  12th,  Mrs.  Melmoth 
took  her  benefit,  making  her  first  appearance  since  her  severe 
accident,  as  Fiemmetta,  in  the  "Tale  of  Mystery/'  This  was 
probably  her  last  engagement  in  New  York. 

"Timour  the  Tartar,"  a  grand  equestrian  drama,  by  M. 
Lewis,  was  brought  out  for  the  first  time  on  the  12th  of  Sep- 
tember, Mr.  Robertson  playing  Timour,  and  Mrs.  T waits  Zo- 
rilda,  and  was  for  a  time  very  attractive.  We  have  no  record 
of  the  fact,  but  are  under  the  impression  that  the  Olympic 
entertainments  closed  soon  after  the  commencement  of  the 
campaign  at  the  Park  Theatre. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

M 

Tark  Theatre,  1812-13  ;  1813-14— Commonwealth.  1813— Anthony  Street 
Theatre.  1814. 

N  the  7th  of  September,  1812,  the  regular  dramatic 
season  commenced  at  the  Park  Theatre,  with  Dun- 
lap's  drama  of  "  Abfellino  "  and  the  farce  of  "  Lock 
and  Key" — the  principal  performers  being  welcomed  back 
with  enthusiasm. 

On  the  9th,  a  sketch  introducing  various  patriotic  songs,  and 
entitled  u  Yankee  Chronology,"  was  produced  with  great  suc- 
cess, and  repeated  times  without  number.  The  country  being 
then  engaged  in  war  with  Great  Britain,  the  allusions  to 
various  American  victories,  with  which  the  piece  was  inter- 
spersed, was  sure  to  bring  out  the  most  stunning  demonstra- 
tions of  applause. 

On  the  16th,  Mr.  Warren  made  his  first  appearance  here  in 
fifteen  years,  in  his  favorite  character  of  Falstaff.  He  subse- 
quently played  Sir  Anthony  Absolute,  Old  Dornton,  Sir  Peter 
Teazle,  Miller  of  Mansfield,  Old  Dowdle  and  Major  Sturgeon, 
with  that  great  excellence  which  for  years  rendered  him  the 
sole  performer  in  that  line  on  the  Philadelphia  stage. 

In  the  "Road  to  Ruin,"  played  on  the  21st  of  September, 
Mr.  Francis  made  his  first  appearance  in  ten  years,  as  Old 
Sulky,  and  is  not  remembered  as  ever  appearing  here  again. 

On  the  28th  of  September,  the  debut  of  a  distinguished 
British  actor  attracted  a  brilliant  audience  to  witness  his  de- 
lineation of  Hamlet  Mr.  Joseph  George  Holman,  the  gentle- 
man alluded  to,  was  the  son  of  an  adjutant  in  the  British 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


289 


army,  descended  from  a  most  respectable  family,  and  born  in 
1764.  Having  imbibed  a  taste  for  theatricals  while  at  Soho 
School,  and  with  the  advantage  of  a  fine  classical  education 
at  Oxford,  he  made  his  first  public  appearance  on  the  26th  of 
October,  1784,  at  Covent  Garden  Theatre,  in  the  character  of 
Romeo.  "  The  strong  marks  of  genius,  the  traces  of  a  culti- 
vated mind,  the  accuracy  of  conception,  the  energy,  fervor 
and  sensibility  which  distinguished  his  performance  excited 
surprise  as  well  as  pleasure  in  the  audience,  and  the  flat- 
tering applause  he  received  confirmed  him  irrevocably  an 
actor."  He  played  three  successive  seasons  with  increasing 
approbation,  and  then  visited  Dublin,  Edinburgh,  &c,  return- 
ing again  to  Covent  Garden,  where  he  continued  till  1800. 
Early  in  the  year  1798,  Mr.  Holman  married  Jane,  daughter 
of  the  Hon.  and  Rev.  Frederick  Hamilton,  son  of  Lord  Archi- 
bald Hamilton,  and  grandson  of  the  Duke  of  Hamilton — this 
lady  died  June  11th,  1810. 

Induced  by  the  great  success  of  Cooke,  Mr.  Holman  deter- 
mined on  visiting  this  country  with  his  daughter,  a  young, 
elegant  and  accomplished  girl,  who  had  appeared  with  success 
at  the  Haymarket,  London,  and  who,  on  the  3d  of  October, 
made  her  first  appearance  here  as  Lady  Townly,  to  her 
father's  Lord  Townly,  a  character  in  which  he  stood  unri- 
valed on  the  London  stage.  The  triumph  of  both  was  com- 
plete, and  the  lady,  to  the  day  of  her  death,  was  allowed  to 
have  eclipsed  all  competition  in  the  part.  With  every  grace 
of  mind  and  person,  she  for  many  years  ranked  as  the  first 
actress  in  America  in  high  comedy,  and  her  merit  in  tragedy 
was  nearly  as  great,  so  that  her  services  in  1814  commanded 
two  hundred  dollars  a  night,  being  the  first  actress  who  ever 
received  that  salary  in  America.  About  the  year  1815,  she 
married  Charles  Gilfert,  an  eminent  musician,  and  the  first 
manager  of  the  Bowery  Theatre,  whose  connection  with  that 
establishment  ended  in  his  pecuniary  ruin  and  untimely 
death,  in  the  summer  of  1829.  His  widow's  spirit  sunk 
under  her  misfortunes,  and  she  abandoned  the  stage  to  seek 
a  livelihood  in  the  more  retired  vocation  of  a  school-teacher, 

37 


290  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

but  without  success,  and  her  necessities  again  forced  her  into 
the  profession.  In  July,  1831,  she  played  a  few  nights  at  the 
Park,  making  her  last  appearance  in  New  York,  on  the  26th 
of  that  month,  as  Lady  Constance,  in  "King  John."  She 
afterward  visited  Philadelphia,  where  she  died  in  poverty. 

Mr.  Holman's  career  in  America,  as  an  actor,  was  always 
triumphant,  but  his  attempts  at  management  at  Charleston, 
Philadelphia,  &c,  resulted  unfortunately.  He  died  of  apo- 
plexy, at  Rockaway,  Long  Island,  August  24th,  1817,  aged  53 
years,  having  married,  two  days  before,  the  beautiful  Miss  Lat- 
timer,  whom  he  had  engaged  as  the  principal  vocalist  for  the 
Charleston  Theatre.  This  lady,  afterward  Mrs.  C.  W.  Sand- 
ford,  will  be  remembered,  by  all  play-goers,  as  one  of  the 
most  charming  singers  ever  heard  on  our  stage.  Mr.  Holman 
always  retained  the  character  of  a  gentleman,  and,  besides  his 
distinction  as  an  actor,  acquired  great  credit  from  his  literary 
efforts.  Of  his  dramatic  pieces,  several  enjoyed  popularity 
for  a  long  time,  including  "Abroad  and  at  Home,"  "Red  Cross 
Knights,"  "Votary  of  Wealth,"  "What  a  Blunder,"  "Gazette 
Extraordinary,"  &c. 

Mr.  Holman's  characters  during  his  first  engagement,  be- 
sides those  before  mentioned,  were  Rolla,  Duke  Aranza,  Earl 
of  Essex,  Don  Felix,  Alexander,  Benedict,  Othello,  Joseph  Sur- 
face, Petruchio,  Lothario  and  Edgar.  His  daughter's  were, 
Juliana,  Countess  of  Rutland,  Violante,  Statira,  Lady  Contest, 
Beatrice,  Roxalana,  Desdemona,  Lady  Teazle,  Catharine,  Ca- 
lista  and  Cordelia. 

Reynolds'  musical  farce,  called  the  "Lake  of  Lausanne,  or 
Out  of  Place,"  was  produced  on  the  9th  of  October  with  great 
success,  and  frequently  repeated  with  the  following  cast : 
Cavaliero  Pomposo,  Mr.  Yates;  Young  Valtelline,  Simpson; 
Timothy,  Hilson ;  Lauretta,  Mrs.  Darley. 

On  the  11th  of  November,  a  comedy  called  the  "  Sons  of 
Erin"  met  with  considerable  favor,  Mr.  Yates  playing  the  part 
of  Oddley ;  Simpson,  Fitzaubin;  McFarland,  Patrick;  Mrs. 
Darley,  Lady  Anne  Lovell ;  and  Mrs.  Oldmixon,  Miss  Ruth 
Rivers.    The  same  evening  Mr.  Robertson's  first  appearance 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


291 


for  the  season  was  announced  in  the  character  of  Storm,  in 
"  Ella  Rosenberg." 

A  whimsical  farce,  called  "Try  Again,"  was  also  success- 
fully brought  out  on  the  13th,  thus  cast:  Duchesne,  Mr. 
Jones ;  Sidney,  Yates ;  La  Fourbe,  Hilson  ;  Rosalie,  Mrs.  Darley ; 
Lauretta,  Mrs.  Claude. 

The  popular  young  dancers,  the  Masters  Whale,  made  their 
first  appearance  here  on  the  18th ;  and  on  the  20th,  the  grand 
melo-drama  of  "  Timour  the  Tartar"  was  played  for  the  first 
time  here : 

Timour  Mr.  Simpson,  i     Prince  Agib    .  Miss  Jones. 

Oglou  "    Yates.  Zorilda  Mrs.  Stanlit. 

Kerim  "    Darlet.  Selima  .....     "  Claude. 

Sanballet  ....     "    Pritchard.  Liska  "  Darlet. 

In  December,  Mr.  Cooper  went  through  a  round  of  charac- 
ters with  his  usual  success,  and  on  the  11th  of  the  month,  a 
comedy,  called  "Right  and  Wrong,"  was  produced:  Neville, 
Mr.  Simpson ;  Farmer  Oakham,  Yates ;  Dick  Oakham,  Hilson ; 
Cecelia  Harcourt,  Mrs.  Darley. 

On  the  14th,  the  farce  of  "How  to  Die  for  Love"  was 
played  for  the  first  time,  with  the  following  cast : 

Baron  Mr.  Jones.  Trick  Mr.  Yatis. 

Thalwick  "    Simpson.  Trap  "  Hilson. 

Blumenfelt    ....     "   Pritchard.  Charlotte   .  Mrs.  Darlet. 

The  "  Sleep-Walker'  was  played  on  the  18th  of  January. 
1813,  and  with  Hilson's  great  excellence  as  Somno,  remained 
in  high  favor  for  many  years.    It  was  thus  performed : 

Sir  P.  Maguire  .    .    .  Mr.  Pritchard.  Sophia  ......  Mrs.  Claude. 

Squire  Rattlepate    .    .     "    Carpender.  Mrs.  Decorum     .    .  "  Hoqq. 

Alibi  "    Yates.  Susan    ......  Miss  Ellis. 

Somno  "  Hilson. 

An  intermission  of  a  month  followed,  during  which  poor 
Hogg  paid  the  debt  of  nature,  and  on  the  22d  of  February, 
the  entertainments  recommenced  with  the  comedy  of  "  Secrets 
Worth  Knowing a  patriotic  sketch  called  "  America,  Com- 
merce and  Freedom,"  and  the  "  Highland  Reel." 

On  the  24th,  Reynolds*  drama  of  the  "  Renegade  "  was  first 
played  in  America,  with  the  following  cast : 


Holey  Muloch     .    .    .  Mr.  Darley.  Alvarez 

Benducar  '•    Carpender.  Antonio 

Dorax  .    .        .    .         41    Simpson.  Pedro 

Mufti   "    Horton.  Jacques 

Dorvan  "    McFarland.  Olivia  . 

Sebastian  ....     "    Pritchard.  Almeyda 


Mr.  Allen. 

M  Hilson. 

"  Yatis. 

"  Jones. 
Mrs.  Claude. 

"  Dablit. 


It  was  not  very  successful. 


292  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

March  1st,  Mr.  Green,  after  an  absence  of  four  years,  made 
his  first  appearance  as  Old  Dornton,  in  the  "  Road  to  Ruin." 

April  7th,  for  the  first  time  in  America,  Dimond's  Eastern 
melo-dramatic  romance,  called  the  "  JEthiop,  or  the  Child  of 
the  Desert." 

The  J2thiop  ...        Mr.  Cooper.  Orasmyn   ....    Mrs.  Darlet. 

Almanzar     ....     "    Green.  Cephania  ....     "  Stanley. 

Giafar  "    Simpson.  Grimnigra     ...     "  Oldmixon. 

Ben  Moussaff ....     "   Yates.  Grumnilda     ..."  Hogg. 

Mustapha  "   Jones.  Zoe  "  Claude. 

Alexis  "   Hilson.  j     Immyne    ....    Miss  Dellingeb. 

To  conclude  with  the  "  Budget  of  Blunders." 

Growley       ....  Mr.  Yates.  i     Sophia      ....  Mrs.  Claude. 

Dr.  Smugface    .    .    .     "    Hilson.  Deborah     ...  "  Oldmixon. 

Dr.  Dablancoeur     .    .     "   Darley.  Bridget   *'  Hogg. 

Captain  Belgrave  "  Pritchard. 

Both  were  successful,  and  are  still  received  with  applause. 

On  the  5th  of  May,  Mr.  and  Miss  Holman  commenced  their 
second  engagement  as  Lord  and  Lady  Townly ;  their  new 
characters  were  Jacques  and  Rosalind ;  Drooply  and  Caroline 
("  Votary  of  Wealth  ") ;  Mrs.  Beverly ;  Macbeth  and  Lady  Mac- 
beth ;  Juliet ;  Posthumus  and  Imogen  ;  and  Julia,  in  the  "  Ga- 
zette Extraordinary." 

The  theatre  closed  on  the  18th  of  June,  but  re-opened  after 
a  few  evenings  with  "  He  Would  be  a  Soldier"  and  the  "  Forty 
Thieves." 

On  Monday,  July  5th,  the  National  Anniversary  was  cele- 
brated with  Dunlap's  untiring  "  Glory  of  Columbia,"  in  which 
Mr.  Green  personated  General  Washington ;  Mr.  Simpson, 
Andre;  Mr.  Hilson,  David  Williams  ;  Mrs.  Stanley,  Mrs.  Bland; 
and  Mrs.  Claude,  Honor  a.  A  monody  on  the  death  of  Cap- 
tain Lawrence  was  recited  by  Mr.  Cooper,  followed  by  a  sketch 
called  "  Freemen  in  Arms." 

The  "  Students  of  Salamanca,"  a  comedy  by  R.  Jameson,  was 
produced  on  the  12th,  cast  as  follows :  Don  Christoval,  Mr. 
Simpson;  Don  Daphnis,  Mr.  Hilson;  Aminta,  Mrs.  Darley; 
Angelica,  Mrs.  Stanley ;  Pertilla,  Mrs.  Claude. 

The  season  terminated  shortly  after. 

The  entertainments,  on  the  opening  night,  Sept.  13th, 
1813,  presented  nothing  requiring  critical  attention,  the 
plays  being  the  "Students  of  Salamanca"  and  the  "Forty 
Thieves." 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


293 


On  the  20th,  Mr.  Cooper  commenced  a  series  of  his  popular 
characters. 

It  was  now,  however,  that  the  establishment  was  to  meet 
with  a  more  powerful  opposition  than  it  had  ever  previously 
encountered.  The  Broadway  Circus,  corner  of  Broadway  and 
White  street,  was  re- opened  with  the  title  of  the  Common- 
wealth Theatre,  the  company  being  formed  on  the  sharing 
system,  under  the  general  direction  of  Messrs.  Twaits,  Gilfert 
and  Holland. 

Mr.  Twaits,  the  acting  manager,  was  efficient  and  thorough 
in  his  department ;  Mr.  Holland,  the  scene-painter,  we  have 
before  noticed  as  a  highly  distinguished  artist;  and  Mr. 
Charles  Gilfert's  eminence  as  a  musician  and  composer,  will 
be  acknowledged  by  all  who  remember  him  in  the  zenith  of 
his  popularity.  German  by  descent,  and  the  son  of  an  old 
music-teacher,  long  resident  in  the  city,  he  had  been  from 
boyhood  in  the  orchestra  of  the  Park  Theatre,  where  he 
acquired  a  thorough  mastery  of  the  violin,  and  his  taste  and 
skill  rendered  him  now  a  most  efficient  occupant  of  the  lead- 
er's chair  in  the  new  Theatre. 

For  many  years  during  Mr.  Gilfert's  residence  in  New  York, 
no  musical  entertainment  was  thought  complete  without  his 
name  gracing  the  programme.  About  1815,  he  married  Miss 
Holman,  whose  intellectual  tastes  and  personal  refinement 
were  said  to  have  been  far  superior  to  his  own.  Mr.  Gilfert 
was  the  first  lessee  of  the  Bowery  Theatre,  which  he  opened 
in  1826,  with  flattering  prospects  of  success ;  but  ruin  over- 
took him,  and,  bankrupt  in  fortune  and  worn  out  with  dis- 
appointments, he  expired  on  the  30th  of  July,  1829,  aged 
about  50. 

The  other  members  of  the  company  were  Messrs.  Holman, 
Dwyer,  Waring,  Burke,  Robertson,  Cauldfield,  Fisher,  Clark, 
Anderson,  Jacobs,  Hathwell,  Ringwood,  Fennel,  Jr.,  Miss  Hol- 
man, and  Mesdames  Twaits,  Burke,  Clark,  Goldson,  Horton, 
Bates,  &c,  most  of  whom  had  already  been  introduced  to  the 
New  York  public.  The  most  important  new-comer  was,  un- 
doubtedly, Mrs.  Cornelia  Frances  Burke.    This  lady,  the  wife 


294  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

■ 

of  Thomas  Burke,  before  mentioned,  was  born  in  New  York  in 
1796,  and  had  already  appeared  here  in  an  occasional  concert. 
Possessing  a  fair  share  of  ability  as  a  comic  actress,  with  a 
pleasing  face  and  person  and  an  exquisite  voice,  which,  in 
power,  purity,  and  sweetness,  was  unapproached  by  any  con- 
temporary, she  soon  eclipsed  all  rivalry  in  vocalism,  and,  till 
the  more  cultivated  style  of  Italy  was  introduced,  was  con- 
sidered the  model  of  all  excellence.  She  was  attached  to  the 
Park  for  two  or  three  seasons,  and  afterward  removed  to  Phil- 
adelphia, where  she  became  an  equally  distinguished  favorite. 
After  Mr.  Burke's  death  she  contracted  a  second  marriage, 
July  27th,  1826,  with  Joseph  Jefferson,  Jr.,  son  of  the  eminent 
comedian  of  that  name,  whom  she  also  survived.  In  the 
spring  of  1837  she  re-appeared  here  after  an  absence  of  ten 
years,  during  which,  time  had  made  such  sad  havoc  with  her 
voice  and  appearance,  that  few  of  her  warmest  admirers  could 
recognize  in  her  the  idol  of  their  earlier  days.  She  died  at 
Philadelphia  in  1850,  of  a  lingering  consumption,  leaving  two 
sons,  Mr.  Charles  Burke  and  Mr.  Joseph  Jefferson,  third,  the 
former  of  whom  acquired  great  repute  as  a  low  comedian 
during  his  brief  career,  and  the  latter  is  now  a  special  favorite 
throughout  the  world. 

Mrs.  Goldson  was  also  a  new  and  valuable  acquisition  to 
the  dramatic  corps  of  New  York.  She  soon  after  trans- 
ferred herself  to  the  Park,  where  she  remained  until 
1819 — an  excellent  actress  in  heavy  tragedy,  and  useful 
in  every  other  line.  She  became  Mrs.  Groshon  in  1816,  by 
which  name  she  was  afterward  well  known  in  the  theatres 
of  the  West. 

Mrs.  Horton  divided  the  "  old  ladies"  with  Mrs.  Clark,  and 
Mrs.  Bates  was  efficient  in  "  general  utility." 

Mr.  Cauldfield,  from  England,  had  first  appeared  in  America, 
at  Boston,  in  1806.  He  was  an  actor  of  considerable  ability, 
and  very  useful  in  various  departments.  He  died  at  Cincin- 
nati, in  April,  1815,  from  intemperance. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark  we  have  before  noticed — the  lady,  for- 
merly Mrs.  G.  Marshall,  and  originally  Miss  Harding — had 


CORNELIA   JEKFKRSON    (.MOTHER    OK    JOSEPH  JKKKKRSON). 


RECORDS   OF   THK   NEW   YORK   STAGE.  295 

greatly  improved  in  skill,  and  was  now  an  excellent  actress  of 
chambermaids  and  old  women. 

Mr.  Jacobs  was  the  vocalist  of  the  company.  Mr.  Fennell, 
Jr.,  did  not  betray  the  slightest  spark  of  his  father's  talent, 
being,  in  fact,  a  mere  cypher,  and  Mr.  Hathwell  was  after- 
ward well  known  at  Philadelphia  as  a  performer  of  old  men. 

The  season  commenced  here  on  the  first  of  November,  with 
the  comedy  of  the  "  Provoked  Husband,"  Mr.  Holman  and 
daughter  personating  Lord  and  Lady  Townly.  The  after- 
piece was  the  "  Padlock,"  in  which  Mrs.  Burke  made  her 


courtesy  as  Leonora. 

After  going  through  with  a  round  of  favorite  characters, 
Miss  Holman's  benefit  was  announced  on  the  29th,  with  Mr. 
Bernard's  first  appearance  here  as  Sir  Peter  Teazle. 

Being  now  attached  to  the  company,  Bernard  played  Sir 


Anthony  Absolute,  Major  O Flaherty,  Touchstone,  Lingo,  &c, 
and  for  his  benefit,  December  9th,  presented  a  bill  which  we 
transcribe  in  full,  viz. : 

Know  Your  Own  Mind  ; 

Dashwould  .    .  Mr.  Bernard.  Charles      ....  Mr.  Fisher. 

Millamour     ....  "    Holman.  Lady  Bell  ....  Miss  Holman. 

Sir  John  Millaruour  1    C  acldfikld.  Lady  Jane.    .    .    .  Mrs.  Goldson. 

Sir  Harry  Lovewit  "    Burkb.  Miss  Neville    ..."  Twaits. 

Bygrove   "  '  Clark.  Mrs.  Bromley      .    .     "  Clabk. 

Capt.  Bygrove   ..."    Andebson.  Madame  Larouge  M  Bcrki. 

Malvil   "  Robertson. 

Song— "  Winds  gently  tell  my  lovo"  Mrs.  Burke. 

Imitations  of  Kemble,  King,  Suett,  kc  Mr.  Cauldfiild. 

and,  The  Lying  Valet. 

Sharp  ....  Mr.  Bernard.  I  Melissa  ....        Mrs.  Bcbkb. 

Gayless        ....     "   Andebson.  Mrs  Trippet  ..."  Hobton. 

Beau  Trippet     ..."    Hathwell.         I  Kitty  Pry  ....     "  Clabk. 

Mrs.  Twaits  appeared  frequently,  and  on  the  10th  December, 
for  Mr.  Robertson's  benefit,  was  announced  for,  and  we  believe 
played,  the  character  of  Adelgitha,  in  the  tragedy  of  that  name, 
little  dreaming  that  she  was  in  reality  soon  to  meet  the  doom 
she  had  so  often  and  faithfully  counterfeited — yet  death  was 
near  at  hand,  and,  after  a  short  and  severe  struggle,  terminated 
her  labors  and  her  existence,  on  the  13th  of  December,  at  the 
early  age  of  26. 

Complete  and  admirable  in  every  department  as  the  Com- 
monwealth company  was,  its  expenses  probably  exceeded  its 


296 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


receipts,  for  the  season  closed  on  the  10th  of  January,  1814, 
with  a  benefit  for  Mr.  Twaits. 

To  return  to  the  Park.  The  only  performance  of  Wycherly's 
comedy  of  the  "  Plaindealer,"  that  we  have  found  recorded, 
occurred  on  the  5th  of  November,  1813,  when  Cooper  played 
Captain  Manly;  Simpson,  Lord  Plausible;  Hilson,  Novel; 
and  Mrs.  Darley,  Fidelia. 

On  the  15th  was  introduced  with  great  splendor  Reynolds' 
translation  of  the  "  Virgin  of  the  Sun,"  with  the  following 
fine  cast : 


Rolla   Mr.  Cooper. 

Ataliba   "  Jones. 

Cualpo   "  Deummond. 

Xaria   "  Horton. 

Telasco   "  Yates. 

Alonzo   "  Simpson. 

Diego   "  Hilson. 

Valasques     ....  "  Carpender. 


Zamor  . 

Tupac  .  .  . 
High  Priestess 

Cora     .  .  . 

Amazilla  .  . 

Idali     .  .  . 

Runa    .  .  . 

Zilla     .  .  . 


Mr.  Darley. 

"  Bancker. 
Mrs.  Stanley. 

"  Darley. 
Miss  Dellinoeb. 
Mrs.  Claude. 

"  Wheatley. 

"  Oldmixon. 


It  had  a  very  successful  run. 

In  the  above  cast  will  be  noticed  the  name  of  Bancker,  be- 
longing to  a  young  man  who  joined  the  company  this  season, 
and  soon  became  an  acceptable  representative  of  walking 
gentlemen,  and  small,  light  comic  parts — retaining  his  situa- 
tion here  till  1827.    He  married  a  sister  of  Mrs.  E.  Simpson. 

On  the  1st  of  December,  Gen.  Harrison  and  staff  attended, 
to  witness  Mr.  Cooper's  able  representation  of  Macbeth. 

A  Mr.  Dunbar,  announced  simply  as  a  young  gentleman, 
made  his  debut  on  the  9th  as  Young  Norval,  with  sufficient 
success  to  warrant  his  subsequent  appearance  as  Hamlet,  Fred- 
erick ("Lovers'  Vows"),  Octavian,  &c. 

The  same  evening,  Kenney's  musical  farce  of  "  Turn  Out " 
was  played  for  the  second  time  in  America,  with  the  annexed 
cast: 

Somerville    ....    Mr.  Darley.  I     Forage  Mr.  Pritcharb. 

Dr.  Truckle  ....     "   Jones.  Mrs.  Ramsay  .    .    .    Mrs.  Hogg. 

Restive  "   Yates.  Marian  Ramsay   .    .     "  Darley. 

Gregory  Redtail  ...     "    Hilson  Peggy  "  Claude. 

On  the  13th,  Cooper  brought  out  Coleridge's  fine  tragedy 
entitled  "  Remorse,"  in  which  he  gave  a  masterly  delineation 
of  Don  Ordonio,  supported  by  Simpson  as  Don  Alban,  Mrs. 
Darley  as  Teresa,  and  Mrs.  Stanley  as  Alhadra,  but  failed  to 
render  it  attractive. 


RECORDS   OF  THK   NKW  YORK  STAGK. 


297 


On  Christmas  night,  Mrs.  Goldson,  late  of  the  Common- 
wealth, made  her  first  appearanc'e  here  as  Millwood. 

Morton's  excellent  comedy  of  "  Education :'  was  first  pre- 
sented to  the  New  York  public  on  the  13th  of  January,  1814. 
and  frequently  repeated  with  the  following  cast: 

Sir  Guy  Staunch     .    .    Mr.  Yates.  Mrs.  Templeton    .    .  Mrs.  Stanlev. 

Templeton    ....     "    Pritchard.  KUen   "  Claude. 

Vincent  "   Simpson.  Rosina   "  Goldson. 

Suckling  .        ..."  Hilson. 

The  following  evening  witnessed  the  first  appearance  in 
New  York  of  that  excellent  and  eminent  actor,  John  Duff, 
for  several  years  the  pride  and  boast  of  the  Boston  and  Phil- 
adelphia theatres.  His  opening  characters  were  Octavian  and 
the  Three  Singles,  followed  by  Gossamer  and  Count  Romaldi, 
("A  Tale  of  Mystery  v)  Fitzhar ding,  ("Cur "few ■")  and  Jeremy 
Diddler,  Shylock,  Sylvester  Daggerwood  and  Looney  McTwol- 
ter,  Duke  Aranza,  Penruddock  and  Richard  III. ;  the  latter 
played  so  closely  after  the  manner  of  Cooke,  as  to  require  the 
keenest  scrutiny  to  detect  a  variation. 

Mr.  Duff  was  by  birth  an  Irishman,  and  had  held  a  reputa- 
ble position  on  the  Dublin  stage,  which  he  left  to  fulfill  an 
engagement  at  the  Boston  Theatre,  where,  in  1810,  he  made 
his  first  appearance  in  America,  in  the  character  of  Gossamer. 
He  afterward  removed  to  Philadelphia,  where  he  became  an 
immense  favorite  as  a  member  of  the  stock  company,  attract- 
ing far  better  houses  than  many  who  claimed  the  highest 
honors  of  starring ;  and  it  is  recorded,  that  at  regular  prices, 
one  of  his  benefits  amounted  to  a  greater  sum  than  was  ever 
received  there  on  a  similar  occasion  by  Cooke,  Kean  or 
Mathews.  Hi^  versatility  was  wonderful,  and  his  merit  so 
great  that  we  can  think  of  no  living  general  actor  that  can 
be  compared  with  him ;  New  York,  however,  saw  him  but 
seldom  in  his  palmiest  days,  his  regular  engagements  at  Bos- 
ton and  Philadelphia  affording  him  constant  and  remunera- 
tive employment  for  many  years.  In  1823,  when  he  first  in- 
troduced Mrs.  Dull'  to  the  New  York  public,  the  dazzling 
'  brilliancy  of  her  acting  scarcely  allowed  a  thought  of  him. 
and  soon  after,  his  efforts  were  almost  paralyzed  by  continued 
and  violent  attacks  of  gout  and  rheumatism,  although  he 

3b 


298  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

then  frequently  appeared  at  the  Old  Chatham,  Bowery  and 
Lafayette  Theatres,  where  he  is  last  remembered  about  the 
year  1827.  He  was  a  man  of  the  kindliest  feelings,  devoted 
to  his  wife  and  family,  and  his  worst  fault  is  said  to  have 
been  the  besetting  sin  of  actors,  an  over-fondness  for  the 
dinner- table  and  its  accompaniments.  He  died  at  Philadel- 
phia, April,  1831. 

On  the  6th  of  February,  the  Theatre  closed  with  the  per- 
formance of  "  Education,"  re-opening  with  the  same  play  on 
the  21st  of  the  same  month.  On  the  28th,  Mr.  Spiller  made 
his  first  appearance  this  season  as  Dr.  Pangloss,  and  on  the 
2d  of  March,  produced  a  farce  called  "Eight  to  One,"  in 
which  he  personated  Peter  Puzzle,  assuming  seven  other 
characters,  with  great  applause. 

Bray's  long-popular  farce  of  the  "  Toothache"  was  first 
played  on  the  21st  of  March,  as  follows :  the  Prince,  by  Mr. 
Carpender ;  Dr.  Petitgueue,  Spiller ;  Barogo,  Hilson  ;  Susan, 
Mrs.  Claude. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark,  late  of  the  Commonwealth,  were  now 
added  to  the  company,  making  their  first  appearance  in  the 
"  Castle  Spectre,"  as  Hassan  and  Alice,  on  the  28th ;  and  their 
little  daughter  appeared,  for  the  first  time,  as  one  of  the 
"  Children  in  the  Wood,"  on  the  evening  of  April  1st. 

The  latter  became  a  very  pleasing  and  popular  actress  on 
reaching  womanhood,  well  known  at  Boston,  &c.  She  retired 
from  the  profession  on  her  marriage  with  Mr.  Klupfer,  of  that 
city,  July  5th,  1824. 

The  "  Heir  at  Law  "  and  the  "  Spoiled  Child  "  were  played 
on  the  4th  of  April,  with  Mr.  Burke  as  Zekiel  Homespun  and 
Old  Pickle,  his  first  regular  engagement  here ;  and  Mrs.  Burke 
as  Cicely  Homespun  and  Little  Pickle,  her  first  appearance  on 
the  Park  boards.  Their  success  was  complete,  and  they  con- 
tinued in  high  favor  until  they  foolishly  threw  up  their  en- 
gagements in  1816.  The  "Spanish  Barber"  was  revived,  to 
give  Mrs.  Burke  an  opportunity  of  singing  as  Rosina.  She 
also  appeared  as  Virginia,  Margarelta,  Maria,  (in  "Of  Age 
To-morrow")  Rosina,  in,  the  rustic  opera  of  that  name,  &c. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


299 


On  the  9th  of  May,  Miss  Holman  commenced  an  engage- 
ment as  Lady  Teazle,  and  took  her  benefit  on  the  23d,  when 
she  appeared  as  Portia,  to  the  Shylock  of  Mr.  Cooper.  The 
farce  of  "  Music  Mad  "  was  first  played  here  on  the  20th,  and 
gave  Mr.  Yates  as  Sir  Christopher  Crotchet,  and  Mr.  Hilson  as 
Matthew  Method,  an  admirable  opportunity  of  displaying  their 
great  comic  abilities.  On  the  25th,  Dibdin's  opera  of  the 
"Cabinet"  was  first  performed — Darley,  as  Prince  Orlando; 
Yates,  as  Peter;  Hilson,  as  Whimsiculo;  Mrs.  Burke,  as  Flo- 
retta ;  and  Mrs.  Claude,  as  Const antia ;  rendering  their  parts 
with  peculiar  force  and  effect.  Mons.  Villalave,  famous  in 
his  art,  also  appeared  about  this  time  in  feats  of  rope-danc- 
ing, &c. 

June  6th,  Mrs.  Darley  took  her  benefit,  appearing  as  Juliana, 
in  the  "  Honeymoon,"  and  presenting  as  an  afterpiece,  for  the 
first  time,  the  "  Widow's  Vow,"  with  the  cast  annexed : 

Marquis   Mr.  Simpson.  ■     Countess    ....  Mrs.  Claude. 

Don  Antonio  ....  "   Vates.  Isabella  14  Stanley. 

Carlos   "   Drummond.  Flora  "  Burke. 

Jerome   "  Hilson. 

For  Mr.  Simpson's  benefit,  June  loth,  Mr.  Duff  came  on 
to  play  Richard  III.,  in  which  his  close  imitation  of  Cooke 
rendered  him  very  attractive. 

Mr.  Dunbar,  the  young  gentleman  who  made  his  debut  as 
Norval,  played  Florian,  in  the  "  Foundling  of  the  Forest,"  on 
the  24th,  for  his  benefit.  His  name,  we  believe,  never  ap- 
peared after  this  season,  which  terminated  as  usual  on  the 
4th  of  July.  The  bill  for  that  occasion  included  Pocock's 
melo-drama,  the  "  Miller  and  his  Men,"  for  the  first  time  in 
America,  thus  cast : 

Grindoff  Mr.  Simpson.  Carl  Mr.  Hilson. 

Count  "    Carpender.  Ravina  .....    Mrs.  Goldso. 

Lothair  "    Pritchard.  Claudine    ....     "  Clauden. 

A  Hornpipe  by  Mr.  Drummond. 

and  Valentine  and  Orson. 

Valentine  Mr.  Pritchard.  Hugo   Mr.  Hilson. 

Orson   "    Simpson.                Eglantine  ....  Mrs.  Goldson. 

King  ?epin   ....  "    Clark.                   Floramunda    .    .    .  Miss  Bellinger. 

Agremont  "    Darley.  Agatha   Mrs.  Burke. 

An  extra  night  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Yates  was  announced, 
on  the  6th,  with  a  grand  concert  and  olio,  by  the  principal 
members  of  the  company,  aided  by  Messrs.  Entwistle,  Southey, 
Spiller,  Robertson,  &c. 


300 


RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


After  the  close  of  the  Commonwealth  performances  at  the 
Broadway  Circus,  and  notwithstanding  the  death  of  Mrs. 
Twaits,  and  secession  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burke,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Clark,  Mrs.  Goldson  and  Mr.  Cauldfield,  its  projectors  did 
not  despair  of  establishing  a  second  theatre  in  New  York, 
and,  obtaining  possession  of  the  building  in  Anthony  Street, 
(now  Worth  Street)  near  Broadway,  situated  on  the  ground 
where  Christ  Church  afterward  stood,  it  was  soon  tastefully 
decorated  by  the  skillful  hand  of  Mr.  Holland,  who,  in  con- 
junction with  Mr.  Twaits,  opened  it  in  form  on  the  18th  of 
April,  1814.  Dwyer,  Waring,  Bobertson,  Fisher,  Hathwell 
and  Jacobs  remained  of  the  old  company;  and  among  the 
additions  were  Mrs.  Beaumont,  a  fine-looking  woman  and  an 
able  actress ;  the  stately  Mrs.  Barrett,  her  first  appearance  in 
six  years,  who  now,  for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  took 
charge  of  the  "  old  ladies ;"  the  versatile  widow  Placide  and 
family ;  Miss  Brobston,  Mrs.  Jacobs,  &c.  The  entertainments 
for  the  night  were,  the  "Midnight  Hour,"  the  "Weathercock," 
and  "  Three  Weeks  after  Marriage." 

The  20th  of  April  witnessed  the  first  appearance  of  little 
Eliza  Placide,  as  Charles,  in  "  Laugh  When  You  Can."  Ten 
years  after,  she  was  a  favorite  singing  actress  at  the  Park 
Theatre,  though  she  never  displayed  the  eminent  talents  that 
belonged  to  other  members  of  her  family.  In  1826,  she  mar- 
ried a  Mr.  Asbury,  and  left  the  stage ;  re-appearing,  however, 
for  a  few  weeks  at  the  Park  in  the  summer  of  1836,  her  last 
appearance  in  New  York.  She  has  since  played  in  the  West- 
ern theatres,  as  Mrs.  Mann,  and  is  the  mother  of  the  young 
lady  known  to  New  York  play-goers  as  Miss  Alice  Placide. 
The  same  evening  Miss  Caroline  Placide,  (whom  we  have  be- 
fore alluded  to)  made  her  debut  in  an  adult  character  as  Emily, 
instantly  establishing  herself  a  favorite  with  the  public, 
whose  good  opinion  she  has  retained  for  fifty  years. 

Shortly  after,  another  sister,  Miss  Jane  Placide,  was  intro- 
duced as  a  danseuse,  and  though  but  little  known  afterward  in 
New  York,  attained  high  distinction  as  a  tragic  actress  in  the 
Southern  and  Western  ,  theatres.    Born  in  1804,  she  went 


HENRY  I'LACIUK. 


RECORDS  OF  THK   NKW   YORK  STAGE. 


301 


through,  from  infancy,  with  the  usual  round  of  youthful  char- 
acters, till  her  sixteenth  year,  when,  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  in  1820, 
she  appeared  with  success  as  Volante,  in  the  "Honeymoon." 
In  1827,  she  played  a  short  engagement  at  the  Chatham  Gar- 
den Theatre,  and  afterward  went  South,  studiously  preparing 
herself  for  the  highest  walks  of  her  profession.  She  soon 
attained  the  position  at  which  she  aimed,  and  was  acknowl- 
edged in  that  region  as  the  best  native  tragedienne  ever  seen 
there.  She  died  at  New  Orleans,  in  the  height  of  her  popu- 
larity, and  while  still  improving  as  an  actress,  May  16th,  1835. 

At  this  Theatre  also,  New  York  first  saw  the  early  efforts 
of  our  peerless  comedian,  Henry  Placide,  so  long  the  pride 
of  our  metropolis.  From  small  beginnings  and  the  humblest 
efforts,  he  appears  never  for  a  moment  to  have  faltered  in  his 
purpose  or  swerved  from  the  direct  road  to  prosperity  and 
distinction,  critically  analyzing  the  smallest  part  intrusted  to 
his  care,  and  throwing  around  it  a  finish,  an  elegance  and  a 
completeness  rarely  attempted  by  a  less  careful  and  discrim- 
inating actor.  The  result  of  such  a  course  was  certain.  He 
long  since  distanced  every  competitor  in  his  peculiar  line ; 
and  though  for  the  last  few  years  he  has  been  seen  here  but 
in  a  small  fraction  of  his  list  of  parts,  and  other  favorites 
have  -sprung  up  during  his  periods  of  absence,  there  is  not  at 
this  day  in  the  Union  a  general  comedian  who  can  be  com- 
pared with  him;  and  in  the  lowest  and  broadest  line  of 
comedy,  he  is  the  only  one  who  ever  trod  the  American  stage 
perfectly  irresistible  in  humor,  and  yet  entirely  free  from 
grimace  and  buffoonery. 

Mr.  Placide  was  born  in  the  year  1799,  and  at  the  time  of 
which  we  treat  was,  of  course,  a  mere  lad,  attracting  but 
little  notice.  On  his  first  appearance  at  the  Park  Theatre, 
September  2d,  1823,  in  the  character  of  Zekiel  Homespun,  he 
at  once  gained  a  position  in  the  favor  of  the  audience  that 
his  twenty  years'  service  there  never  impaired.  Placed  in  a 
subordinate  position  to  Hilson  and  Barnes,  his  great  fidelity 
to  nature,  though  in  less  conspicuous  parts,  soon  raised  him 
to  a  level  with  them,  forming  a  comic  trio  that  has  never 


302 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


been  equaled  in  a  stock  company  at  any  other  period  in  the 
history  of  the  New  York  Stage.  But,  admirable  as  were  the 
other  two  gentlemen,  it  finally  became  apparent  that  to  Mr. 
Placide  was  the  attention  of  the  audience  principally  given, 
and  that  he  was  fully  capable  of  sustaining  any  character  in 
which  they  appeared ;  and  first  one,  and  then  the  other,  gave 
up  their  situations,  leaving  him  entire  freedom  of  choice  in 
his  selection  of  parts,  embracing  as  wide  a  range  as  ever 
comedian  chose  to  revel  in.  From  clowns  of  the  broadest 
Yorkshire  dialect  to  the  most  mincing  Cockney  cit,  in  the 
garrulous  Frenchman  and  the  high-bred  English  gentleman, 
the  simplest  rustic,  or  the  keenest  London  footman,  in  the 
clumsy  hobbledehoy,  or  the  pathetic  childishness  of  extreme 
old  age,  he  was  equally  at  home  and  equally  superior.  Mr. 
Hilson  only  excepted,  he  was  by  far  the  best  buffo  vocalist 
ever  heard  in  English  opera,  as  his  Doctor  Bartolo,  Baron 
Pompolino,  Lord  Allcash,  Doctor  Dulcamara,  Antonio,  Leporello, 
Midas,  &c,  abundantly  testify. 

In  the  "Rivals,"  his  merit  was  quite  as  conspicuous  in 
David,  as  it  was  in  Bob  Acres  or  Sir  Anthony  Absolute  ;  and  in 
the  "  School  for  Scandal,"  whether  he  played  Sir  Benjamin 
Backbite,  Crabtree,  or  Sir  Peter  Teazle,  no  blemish  could  be 
found  either  in  his  conception  or  delineation.  He  has  been 
the  original  hero  of  many  parts  that  no  subsequent  performer 
ever  made  a  hit  in — none  else  having  been  acknowledged  as 
the  representative  of  Sir  Harcourt  Courtly,  Sir  William  Fond- 
love,  or  Colonel  Damas.  Who,  like  him,  as  Fathom,  ever  di- 
vided the  applauses  of  an  audience  with  Fanny  Kemble? 
Or  drew  away  attention  from  Power's  Pat  Rooney,  through 
the  simplicity  of  little  Tom  Dobbs?  Or  excelled  the  Irish 
gentleman's  McShane  and  (JDoherty  by  the  perfection  of  his 
Aspen  and  Frederick  the  Second  ?  Or  whose  Doctor  Caius  but 
his,  ever  interfered  with  the  impressions  of  a  Falstaff?  Who 
has  ever  approached  him  as  Lord  Ogleby,  or  Grandfather 
Whitehead,  or  Charles  the  Twelfth,  or  Jean  Jacques  Frisacque, 
or  Frank  Oatland,  or  Farmer  Ashfield,  or  in  a  hundred  other 
parts?   Many  farces  that  were  greatly  applauded  at  the  Park, 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


303 


night  after  night,  when  Placide  was  the  hero,  have  been,  since 
his  comparative  retirement,  laid  aside,  or  if  revived  by  other 
hands,  have  failed  to  be  attractive.  Witness  "  Sons  and  Sys- 
tems," "Tom Noddy's  Secret,"  "Uncle  John,"  "  Village  Doctor," 
(in  which  his  Pierre  Boncceur  was  so  capital)  "  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Pringle,"  "  Advice  Gratis,"  "  Water  Party,"  and  many,  many 
others. 

In  fact,  no  other  actor  has  ever  so  completely  exemplified 
our  idea  of  what  a  genuine  comedian  ought  to  be.  After 
gaining  the  highest  honors  that  could  be  bestowed  on  him  in 
New  York,  and  establishing  his  claim  to  be  considered  the 
most  chaste  and  finished  of  American  actors,  he  has,  for  the 
last  twenty  years,  as  it  suited  his  pleasure  or  convenience, 
confined  himself  to  short  engagements  in  this  and  other  prin- 
cipal cities  of  the  Union  giving,  as  yet,  but  little  evidence  of 
decay,  either  mental  or  physical — and  far  distant  be  the  day 
when  we  shall  be  called  on  to  part  with  one  of  whom  every 
American  play-goer  may  be  so  justly  proud. 

To  return  to  the  Anthony  Street  entertainments.  On  the 
25th  of  April,  1814,  Mrs.  Beaumont,  from  Covent  Garden,  and 
more  lately  from  the  Philadelphia  Theatre,  where  she  had 
occasionally  played  during  the  last  three  years,  made  her  first 
appearance  in  New  York  as  Euphrasia  and  Roxalana,  the 
former  of  which  she  played  finely,  and  with  much  applause. 
Her  Isabella,  Madame  Clermont,  Jane  Shore,  &c,  were  justly 
considered  very  superior  performances,  but  in  comedy  she 
was  not  so  successful.  This  lady  was  the  wife  of  De  Jersey 
Beaumont,  and  afterward  the  leading  actress  in  a  Virginia 
circuit  of  which  he  was  manager. 

On  the  9th  of  May,  Mr.  W.  Robertson  made  his  first  ap- 
pearance here  as  Michael  Ducas,  to  the  Adelgitha  of  Mrs. 
Beaumont. 

On  the  13th,  Mr.  Entwistle,  from  the  Boston  Theatre,  made 
his  first  appearance  as  Tyke,  in  the  "  School  of  Reform,"  and 
Crack,  in  the  "  Turnpike  Gate."  He  was  afterward  at  Phil- 
adelphia, and  in  1816  married  Mrs.  Mason,  the  justly  popu- 
lar favorite  at  the  Park.     Intemperance  finally  marred  his 


304  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE, 

personations,   and  he   ultimately  died   at  New  Orleans  a 
suicide. 

On  the  20th,  Mrs.  Beaumont  took  her  benefit,  when,  for  the 
first  time,  she  presented  a  drama  called  "  A  Sicilian  Romance, 
or  the  Castle  of  Otranto,"  with  the  following  cast : 

Lindor   Mr.  Robertson.  The  Lady  ....  Mrs.  Beaumont. 

Marquis  Otranto.    .    .     "    W.Robertson.         Aliuda   Miss  Placide. 

Martin  "   Waring.  Clara   Mrs.  Placide. 

Gherlin  "    Entwistle.  I 

She  also  recited  Collins'  famous  "  Ode  on  the  Passions,"  and  , 
the  entertainment  concluded  with   Gen.   Burgoyne's  once 
highly  popular  comedy  called  the  "  Maid  of  the  Oaks  :" 

Old  Grovely  ....  Mr.  Fisher.  Hurry  ....  Mr.  Entwistle 
Sir  H.  Grovely  ..."  Waring.  Lady  Bab  Lardoon  Mrs.  Beaumont. 
Dupely  "    W.Robertson,    i     Maria  Miss  Placide. 

Mr.  Southey  was  now  added  to  the  company,  making  his 
first  appearance  on  the  25th  as  Sir  Anthony  Absolute  and  Jerry 
Sneak  ;  and  on  the  1st  of  June,  Mr.  and  Miss  Holman  opened 
an  engagement  as  Lord  and  Lady  Townly. 

Mr.  Beaumont  first  appeared  in  New  York  as  Rolla,  June 
15th.  He  was  far  inferior  as  a  performer  to  his  accomplished 
lady,  but  was  handsome  and  showy  in  person. 

For  Mr.  Twaits'  benefit  on  the  22d,  the  Holmans  appeared 
in  "  Know  Your  Own  Mind ;"  Mrs.  Beaumont  gave  a  recita- 
tion ;  and  the  beneficiary,  being  too  ill  to  attempt  a  speaking 
part,  appeared  as  Francisco,  the  dumb  boy  in  the  "  Tale  of 
Mystery."  This  was  his  last  appearance  on  the  stage;  he 
died  on  the  22d  of  August,  just  two  months  after,  deeply  de- 
plored by  all  lovers  of  comedy. 

On  the  23d  of  June,  the  ceremony  of  marriage  between 
Leigh  Waring  and  Caroline  Placide,  was  performed  by  the 
Rev.  Benjamin  Onderdonk,  afterward  Bishop  of  the  Diocese. 

On  the  29th,  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Beaumont,  Mrs. 
Cowley's  celebrated  comedy,  entitled,  "  Which  is  the  Man  ?" 
was  revived,  with  Waring  as  Lord  Sparkle  ;  Southey  as  Fitz- 
herbert ;  Entwistle  as  Bobby  Pendragon;  Mrs.  Beaumont  as 
Lady  Bell  Bloomer ;  and  Miss  Cordell's  first  appearance  in 
New  York  as  Sophy  Pendragon. 

The  Anthony-street  Theatre  closed  after  the  4th  of  July,  [ 
and  the  company  transferred  themselves  to  the  Broadway 


KKCORDS  OP  THE   NKW   TORS  STAGE. 


Circus,  where  they  combined  their  dramatic  efforts  with 
equestrian  performances,  and  M.  Villalave's  exercises  on  the 
tight-rope.  Closing  the  season  there  on  the  20th  of  August, 
they  again  opened  at  Anthony  Street  on  the  29th  of  that 
month,  with  the  drama  of  "  Bunker  Hill,"  and  the  afterpiece 
called  "  New  York  Volunteers." 

We  have  but  few  other  memoranda  connected  with  this 
company  at  this  establishment;  but  it  is  worthy  of  note  that 
on  the  22d  of  September  Mr.  Usher  here  made  his  first  ap- 
pearance in  New  York  as  Richard  III.  This  gentleman's  name 
is  identified  with  the  drama  at  the  West,  where  he  was  long 
and  favorably  known  as  actor  and  manager.  He  opened  the 
first  theatre  in  Kentucky,  at  Lexington,  in  October,  1808,  and 
was  the  leader  in  many  other  similar  enterprises  in  that 
region.  He  had  first  appeared  on  the  stage  at  Washington, 
D.  C,  in  1800,  and  was  well  known  at  one  time  as  a  promi- 
nent performer  in  Boston. 


89 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Park  Theatre.  1814-15  ;  1815-16— Commonwealth,  1815. 

Sjjp     NEW  Theatrical  season  at  the  Park  commenced 

J%  on  the  31st  of  August,  1814,  with  Dunlap's  never- 
<Jb  failing  "  Glory  0f  Columbia,"  succeeded  by  the 
"  Miller  and  his  Men."  The  principal  members  of  the  com- 
pany were  Simpson,  Hilson,  Pritchard,  Spiller,  Green,  Burke, 
Darley,  Clark,  Bancker  and  Carpender,  with  Mesdames 
Darley,  Goldson,  Burke,  Claude,  Hogg,  Clark  and  Wheatley. 
Mrs.  Spiller  also  appeared,  a  very  feeble  actress,  and  notice- 
able only  as  the  wife  of  her  husband,  whom  she  survived  many 
years.  She  was  in  the  Park  company  as  lately  as  1836.  Mr. 
Yates,  Mr.  William  Jones,  and  Mrs.  Oldmixon  were  not  re- 
engaged, and  the  latter's  absence  was  greatly  deplored  by  her 
many  aSmirers.  The  youthful  singing  heroines,  in  which  she 
had  formerly  won  great  favor,  appeared,  however,  to  better  ad- 
vantage in  the  person  of  Mrs.  Burke,  and  her  more  elderly 
comic  characters  were  very  respectably  rendered  by  Mrs. 
Clark.  Mr.  Dwyer  commenced  a  short  engagement  on  the  3d 
of  September,  as  Gossamer,  and  closed  with  Vapid,  in  the 
«'  Dramatist,"  for  his  benefit,  on  the  16th. 

Mr.  Warren,  on  the  14th,  commenced  a  series  of  characters, 
in  most  of  which  he  distanced  all  competition.  He  played 
Sir  Peter  Teazle,  Lord  Scratch,  Old  Dornton,  Sir  Anthony  Ab- 
solute, Sir  Abel  Handy,  Falstaff,  &c. 

Dibdin's  comic  opera,  in  three  acts,  entitled  "  The  Farmer's 
Wife,"  which  afterward  attained  great  popularity  from  its  own 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


dramatic  merit  and  the  beauty  of  Bishop's  music,  was  first 
played  in  New  York  on  the  26th  : 


Sir  Charles  Courtly .    .  Mr.  Simpson.  Robin   Mr.  Burke. 

Cornflower  (the  Farmer)  "  Warren.  Chalk   "  Bancker. 

Captain  Belton   .    .    .  *'  Darley.  Mrs.  Cornflower  .     .  Mrs.  Darley. 

Farmer  Barnard .    .  "  Pritchard.  Miss  Courtly  ..."  Burke. 

Williams   41  Clark.  Jenny       ....  *'  Wheatley 

Dr.  Pother     ....  "  Hilson.  Susan   "  Claude. 

Peter   '*  Spiller.  Fauny   "  Clark. 


We  venture  to  say  that,  as  a  whole,  this  drama  was  as  well 
acted  in  New  York  as  in  London.  Sinclair,  Incledon  and 
Miss  Stephens,  in  the  music,  however,  soared  above  all 
American  competition.  The  latter's  favorite  polacca,  "  Trifler 
Forbear,''  was  one  of  the  gems  of  the  opera,  and  still  ranks 
among  the  finest  classic  compositions  of  the  age.  Of  the 
American  cast,  Mrs.  Wheatley  is,  we  believe,  the  sole  survivor. 
After  the  conclusion  of  Warren's  engagement,  Mr.  Green  was 
substituted  as  Cornflower,  which  he  played  well,  though  not 
equal  to  his  predecessor.  On  the  same  evening,  Sept.  26th,  a 
farce,  called  "  Darkness  Visible,"  was  first  performed  in  New 
York,  with  Simpson  as  Welford ;  Warren  as  Jenkins  ;  Hilson, 
Frank :  and  Mrs.  Claude,  Harriet. 

In  October,  Mr.  Cooper,  ever  welcome,  went  through  with 
a  round  of  characters,  concluding  with  Othello  for  his  benefit 
6n  the  12th. 

Nov.  16th,  the  once  highly  popular  drama  of  the  "  Battle 
of  Hexham"'  was  revived  after  a  slumber  of  twelve  years, 
with  Mr.  Simpson  as  Gondibert ;  Hilson  as  Gregory  Gab- 
bin :  Mrs.  Goldson  as  Queen  Margaret;  and  Mrs.  Darley 
as  Adeline. 

The  afterpiece  was  a  new  one,  entitled,  "  Who's  to  Have 
Her  ?  or  the  Dupers  Outwitted."  Carlo,  by  Mr.  Darley  ;  En- 
rico, Mr.  Simpson ;  Paulo,  Mr.  Hilson  ;  Pietro,  Mr.  Spiller  ; 
Cecelia,  Mrs.  Burke.    Both  are  now  forgotten. 

On  the  25th,  Dunlap's  "  Count  Benyowski"  was  also  resusci- 
tated, with  Simpson  as  the  Count ;  Green,  the  Governor  ;  Hil- 
son, Hetman ;  Pritchard,  Stephenoff :  Spiller,  Kudrin ;  Mrs. 
Darley,  Athanasia  ;  and  Mrs.  Claude,  Fedora. 

After  a  long  absence,  Mr.  Robertson  returned  to  his  old 
quarters,  January  11th,  1815,  appearing  as  Reuben  Glenroy. 


308  RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 

He  had  a  benefit  on  the  13th,  and  made  his  last  appearance 
on  the  16th  as  Abcellino. 

Early  in  February,  a  Mr.  Bibby  astonished  the  public  by 
his  extraordinary  imitation  of  Cooke's  Sir  Archy  McSarcasm, 
being  his  first  appearance  in  public.  He  subsequently  played 
Richard,  Shylock,  Sir  Pertinax,  and  other  of  the  great  trage- 
dian's parts,  and  succeeded  for  several  years  in  attracting  at- 
tention by  the  perfection  of  his  copies. 

In  April,  1816,  he  appeared  with  success  at  Covent  Garden, 
London,  as  Sir  Pertinax,  and  in  May  as  Shylock  and  Sir  Archy. 
He  returned  to  New  York,  married  a  lady  of  wealth,  retired 
from  the  stage,  devoted  his  talents  to  the  practice  of  the  law, 
and  is  still  living,  in  the  enjoyment  of  health,  fortune,  and 
the  esteem  of  all  who  know  him. 

The  treaty  of  peace  between  Great  Britain  and  the  United 
States  was  ratified  about  this  time,  to  the  great  joy  of  every- 
body, and  on  the  evening  of  February  20th  the  following  per- 
formances were  announced  in  celebration  of  the  event : 


The  Young  Quaker. 

Chronicle  Mr.  Burke.  Malachi   Mr.  Oliff. 

Old  Sadboy   ....     "   Clark.  Goliah   Miss  Clark. 

Young  Sadboy   ..."    Simpson.  Lady  Rounceval  .    .  Mrs.  Hogg. 

Capt.  Ambush    ..."   Pritohard.  Araminta  ....  "  Claude. 

Spatterdash  ....     "    Spiller.  Dinah  Primrose   .    .  "  Darlet. 

Clod    ...        .    .     "    Hilson.  Mrs.  Millefleur    .    .  "  Wheatley. 

Shadrach  "    Darlet.  Pink   "  Clark. 

Twig  "   Bancker.  Judith   "  Spiller. 

The  Feftival  of  Peace  ; 

Old  Fearnought  .    .        Mr.  Green.  Genius  of  Columbia  .  Mrs.  Darlet. 

Young  Fearnought      .     "    Pritchard.  Peace  "  Claude. 

Julius  Caesar  Babble    .     "   Burke.  Plenty  "  Spiller. 

Columbia  Mrs.  Goldson.  I     Commerce  ....     "  Wheatley. 

and                            Sprigs  of  Laurel. 

Nipperkin     ....    Mr.  Hilson.  Sinclair     ....  Mr.  Darlet. 

Major  Tactic  ....     "   Burke.  Lenox  "  Carpender. 

Captain  Cruiser  ..."    Clark.  Mary   Mrs.  Burke. 


Mr.  Cooper  commenced  a  new  series  of  characters  on  the 
1st  of  March,  as  Fitzharding  in  the  "  Curfew ;"  and  on  the 
13th  played  his  original  part  of  Edward  Smith,  in  Dun- 
lap's  revived  play,  the  "  Force  of  Calumny."  Dunlap's  "  Voice 
of  Nature"  was  also  revived  on  the  17th,  a  Master  Wheatley 
representing  the  Child — not  the  present  Mr.  William  Wheat- 
ley,  but  probably  an  elder  brother. 

On  the  29th,  Mrs.  Gilfert  (late  Miss  Holman)  commenced 


RKCORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


309 


an  engagement  as  Lady  Teazle,  with  her  usual  brilliant  suc- 
cess. She  took  her  benefit  on  the  10th  of  April,  when  she 
played  Lady  Bell  to  Hilson's  Dashivcmld  and  Simpson's  Young 
Millamour. 

"  For  Freedom,  Ho  !"  a  drama  by  Pocock,  was  first  played 
on  the  5th  of  April,  with  the  following  cast : 

Commandant     .    .    .  Mr.  Carpender.  Tom  Tough     .    .    .  Mr.  Hilson. 

Ouillaume     ....     "  Simpson.  Michael   Mrs.  Claude. 

Capt.  Laurel      .             "  Pritchard.  Eliza   41  Goldson. 

Sir  Franci*  Faddle            "  Spiller.  Lissette   "  Burke. 

In  the  company  this  season  we  first  note  the  name  of  Miss 
Mary  Anne  Brundage,  who  is  remembered  as  playing  one  of 
the  u  Children  in  the  Wood,"  on  the  19th  of  April.  En- 
dowed with  great  personal  beauty,  she  was  long  an  object  of 
attraction — though  in  very  subordinate  parts,  and  attained 
great  notoriety  by  her  intimacy  with  the  eccentric  poet, 
McDonald  Clark,  to  whom  she  was  married  on  the  16th  of 
July,  1820,  and  from  whom  she  soon  after  separated. 

On  the  24th,  Mrs.  Gilfert,  supported  by  Mr.  Cooper,  com- 
menced a  series  of  tragic  personations,  and,  among  others, 
played  Arpasia,  to  his  Bajazet,  in  Rowe's  now  forgotten  tra- 
gedy of  "  Tamerlane." 

On  the  17th  of  May,  a  brilliant  addition  to  the  company  was 
made  in  the  person  of  Mrs.  Williams,  from  the  London  and 
Dublin  Theatres,  who,  on  that  evening,  made  her  debut  in 
America  as  Letitia  Hardy,  and  Caroline  (in  the  "  Prize").  She 
afterward  played  Violante,  Albina  Mandeville,  Peggy,  Bisarre, 
Priscilla  Tomboy,  &c,  each  character  gaining  her  greater  favor 
with  the  audience. 

Inferior  to  the  elegance  of  Mrs.  Gilfert  in  the  high-bred 
lady  of  fashion,  there  was  an  ease,  gayety,  and  truthfulness 
about  her  personations  that  won  the  admiration  of  all,  while 
the  gracefulness  of  her  dancing  and  her  superior  vocal  abili- 
ties gave  her  advantages  that  few  of  her  contemporaries  could 
boast.  She  at  once  became  a  favorite,  and  played  the  two 
following  seasons  with  undiminished  eclat — having,  in  the 
meantime,  become  Mrs.  S.  Wheatley,  by  which  name  she  was 
well  known  at  Boston  and  Philadelphia,  where  she  also  ranked 
with  the  first  comic  actresses  of  the  day.    By  inexperienced 


310  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

dramatic  readers,  this  lady  has  been  frequently  confounded 
with  Mrs.  Frederick  Wheatley,  so  long  the  favorite  of  New 
York  in  "  old  ladies." 

In  July,  1830,  after  an  absence  of  ten  years,  Mrs.  S.  Wheat- 
ley  re-appeared  at  the  Park  in  the  characters  of  Mrs.  Oakley, 
and  her  favorite,  Caroline  (in  the  "  Prize") ;  and  is  spoken  of 
by  a  critic  who  had  never  before  seen  her,  as  "  that  kind  of 
person,  and  of  that  time  of  life,  which  are  often  described  by 
the  union  of  the  three  words — fat,  fair,  and  forty — in  this 
case  we  may,  perhaps,  omit  the  adjective  in  the  middle."  He, 
however,  praises  her  acting,  and  says  that  her  Caroline  would 
have  charmed  twenty  years  before,  but  that  Time  has  laid  his 
hand  too  markedly  on  her  person  to  allow  her  to  attempt,  with 
prudence,  to  personate  girls  scarcely  out  of  their  teens. 

We  last  remember  her  in  New  York  at  the  Bowery  Theatre, 
September,  1831,  in  connection  with  a  fine  corps  of  comedians 
then  playing  there.  During  her  first  engagement,  she  brought 
out  the  charming  little  piece  called  "  Personation,"  (made  so 
much  of  in  London  by  Bannister  and  Mrs.  Charles  Kemble) 
in  which  she  played  Lady  Julia,  with  Mr.  Simpson  as  Lord 
Henry.  This  was  on  the  26th  of  May,  1815,  and  on  the  29th, 
Dimond's  musical  piece  of  "  Youth,  Love  and  Folly"  was  first 
played.  De  Linval,  Mr.  Simpson;  Florimond,  Pritchard; 
Arinette,  Mrs.  Williams  ;  Clotilda,  Mrs.  Burke. 

In  June,  Mr.  Robertson  again  appeared — on  the  13th  as 
Guiscard,  for  Mr.  Pritc hard's  benefit,  and  on  the  19th  as  Rolla 
and  Storm,  for  Mr.  Carpender's  benefit ;  on  which  latter  occa- 
sion, Mrs.  Aldis  (formerly  Mrs.  Stanley),  after  a  year's  absence, 
re-appeared  as  Elvira  and  Ella  Rosenberg. 

Mrs.  Green,  formerly  Miss  Willems,  of  the  Philadelphia 
Theatre,  made  her  first  appearance  in  New  York,  June  23d, 
on  the  occasion  of  her  husband's  benefit,  in  the  characters  of 
Widow  Cheerly,  and  Christine  in  "  Tekeli."  She  had  come  to 
America  with  Wignell's  company,  in  1794,  being  then  a  mere 
child,  and  had  been  as  remarkable  for  her  beauty  as  she  still 
was  for  her  excellence  as  a  vocalist.  She  survived  her  hus- 
band many  years. 


RECORDS   OF   THK   NKW   YORK  STAGE. 


311 


Bishop's  fine  opera  of  the  "  Devil's  Bridge  "  was  given  for 
the  first  time  in  America  on  the  4th  of  July.  Cast  to  the 
full  strength  of  the  company,  it  could  not  fail  of  success,  and 
long  continued  to  be  heard  with  applause.  It  was  thus 
played : 

Count  Belino     .    .    .    Mr.  Darley.  Pietro  Mr.  Spiller 

Baron  Toraldi    .        .     "     Simpson.  Julio  Miss  Clark. 

Marcelli  "     Hilson.  Countess  Kosalvina  .    Mrs.  Darley. 

Antonio  44    Green.  Claudine   ....     44  Claude. 

Florian  44     Pritchard.      *     Lauretta    ...         44  Burke. 

On  the  10th,  Mrs.  Williams  commenced  her  second  engage- 
ment,  appearing  as  Juliana,  Miss  Hardcastle,  Lydia  Languish, 
Nell,  Marian  Ramsay,  Helen  Worrett,  &c  and  for  her  benefit, 
on  the  21st,  as  Lady  Restless  and  Zorilda. 

The  season  closed  on  the  24th,  with  the  "  Devil's  Bridge  " 
and  uDon  Juan,"  having  been  extended  to  a  later  period  than 
any  preceding  one. 

Mr.  Green's  engagement  terminated  with  the  season,  and 
he  never  again  appeared  in  New  York. 

The  Park  Theatre  was  re-opened  on  the  first  of  September. 
18-15,  with  Duulap's  comedy  of  "  Lovers'  Vows,"  thus  cast : 

Frederick   Mr.   Simpson.  i     Landlord    ....  Mr.  Graham. 

Baron  Wildenheim  .    .  44     Pritchard.  Laborer   44  Oliff. 

•Count  Cassel .    ...  44     Spiller.  .Amelia   Mrs.  Darley. 

Arnaud   44    Darley.  Theodosia  ....  14  Goldson. 

Christian   44    Burke.  Cottager  s  Wife  .    .  44  Hoqq. 

Hubert   '4  ■  Cabpender.  Country  Girl  ...  44  Wheatlby. 

And  the  opera  of         Paul  and  Virginia. 

Paul  Mr.  Darley.  L>iego   Mr.  Graham. 

Captain  Tropic  ...     44  Pritchard.  Alamba      ....     44  Spilhr. 

Antonio  44  Carpender.  Virginia     ....  Mm.  Darley. 

Sebastian      ....      "  Bancker.  Mary   44  Wheatley. 

Dominique     ....     "  Burke.  Jacintha    ....  44  Spiller. 

On  the  4th,  Mr.  Hilson  and  Mrs.  Williams  made  their  ap- 
pearance as  Bob  Acres  and  Lydia  Languish,  both  receiving 
the  heartiest  welcome. 

On  the  18th,  the  first  new  piece  of  the  season,  a  farce  by 
Dibdin,  called  "  Past  Ten  O'clock,  and  a  Rainy  Night,"  was 
produced,  with  the  following  cast : 

Sir  Peter  Punctual  .    .    Mr.  Graham.  I     Bantam  .  . 


Harry  Punctual 
Chares  Wildfire 
Old  Snapps   .  . 
Young  Snapps 
Doiey       .  . 


Carpender.  Sam  Squib 

Pritchard.  Nancy  . 

Jones.  Lucy.  . 

Banckbr.  Silence  . 
Hilson. 


Mr.  Spillek 
'4  Burke. 
Mrs.  Goldson 
44  Claude. 
44  Hogg. 


The  Commonwealth  Theatre  was  also  open  at  this  time* 
numbering  among  its  company.  Tyler.  West,  Hardinge,  Mes- 
tayer.  a  low  comedian,  and  father  of  Mrs.  Charles  Thorno  and 


312 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Miss  Emily  Mestayer ;  Monier,  father  of  the  beautiful  Vir- 
ginia Monier,  who  led  the  female  business  at  the  Old  National 
in  1838;  Labottiere,  the  dancer;  A.  J.  Allen,  Mrs.  Allen,  Mrs. 
May,  Miss  Ryckman,  Miss  Harris,  &c. 

At  The  Park,  on  the  7th,  was  first  played  the  farce  of  ki  In- 
trigue, or  Married  Yesterday,"  by  Poole,  afterward  the  suc- 
cessful author  of  "  Paul  Pry,"  &c.  Pritchard  played  Captain 
Rambleton ;  Simpson,  Varnish ;  Spiller.  Tom ;  and  Mrs.  Wil- 
liams, Ellen. 

A  new  comedy,  called  "  Debtor  and  Creditor,"  was  brought 
out  on  the  13th ;  and  another,  entitled  "  First  Impressions," 
on  the  23d;  but,  though  cast  to  the  best  strength  of  the 
company,  neither  retained  long  possession  of  the  stage. 

Mrs.  Burke  made  her  first  appearance,  November  1st,  as 
Catharine,  in  the  "  Exile,"  and  was  received  with  the  warmest 
applause ;  and,  on  the  6th,  Mr.  Cooper  again  gratified  his 
friends  by  coming  forward  as  Hamlet,  following  it  with  sev- 
eral popular  parts,  and  concluding  with  Zang-a,  in  the  "  Re- 
venge," for  his  benefit,  on  the  24th. 

"  Aladdin,  or  the  Wonderful  Lamp  " — still  one  of  the  most 
popular  of  melo-dramatic  romances  —  was  first  played  in 
America  on  the  25th,  with  the  following  cast: 

Tahi  Tongluck    .    .    .  Mr.  Jones.  Aladdin   Mrs.  Williams. 

Prince  Azack     .    .    .  Cakpender.  Princess     ....     "  Goldson. 

Abenazack    ....  "  Simpson.  Ching  Mustapha  .         "  Hogg. 

Kazrac   "  Bcrke.  Amrou   Miss  Dellinger. 

Mr.  Bibby,  the  noted  imitator  of  Cooke,  appeared  as  Sir 
Pertinax,  on  the  13th  of  December,  and  was  again  well  re- 
ceived. He  afterward  played  Shylock,  Hamlet  and  Octavian, 
making  his  last  appearance  (prior  to  visiting  Europe)  on  the 
30th,  as  Romeo  and  Sir  Archy. 

On  New  Year's  Night,  1816,  "Catharine  and  Petruchio*' 
and  "  Don  Juan  "  were  performed ;  also,  for  the  first  time  in 
New  York,  the  melo-drama  of  "  Zembucca,"  which  still  re- 
tains possession  of  the  stage.    It  was  thus  cast : 

Zembucca   Mr.  Pritchard.  Selim   Mr.  Cakpender. 

Korac   "  Simpson.  Salic   "  Darlet. 

Mirza  ....  "  Burke.  Ebra   Mrs.  Darley. 

Buffardo   "  Spiller.  Amazaide  ....  "  Goldson. 

On  Mr.  Simpson's  benefit  night,  January  5th,  Dimond's 
opera,  called  u  Brother  and  Sister,"  with  Bishop's  music,  was 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


313 


represented  for  the  first  time,  with  the  following  distribution 
of  parts: 

Don  Sylvio    ....    Mr.   Pritchabd.  Isadora  Mrs.  Darley. 

Don  Christoval  ..."    Burke.  Camilla  "  Goldson. 

Pachecho  "    Spiller.  I     Rosantha    ....     "  Burke. 

On  the  15th,  a  Mr.  Phillips,  who  had  made  his  debut  in  New 
York  on  the  15th  of  May,  1815,  as  Young  Norval,  re-appeared 
as  Frederick,  in  "  Lovers'  Vows ;"  he  also  played  Durimal,  in 
"  Point  of  Honor ;"  Lothair,  in  "Adelgitha ;"  and  Coesario,  in 
"Alfonso,"  for  his  benefit.  This  was  Aaron  J.  Phillips,  after- 
ward a  well-known  actor  of  old  men,  connected  with  various 
theatres  here,  and  at  different  times  manager  of  several  in 
other  cities.    He  died  in  New  York,  in  1846. 

On  the  19th,  a  young  gentleman  made  his  debut  as  Hamlet, 
and  on  the  26th  was  announced  for  the  character  of  Romeo  as 
Mr.  Bartow  —  also  appearing  as  Achmet  and  Tancred.  He 
played  a  few  nights  the  ensuing  season,  but  his  name  there- 
after disappears  from  the  bills. 

Mrs.  Hogg,  long  acknowledged  as  the  best  representative 
of  old  women  known  to  the  New  York  stage,  died  suddenly 
on  the  night  of  February  6th,  at  the  age  of  67. 

On  the  7th  of  February,  was  played,  for  the  first  time  in 
many  years,  Mrs.  Oentlivre's  celebrated  comedy  of  "A  Bold 
Stroke  for  a  Wife,"  and,  with  the  annexed  cast,  was  frequently 
repeated : 

Col.  Feignwell    .    .    .    Mr.  Simpson.  :     Simon  Pure     .    .    .    Mr.  Bancker. 

Freeman  "     Pritchard.  Anna  Lovely  .    .    .    Mrs.  Darley. 

Perriwinkle  ....     "    Spiller.  Betty  "  Whbatlet. 

Obadiah  Prim    ...     "  Burke. 

On  the  16th,  Mrs.  Anderson,  a  daughter  of  the  comedian 
Jefferson,  made  her  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  Moggy 
McGi/pin,  in  the  "  Highland  Reel ;"  and  on  the  24th,  her 
husband  likewise  appeared  for  the  first  time,  as  Robert,  in  the 
"Curfew."  The  lady  was  very  young,  pretty  and  interesting, 
and  was  most  favorably  known  afterward  at  the  Philadelphia 
Theatre.  She  died  in  early  life,  leaving  two  daughters,  one 
of  whom,  Mrs.  Thoman,  was  a  favorite  in  Boston  a  few  years 
since,  and  the  other,  Mrs.  G.  C.  Germon  has  played  in  Boston, 
Philadelphia  and  New  York,  and  has  introduced  to  the  stage, 
her  daughter,  Miss  Efiie  Germon,  with  very  flattering  success. 

40 


314  RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE, 

For  his  benefit  on  the  26th,  Mr.  Cooper,  who  had  again  ap- 
peared for  a  few  nights,  played  Benedick,  and  the  ci-devant 
Mrs.  Williams  (now  first  announced  as  Mrs.  S.  Wheatley) 
made  a  charmingly  effective  Beatrice. 

The  "Forest  of  Bondy,"  a  still  popular  melo-drama,  was 
first  represented  in  New  York  on  the  18th  of  March ;  Macaire 
by  Mr.  Simpson  ;  Gontram,  Pritchard ;  Blaize,  Spiller ;  Florio, 
Mrs.  Anderson;  Lucille,  Mrs.  Darley;  Dame  Gertrude,  Mrs. 
Wheatley — her  first  attempt  in  a  line  of  characters  in  which 
she  afterward  attained  such  great  excellence. 

The  beautiful  domestic  drama  of  the  "  Maid  and  Magpie" 
was  first  played  here  on  the  1st  of  April ;  Henry,byMr.  Simp- 
son ;  Everard,  Anderson ;  Gerald,  Pritchard ;  Benjamin,  Darley ; 
Martin,  Burke ;  Dame  Gerald,  Mrs.  Wheatley ;  Annette,  Mrs. 
Darley.  Its  merit  still  guarantees  a  favorable  reception  when- 
ever performed. 

A  most  valuable  addition  was  now  made  to  the  dramatic 
force  of  the  city  by  the  engagement  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barnes, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baldwin,  and  Mr.  Better  ton ;  three  of  whom 
made  their  first  appearance  in  America  on  the  17th  of  April, 
viz. :  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Juliet :  Mr.  Baldwin  as  Sam,  in  "  Raising 
the  Wind  f  and  Mrs.  Baldwin  as  the  Nurse  and  Miss  Durable. 

Few  actresses  have  been  so  deserving,  fewer  still  have  been 
as  fortunate  as  Mrs.  Barnes.  She  at  once  gained  the  affec- 
tions of  the  audience,  and  during  a  theatrical  career  of  five 
and  twenty  years,  nothing  occurred  to  detract,  in  the  slightest 
degree,  from  the  kindliest  feelings  always  entertained  for  her. 
In  person,  Mrs.  Barnes  was  finely  formed,  but  under  middle 
size.  Her  features,  though  small,  were  eminently  beautiful, 
and  at  her  perfect  command  in  portraying  every  shade  of 
passion ;  and  her  face  was  lighted  up  by  most  eloquent  and 
expressive  dark  eyes.  As  a  tragic  actress,  she  was  superior 
to  any  contemporary,  Mrs.  Duff  and  Fanny  Kemble  alone  ex- 
cepted ;  and  in  a  few  characters,  Juliet  and  Evadne,  for  in- 
stance, we  have  never  seen  her  equal.  As  the  fond  Italian 
girl,  all  critics  agreed  for  many  years  that  she  soared  beyond 
rivalry.    She  excelled  principally  in  the  youthful  heroines  of 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


315 


tragedy,  though  few  ladies  have  given  us  high  comedy  with 
equal  finish,  and  no  roguish  boy  was  ever  better  personated 
than  by  Mrs.  Barnes.  In  melo-drama  and  pantomime,  her 
action  was  always  graceful,  spirited  and  correct — Fenella, 
Aladdin,  and  the  Dumb  Savoyard  have  rarely  found  a  better 
representative.  Respected  and  admired  in  private  life,  Mrs. 
Barnes  mingled  in  the  best  society  of  the  city,  and  possessing 
an  easy  competence,  after  her  husband's  death  took  a  formal 
farewell  of  the  Stage,  November  2d,  1841.  She  afterward 
visited  England  with  her  daughter,  Miss  Charlotte  Barnes, 
(afterward  Mrs.  Edmund  Conner)  but  returned  to  spend  the 
evening  of  her  days  among  those  who  first  appreciated  and 
rewarded  her  genius.  She  once  or  twice  emerged  from  her 
retirement  for  the  benefit  of  her  daughter,  and  on  the  25th  of 
July,  1851,  at  Philadelphia,  appeared  as  Lady  Randolph,  with 
almost  undiminished  excellence. 

Mrs.  Barnes  was  at  length  attacked  with  paralysis,  and  after 
the  death  of  her  daughter,  to  whom  she  was  most  tenderly 
attached,  finally  sunk  under  a  long,  protracted  illness.  She 
died  in  New  York,  on  the  26th  of  August,  1864,  in  the  84th 
year  of  her  age,  and  was  buried  from  her  residence  in  Van- 
dam  Street,  which  she  had  occupied  for  more  than  thirty-five 
years.'  As  an  actress,  the  faults  of  Mrs.  Barnes  were  so  few 
that  they  almost  escaped  the  eye  of  criticism,  and  as  a  woman, 
the  tongue  of  scandal  or  of  malice  never  ventured  to  assail 
her.  Mrs..  Barnes  was  a  native  of  London — her  maiden  name 
Greenhill — but  she  originally  played  as  Miss  Simpson  in  the 
British  provinces,  and  subsequently,  under  her  marital  desig- 

|  nation,  at  the  Haymarket  and  Drury  Lane. 

Mrs.  Charlotte  Baldwin,  the  sister  of  Mrs.  Barnes,  proved 
to  be  an  efficient  and  able  delineator  of  elderly  females,  and 
occasionally  played  a  pert  chambermaid  with  great  spirit. 
New  York  had  never  before  seen  so  good  an  "  Old  Woman," 
and  though  she  has  since  been  excelled  in  the  "  Fashionable 
Dowager"  and  "  Prim  Old  Maid,"  by  Mrs.  Wheatley  and  Mrs. 

!  Vernon,  she  possessed  an  advantage  over  them  in  her  ability 
to  represent  a  serious  character  with  great  force  and  discrim- 


316  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

ination.  The  Duchess  of  York  has  seldom  had  so  fine  a  repre- 
sentative on  our  stage.  After  the  death  of  Mr.  Baldwin,  she 
married  Mr.  Westervelt  Walstein,  of  this  city.  The  match 
proved  unhappy,  and  a  separation  was  the  consequence.  In 
the  latter  part  of  her  career,  she  became  very  corpulent,  and 
unfitted  in  appearance  for  the  stage,  from  which  she  retired 
in  1837.  Mrs.  Walstein  died  in  New  York,  April  21st,  1856, 
aged  78.  She  had  originally  played  in  the  British  provinces 
as  Mrs.  Simpson. 

Mr.  Joseph  Baldwin  possessed  considerable  merit  as  a  low 
comedian,  but  not  being  equal  to  Hilson,  Spiller,  or  Barnes, 
appeared  under  a  great  disadvantage.  He  was,  however,  ex- 
ceedingly clever  in  a  comic  song. 

Mr.  Baldwin  died  in  May,  1820,  aged  33  years,  and  his 
tombstone  may  be  seen  in  the  southwest  corner  of  Trinity 
churchyard. 

On  the  22d  of  April,  Mr.  John  Barnes  made  his  first  bow 
in  America  as  Sir  Peter  Teazle  and  Lingo ;  Mrs.  Barnes  being 
the  Lady  Teazle  of  the  comedy,  and  Mrs.  Baldwin  the  Mrs. 
Chesshire  of  the  farce.  He  soon  became  an  immense  favorite, 
and,  in  the  course  of  his  theatrical  life,  probably  caused  more 
amusement  and  laughter  than  any  comedian  we  have  ever 
had.  With  every  capability  of  excellence,  he  too  often  pre- 
ferred the  applauses  of  the  thoughtless  many  to  the  better 
praises  of  the  judicious  few ;  but  the  comical  phiz  of  "  Old 
Barnes"  was  always  the  signal  for  a  burst  of  merriment,  and 
even  they  who  censured  his  extravagance  were  obliged  to 
laugh  at  his  whimsical  grimaces.  He  was  truly  eminent  in 
such  characters  as  Sir  Anthony  Absolute,  Sir  Abel  Handy,  Lord 
Duberly,  Cosey,  &c,  and  in  Old  Rapid,  Brummagem,  Delph 
and  Nipperkin,  we  have  never  seen  his  equal.  Mr.  Barnes 
left  the  Park  Theatre  in  the  summer  of  1832,  and  took  the 
management  of  the  Richmond  Hill,  in  Varick  Street,  which 
proved  an  unfortunate  speculation.  He  occasionally  after- 
ward appeared  on  the  scene  of  his  former  triumphs,  where  he 
played  for  the  last  time  in  the  fall  of  1840.  The  principal 
portion  of  the  time  was,  however,  profitably  devoted  to  star 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


317 


engagements  at  the  South  and  West,  in  company  with  his 
wife  and  daughter.  While  on  a  professional  visit  to  Nova 
Scotia,  in  the  summer  of  1841,  a  carbuncle  appeared  on  his 
nose,  and  after  a  very  short  illness,  caused  his  death  on  the 
28th  of  August,  at  the  age  of  60.  His  remains  were  brought 
to  New  York,  and  interred  in  St.  Mark's  burying-ground. 

On  the  24th  of  April,  Mr.  Betterton  made  his  debut  in  the 
"Clandestine  Marriage1'  as  Lord  Ogleby,  to  Mrs.  Baldwin's 
Mrs.  Heidleberg.  This  gentleman,  whose  real  name  was 
Thomas  Butterton,  and  who,  by  the  change  of  a  letter,  had 
taken  that  of  one  of  the  most  eminent  of  British  actors,  was 
born  in  Dublin,  and  long  held  a  respectable  position  in  the 
Theatre  there,  as  well  as  in  the  English  provinces.  He  ob- 
tained an  engagement  for  his  daughter  (afterward  the  cele- 
brated Mrs.  Glover)  at  Covent  Garden,  in  1797,  and  in  Octo- 
ber of  that  year  made  his  own  first  appearance  there  as  Bel- 
cour,  but  was  unable  to  rank  with  the  best  performers  of  the 
metropolis.  On  his  arrival  in  the  New  World,  he  was  past 
his  prime,  and  did  not  create  the  sensation  he  had  antici- 
pated. Among  his  first  series  of  characters  were  Sir  Lucius 
0'  Trigger,  Dumont,  Old  Dornton,  Major  O' Flaherty  and  Rich- 
ard III.,  and  as  a  stock  actor,  he  would  have  proved  a  valu- 
able-addition to  the  strength  of  the  company.  In  December, 
1819,  Mr.  Betterton  was  married  in  New  York,  to  Mrs.  Ann 
Bunting,  but  afterward  returned  to  England,  and  died  there 
in  1835,  at  the  age  of  80.  After  the  appearance  of  these 
recruits,  a  succession  of  standard  plays  was  produced,  in 
which  Mrs.  Barnes  increased  her  reputation  by  her  admirable 
performances  of  Belvidera,  Jane  Shore,  Angela,  Albina  Mande- 
ville,  &c. 

On  the  10th  of  May,  one  of  the  earliest  dramatic  produc- 
tions of  John  Howard  Payne,  entitled  "Accusation,"  an  adap- 
tation from  the  French,  was  first  represented. 

D'Anglade     ....  Mr.  Simpson.  Hubert   Mr.  Si-iller. 

Bertrand   "  Burke.  Marcel   "  Barnes. 

Leon  de  Valency     .    .  "  Betterton.  Madame  de  Cerval  Mrs.  S.Wueatlet. 

Valmore   "  Pritciiard.  Madame  d'Auglade    .  "  Barnes. 

Another  comedy,  called  "  Living  in  London,"  was  produced 
with  less  success  on  the  24th. 


318  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

Mrs.  Barnes  took  her  first  benefit  on  the  29th,  when  she 
appeared  as  Isabella,  in  the  tragedy  of  that  name,  and  as 
Cherubino,  in  the  "  Marriage  of  Figaro ;"  Mr.  Barnes  playing 
Antonio. 

Mr.  Simpson's  benefit  took  place  on  the  10th  of  June,  when 
he  produced  for  the  first  time  here,  Mrs.  Charles  Kemble's 
beautiful  drama  of  "  Smiles  and  Tears,"  with  the  following 
very  superior  cast : 

Fitzharding  ....    Mr.   Pritchard.  Lady  Emily    .    .     .    Mrs.  S.  Wheatley. 

Sir  H.  Chomley      .    .     "     Simpson.  Mrs.  Belmore  .    .    .     "  Darlet. 

Col.  O'Donolan  ..."     Betterton.  Mrs.  Jeffries    ..."  Baldwin. 

Stanley  "    Jones.  Cecil  Fitzharding  "  Barnes. 

Delaval  "  Carpender. 

On  the  same  occasion,  Mr.  Barnes  sung  his  famous  comic 
song,  "  Barney,  leave  the  girls  alone,"  and  Mrs.  Barnes  recited 
Collins'  "  Ode  on  the  Passions,"  two  performances  of  which 
the  public  never  tired,  and  which  continued  to  be  repeated 
with  applause  as  long  as  they  remained  on  the  stage. 

The  Fourth  of  July  was  celebrated  by  the  first  performance 
of  a  drama,  called  the  "  Battle  of  New  Orleans,"  in  which  Mr. 
Robertson  made  his  first  appearance  this  season,  as  General 
Jackson.    The  other  characters  were : 


Malville   Mr.  Pritchard.  j     American  Soldier.    .  Mr.  Baldwin. 

Sir  E.  Packenham  .  "  Carpender.           Abbess   Mrs.  Groshon. 

Gen.  Coffee    ....  "  Jones.                  Louisa   "  Anderson. 

Brian  O'Flanagan   .    .  "  Burke.  !     Charlotte   ....  Miss  Dellinger. 


On  the  8th,  after  six  months'  absence  at  the  South,  Mr. 
Hilson  appeared  as  Tyke  and  Somno,  and  afterward  played 
Falstaff,  Sir  Peter  Teazle,  Shylock,  Apollo  Belvi,  &c. 

On  the  10th,  Mrs.  Gilfert  commenced  an  engagement  as 
Calista.  The  combination  of  this  lady  with  Mrs.  Barnes 
rendered  the  performance  of  several  tragedies  very  attractive. 
The  latter  appeared  as  Jane  Shore,  Cora  and  Statira,  to  Mrs. 
Gilfert's  Alicia,  Elvira  and  Roxana. 

On  the  22d,  Mrs.  Gilfert's  benefit  took  place,  when  she  ap- 
peared as  Lady  Townly  ;  and  Mrs.  Claude,  formerly  of  this 
Theatre,  but  then  of  Philadelphia,  made  her  last  appearance 
in  New  York  as  Miss  Jenny. 

The  season  terminated  on  the  27th  of  July. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

Park  Theatre,  Stephen  Price,  Manager,  1810-17,  1817-18. 

T  what  date  Mr.  Cooper  withdrew  from  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Park  Theatre,  we  have  not  learned ;  but 
at  the  period  of  which  we  write,  Mr.  Stephen  Price 
was  sole  lessee  and  manager,  with  the  aid  of  Mr.  Simpson  in 
the  stage  department. 

The  comedy  of  "  Smiles  and  Tears,"  and  the  Eastern  ro- 
mance of  "  Aladdin,"  were  the  entertainments  for  the  opening 
night,  September  2d,  1816,  in  which  the  favorites  of  the  pre- 
vious season  were  again  warmly  welcomed. 

Mrs.  Aldis  (late  Mrs.  Stanley)  after  a  year's  absence,  made 
her  re-entree  on  the  6th,  as  Adelgitha. 

On  the  18th,  for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  a  drama  from 
Scott's  "  Guy  Mannering"  was  played,  with  the  following  cast : 

Henry  Bertram  .    .    .    Mr.  Simpson.  Baillie  Mucklethrift  .  Mr.  Baldwin. 

Col.  Mannering  ..."  Robertson.  Franco   Mi3S  Brundaqe. 

Dominie  Sampson    .    .     "  Barnes.  Julia  Mannering  .    .  Mrs.  S.  Wheatley. 

Dandie  Dinmont .    .    .     "  Pritchard.  Lucy  Bertram.    .         "  Anderson. 

IHrck  Hatteraick         .     "  Carpender.  Mrs.  McCandish  .         '*  Baldwin. 

Gabriel  "  Anderson.  Meg  Merrilies.    .    .     "  Aldis. 

Gilbert  Glossin  ..."  Jones.  Flora   Miss  Dellinger. 

The  still  popular  farce  of  "  Love,  Law  and  Physic,"  was  pro- 
duced on  the  23d,  with  the  annexed  cast : 

•  Flexible  Mr.  Simpson.  Andrew  Bang.    .    .    Mr.  Robertson. 

'   Dr.  Camphor .    ...     "     Jones.  Lubin  Log.    ..."  Hilson. 

Capt.  Danvers    ..."     Pritchard.  Mrs.  Hillary   .    .    .    Mrs.  Baldwin. 

On  the  25th,  Maturing  famous,  though  objectionable  tra- 
gedy of  "  Bertram  "  was  first  played,  with  very  great  success : 

Bertram  Mr.  Robertson.        I     Imogine     ....    Mrs.  Barnes. 

|  St.  Aldobrand    ...     "    Carpender.  Clotilda     ....     "  Anderson. 

i   Prior  "     Pritchard.  I 

Robertson  played  the  hero  well,  and  the  guilty  Imogine 
has  rarely  been  as  ably  represented  as  by  the  impassioned 


320 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mrs.  Barnes.  Mr.  Betterton's  first  appearance  this  season  took 
place  on  the  8th  of  October,  as  Dennis  Brulguddery.  He  did 
not  prove  attractive.  The  burlesque  tragic  opera  of  "  Bom- 
bastes  Furioso  ,"  with  Barnes  as  King  Artaxominies  ;  Hilson  as 
Gen.  Bombastes ;  and  Mrs.  S.  Wheatley  as  Distaffina,  was  first 
played  on  the  17th,  with  great  applause. 

On  the  18th,  a  comedy  called  "  Where  to  Find  a  Friend," 
written  by  Mr.  Leigh,  was  represented,  and  repeated  a  few 
times  with  the  following  cast : 


Barney  Mr.  Betterton. 

Lady  Morden  .  .  Mrs.  S.  Wheatlbt. 
Mrs.  Bustle    ...     "  Baldwin. 


Morden   Mr.  Simpson. 

Heartley   "  Hilson. 

Torrington    ....  "  Robertson. 

Timothy   "  Barnes. 

The  "Woodman's  Hut,"  for  many  years  a  very  popular 
drama,  was  first  played  here  on  the  28th,  the  characters  thus 
distributed : 

Ferdinand     ....    Mr.  Simpson.  Bruhl  Mr.  Jones. 

Schampf  "    Pritchard.  Moritz  "  Barnes. 

Wolfender     ....     "    Robertson.  Amelia  Mrs.  Barnes. 

November  4th,  Mrs.  Darley  made  her  first  appearance  this 
season,  as  Helen  Worrett.  On  the  7th,  a  Mr.  Adamson,  from 
the  Bath  Theatre,  first  appeared  in  New  York  as  Tyke.  We 
do  not  know  that  he  ever  again  played  at  the  Park,  but  in 
1822  he  was  at  the  so-called  City  Theatre  in  Warren  Street. 

Mr.  Bibby  soon  after  appeared  as  Richard,  Romeo,  Shy  lock, 
Sir  Giles  Overreach  and  Sir  Pertinax  McSycophant,  being  his 
last  engagement  at  this  establishment. 

Pocock's  operatic  piece,  "  John  of  Paris,"  was  first  given  in 
New  York  on  the  25th.  Mr.  Darley  as  John  ;  Mr.  Hilson  as 
Pedrigo  Potts ;  Mr.  Pritchard  as  Vincent ;  and  Mrs.  Anderson 
as  the  Princess  of  Navarre,  were  all  very  happy  in  their 
respective  parts. 

Congreve's  old  comedy  of  "  Love  for  Love  "  followed  on  the 
27th,  for  the  first  time  in  the  Park  Theatre,  thus  cast : 

Sir  Sampson  Legend    .  Mr.  Jones.  Scandal     .  . 

Valentine   "  Simpson.  Mrs.  Frail  .  . 

Ben   "  Hilson.  Mrs.  Foresight 

Foresight   "  Barnes.  Miss  Prue  .  . 

Tattle   "  Pritchard.  Angelica   .  . 


Mr.  Robertson. 
Mrs.  Aldis. 

"  Baldwin. 

"    S.  Wheatlbt. 

"  Darlet. 


December  2d.  Mrs.  Johnson,  formerly  the  favorite  of  the 
town,  re-appeared  as  Lady  Randolph,  after  an  absence  of  ten 
years  in  England.  Time  had  robbed  her  of  the  charms  of 
youth,  but  her  appearance  gave  great  pleasure  to  many  of  her 


RKCORD8  OF  THE  NEW   YORK   STAGE.  32  1 

old  admirers,  and  her  performance  of  Jane  Shore,  Queen  Eliza- 
beth, ("Earl  of  Essex")  Madame  Clermont,  Eugenia  and  Violante, 
was  such  as  to  sustain  her  previous  high  reputation.  On  the 
occasion  of  her  benefit,  she  brought  forward  her  daughter, 
who  introduced  a  divertisement  on  the  harp  with  unbounded 
applause — being  her  first  appearance  since  early  childhood. 
"What  Next?"  a  farce  by  Dibdin,  was  played  on  the  13th, 


as  follows : 

Col.  Touchwood  .    .    .  Mr.  Robertson.       I     Sharp   Mr.  Darley. 

Major  Touchwood    .    .  "  Pritchard.  Mrs.  Prudence    .    .  Mrs.  Baldwin. 

Snaggs   "  Barnes.  Clarissa     ....  Anderson. 


On  the  18th,  Cooper  commenced  an  engagement  as  Hamlet : 
and  on  the  20th,  for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  gave  a  mas- 
terly delineation  of  Bertram.  His  performances  extended 
to  the  13th  of  January,  when,  for  his  benefit,  he  appeared  as 
Beverly,  in  the  "  Gamester." 

Mr.  Hilson  took  his  benefit,  December  30th,  appearing  as 
Jack  Bowline,  in  Dunlap's  "Fraternal  Discord;"  and  also 
producing,  for  the  first  time,  Allingham's  musical  farce  of 
"  Transformation,"  with  the  following  cast : 


Makesafe   Mr.  Jonis.  Caution   Mr.  Baldwin. 

Laglast   "  Pritchard.  Adelaide    ....  Mrs.  Anderson. 

Chameleon    ....  "  Hilson.  Judith   "  Baldwin. 

Malachi   "  Darley. 


January  1st,  1817,  in  addition  to  "Lovers'  Quarrels"  and 
the  "  Poor  Soldier,"  Dibdin's  romance  of  the  "  Ninth  Statue, 
or  the  Irishman  in  Bagdad,"  was  played  with  great  success, 
for  the  first  time  in  America,  the  characters  thus  distributed: 

Prince  Zeyn  ....  Mr.  Robertson.  Cobad   Mr.  Graham. 

Kilrooney   "  Pritchard.  Namouna  ....  Mrs.  Parley. 

Bubekir   "  Barnes.  .     Musca   Mi  ss  Bellinger. 

Morabec   "  Anderson.  j     Alcolomb   ....  Mrs.  Groshon. 

Pandac   "  Baldwin.  Gulna   11  Baldwin. 

This  drama  has  been  frequently  revived,  and  was  last 
played  at  the  Bowery  a  few  years  since. 

Mr.  John  Graham,  whose  name  appears  in  the  above  cast, 
was  a  native  of  this  city,  and  in  the  characters  usually  allotted 
him  maintained  a  good  repute  for  correctness  and  respecta- 
bility. During  the  war  of  1812,  Mr.  G.  served  as  an  officer  in 
the  13th  Regiment  U.  S.  Infantry,  and  obtained  the  approba- 
tion and  esteem  of  his  brother  officers. 

On  the  loth.  Miss  Ellen  Augusta  Johnson,  daughter  of  the 
esteemed  old  Park  favorites,  made  her  dramatic  debut  in  the 

41 


322  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

"Child  of  Nature,"  as  Amanthis.  She  next  appeared  in  "Love 
in  a  Village,"  now  played  for  the  first  time  in  ten  years,  with 
the  following  superior  cast : 

Sir  W.  Meadows  -    .    .    Mr.  Jones.  Hodge  Mr.  Baldwin. 

Young  Meadows.    .    .     "    Darley.  Rosetta  Miss  Johnson. 

Hawthorn     ....     "    Pritchard.  Lucinda  "  Dellingbr. 

Justice  Woodcock  .    .     "    Barnes.  Mrs.  Deborah  .    .    .    Mrs.  Baldwin. 

Eustace  "    Bancker.  Margery     ....     "  Groshon. 


Her  third  character  was  Li lla,  in  the  "  Siege  of  Belgrade," 
and  on  the  20th,  for  her  benefit,  she  personated  Letitia  Hardy, 
and  Rosina,  in  the  opera  of  that  name,  being  received  in  all 
with  the  greatest  applause — both  playing  and  singing  with 
uncommon  excellence  for  a  novice,  having  appeared  but  a 
few  times  at  Drury  Lane  in  1815. 

Born  in  1800,  this  young  lady  was  now  in  the  first  blush  of 
womanhood,  and  endowed  with  the  greatest  personal  loveli- 
ness. To  a  finely  proportioned  figure  of  full  medium  height, 
she  joined  a  graceful  carriage  and  an  artlessness  of  manner 
that  at  once  won  every  heart.  Her  features  were  handsome 
and  expressive,  her  eyes  of  the  softest  blue,  her  complexion  of 
the  most  delicate  fairness;  and  her  hair,  a  rich  auburn  in 
color,  and  profuse  in  quantity,  usually  floated  in  easy  curls 
over  her  snowy  and  well-turned  shoulders.  Her  voice  was 
musical,  and  in  her  clear  ringing  laugh,  she  eclipsed  every 
actress  that  has  ever  trod  the  New  York  Stage.  It  was  so 
light,  merry,  and  joyous,  so  sympathetic  in  its  tone  and 
quality,  that  it  affected  every  hearer,  and  compelled  the  audi- 
ence to  join  in  unison  with  her.  Under  the  judicious  super- 
vision of  her  parents,  she  had  acquired  a  thorough  education, 
was  mistress  of  several  modern  languages,  and  possessed  every 
ornamental  accomplishment  suited  to  her  sex.  On  becoming 
a  regular  member  of  the  company,  her  beauty  and  merit  as 
an  actress,  together  with  what  was  then  considered  her  supe- 
rior singing,  and  her  brilliant  execution  on  the  harp,  at  once 
placed  her  at  the  summit  of  popular  favor,  a  position  that  she 
retained  until  the  summer  of  1830.  She  married  Mr.  Hilson, 
the  eminent  comedian,  in  August,  1825 — a  match  of  the 
purest  affection,  and,  we  believe,  of  unalloyed  happiness.  On 
the  death  of  Mrs.  Johnson,  in  June,  1830,  Mrs.  Hilson's  mind 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


823 


was  so  much  affected  by  the  loss  of  a  parent  on  whom  she 
doted,  that  for  a  time  she  withdrew  entirely  from  the  stage ; 
and,  on  resuming  the  profession,  principally  traveled  with  her 
husband  on  the  usual  Southern  and  Western  starring  tours, 
until  his  death,  in  1834.  In  the  fall  of  1835,  she  returned  to 
the  Park,  sadly  changed  ;  her  beauty  and  her  youth  had  fled 
together,  and  though  she  was  kindly  received  for  the  sake  of 
the  past,  she  was  unable  to  give  her  personations  that  vivid- 
ness and  force  that  had  once  distinguished  them.  Her 
greatest  failure  was  in  serious  characters,  for  she  could  still 
dash  through  a  brilliant  comedy  part  with  great  spirit,  though 
her  faded  appearance  contrasted  mournfully  with  the  assumed 
gavety  of  her  manner.  While  still  attached  to  the  Park  com- 
pany, Mrs.  Hilson  contracted  the  scarlet  fever  during  her  at- 
tendance on  her  only  child,  who  was  sick  of  the  same  dan- 
gerous disease.  The  child  recovered  ; — the  mother  died — on 
the  morning  of  April  2d,  1837.  The  late  William  Leggett, 
in  the  P/aindealer,  thus  summed  up  her  character :  "As  a 
woman,  she  was  pure,  gentle  and  amiable  ;  and  she  had  the 
rare  fortune,  never  more  fully  merited,  of  passing  without  the 
slightest  stain  or  reproach  through  a  walk  of  life  peculiarly 
infested  by  the  slanderers  of  female  reputation.  But  so  un- 
affected and  guileless  was  Mrs.  Hilson,  that  calumny  dared 
not  select  her  name  for  its  subject,  and  licentiousness  in 
her  presence  checked  his  ribald  tongue,  and  stood  rebuked 
to  silence." 

On  the  22d  of  January,  an  engagement  commenced  with  a 
fine  equestrian  corps,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  West,  from 
London — opening  with  "  Timour  the  Tartar,"  in  which  Mr. 
Robertson  played  Timour ;  Mr.  Parker,  Kerim ;  Mr.  Williams, 
Sanballet ;  and  Mrs.  West,  (a  superior  dancer,  and  an  able  rnelo- 
[  dramatic  actress)  Zorilda.  Among  the  troupe  were  Camp- 
bell, a  very  capital  clown;  and  Blackmore,  a  daring  and 
iskillful  rope-dancer.  "Blue-Beard,"  "Lodoiska,"  and  the 
|"  Tiger  Horde,"  followed  successively,  drawing  full  houses 
until  the  engagement  terminated  on  the  28th  of  February, 
i   Mr.  Bartow,  the  debutant  of  last  season,  re-appeared  on  the 


324  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

31st  of  March  as  Hamlet;  and  for  his  benefit,  on  the  10th, 
played  Chamont,  in  the  "  Orphan." 

On  the  12th,  a  new  comedy,  called  "  My  Wife,  What  Wife  ?" 
was  produced  for  the  first  time  with  the  cast  below  : 

Gov.  Hurricane  .    .    .  Mr.  Barnes.  Paddeen     ....  Mr.  Pbitchabd. 

Col.  Gayton  ....     "  Simpson.  Mrs.  Gayton    .    .    .  Mrs.  Groshon. 

St.  Ermont    ....     "  Robertson.  Constantia  ....     "     D ablet. 

Pass  "  Hilson. 

On  the  19th,  Mr.  Alexander  Wilson  made  his  first  appear- 
ance in  New  York  as  Rolla.  He  was  not  destitute  of  merit, 
and  possessed  many  excellent  histrionic  requirements. 

Ten  years  later,  when  playing  in  conjunction  with  Mr. 
Forrest  at  the  Bowery  Theatre,  many  conisdered  him  the 
better  actor,  but  he  never  attained  the  latters  eminence.  In 
1840,  Mr.  Wilson  was  the  lessee  and  manager  of  the  National 
Theatre,  corner  of  Leonard  and  Church  Streets,  but  his  con- 
nection with  the  establishment  resulted  most  disastrously. 
He  died  in  retirement  at  Brooklyn,  in  1848. 

Mr.  Cooper  now  played  another  series  of  characters,  and 
Mr.  Jacob  Woodhull  made  his  debut  as  Jqffier. 

On  the  5th  of  April,  the  latter  appeared  as  Macbeth,  for  his 
benefit,  being  his  third  appearance  on  any  stage.  This  gentle- 
man, whose  real  name  was  Hull,  proved  in  after  years  a  very 
valuable  addition  to  the  company,  with  which  he  was  con- 
nected for  a  long  time.  Without  attaining  high  distinction 
in  any  particular  line,  he  was  correct  and  respectable  in  all. 
As  William  Cox  (a  fine  dramatic  critic)  remarked,  in  noticing 
the  necessity  he  was  under  of  either  murdering,  or  of  being 
murdered  nightly,  (in  a  theatrical  way)  "  he  was  one  of  the 
most  useful  and  ill-used  actors  that  ever  trod  the  boards  of  a 
theatre,  but  the  blood-thirsty  line  was  only  a  single  branch  of 
his  extensive  business.  He  played  old  misers  and  young 
spendthrifts,  graybeards  and  lovers,  walking  gentlemen  and 
half-pay  officers,  soldiers,  sailors,  Irishmen,  Scotchmen,  Dutch- 
men, Jews,  Gentiles,  Turks,  French  tailors  and  Indian  savages, 
and  all  this  work  without  offense,  and  most  of  it  with  satisfac- 
tion, to  the  audience.  Night  after  night,  week  after  week, 
month  after  month,  year  after  year,  in  play,  in  interlude,  and 
in  farce,  there  was  Mr.  Woodhull ;  and  yet,  notwithstanding 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


325 


all  this,  his  senses  continued  perfect,  and  he  went  through 
his  business  with  more  propriety  and  rationality  than  many  a 
would-be  star."  Mr.  Woodhull  left  the  Park  Theatre  in  the 
summer  of  1832,  and  engaged  with  Barnes  as  Stage-manager 
of  the  Richmond  Hill  Theatre;  but  the  cholera,  whose  first 
terrible  visitation  occurred  that  year,  not  only  proved  fatal  to 
that  enterprise,  but  also  caused  his  death  on  the  31st  of  Au- 
gust.   He  was  about  40  years  of  age. 

Tobin's  comedy  of  the  "  Guardians,  or  the  Faro-Table," 
written  in  1795,  while  its  author  was  lying  ill  in  bed.  was 
first  played  in  New  York  on  the  9th  of  April ;  and,  although 
comparatively  successful,  did  not  long  retain  possession  of  the 
stage.    It  was  thus  cast : 

Barton  Mr.  Peitchard.  Lady  Welgrove    .    .    Mrs.  Darlbt. 

Waverly  "     Simpson  Lady  Nightshade     .     44  Baldwin. 

Sedgmore  "    Robertson.  Miss  Sedgmore        .     "  Groshon. 

Sapling  "    Barnes.  Betty  Miss  Dsllingbr. 

Hint    .  "  Hilson. 

On  the  16th,  Miss  Johnson  commenced  a  second  engage- 
ment. She  repeated  several  of  her  former  parts,  and  for  the 
first  time  appeared  as  Rosalind,  Albina  Mandeville,  Hester, 
F/orella,  and  for  her  benefit  on  the  25th,  as  Angela,  in  the 
"Castle  Spectre,"  and  Variella,  in  the  "Weathercock."  On 
the  latter  occasion,  Mrs.  Johnson  made  her  last  appearance  on 
the  stage  as  Evelina. 

Dimond's  melo-drama,  called  the  "Broken  Sword,"  was 
played  here  for  the  first  time  on  the  25th,  with  the  following 
cast: 

Col.  Rigolio   ....    Mr.   Pritchard.  Pablo  Mr.  Barnes. 

C»pt.  Zavior  .    ..."    Hilson.  Myrtillo  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Estevan  44    Simpson.  |     Rosara  44  Darlbt. 

It  was  beautifully  played,  and  had  a  great  run. 

"  Exit  by  Mistake,''  a  comedy,  was  produced  on  the  10th  of 
May,  and  repeated  once  or  twice  with  little  success. 

On  the  14th,  the  "Watchword,  or  Quito  Gate,"  was  first 
played,  with  Robertson  as  Don  Julian;  Simpson  as  Goyo- 
noche ;  Pritchard  as  Velasco ;  Barnes  as  Gil  Popo;  and  Mrs. 
Barnes  as  Louisa.    It  received  but  little  applause. 

On  the  19th,  Reynolds'  comedy  of  "  Folly  as  it  Flies"  was 
revived  after  a  slumber  of  fourteen  years.  A  nap  of  ten 
years  followed,  when  it  was  awakened  for  the  Bowery  boards, 


326 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


after  which  it  took  a  sound  sleep  of  twenty-seven  years,  when 
Mr.  Wallack  aroused  it  for  a  few  nights  at  his  Theatre,  in 
1854. 

June  2d,  another  of  Maturin's  tragedies,  entitled  "Manuel," 
was  presented  to  the  public,  with  the  following  cast : 

Don  Manuel  ....    Mr.  Pritchaed.  Montcalde  ....    Mr.  Jones. 

De  Zelos  "    Robertson.1  Victoria  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Torresmond  ....     "     Simpson.  Ximena  "  Darley. 

This  play  abounded  in  beauties,  yet  its  success  bore  no 
comparison  to  that  of  the  author's  "  Bertram."  It  was  revived 
at  the  Bowery,  in  1852,  with  Mr.  Eddy  as  Manuel,  and  Ma- 
tilda Heron  as  Victoria;  and  again  with  the  same  principals 
at  Niblo's  Garden,  in  1859. 

On  the  6th,  for  his  benefit,  Mr.  Simpson  revived  another  of 
Reynolds'  comedies,  called  "Fortune's  Fool,"  in  which  he 
played  Ap  Hazard;  and  also  produced,  for  the  first  time, 
Oulton's  farce  of  "  Frightened  to  Death,"  thus  cast : 

Phantom  Mr.  Simpson.  '     Carlton  .        ...    Mr.  Pritchaed. 

Sir  J.  Greybeard     .    .     "    Baenes.  Mumps  "  Hilson. 

Col.  BlufiF  "    Jones.  I     Emily  Mrs.  Daelet. 

On  the  12th,  the  Theatre  was  honored  by  a  visit  from  Presi- 
dent Monroe  and  suite,  when  Mr.  Cooper  played  Macbeth,  and 
Mrs.  Groshon  surprised  the  critics  by  her  excellent  delinea- 
tion of  his  guilty  wife. 

On  the  last  night  of  the  season,  July  4th,  Mr.  Hilson  ap- 
peared as  Will  Steady,  in  the  "Purse,"  and  Barogo,  in  the 
"  Toothache ; "  and,  for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  Morton's 
operatic  drama  of  the  "  Slave,"  with  Bishop's  music,  was  played 
with  the  following  cast: 


Gambia 
Capt.  Malcolm 
Clifton.    .  . 
Mat  Sharpset 
Sam  Sharpset 


Mr.  Robeetson. 

"  Pritchaed. 

"  Darley. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Barnes. 


Fogrum  .  •  . 
Stella  .  .  .  . 
Mrs.  Lindenberg 
Miss  Von  Frump 
Zelinda     .    .  . 


Mr.  Hilson. 
Miss  Dellinger. 
Mrs.  Groshon. 

"  Baldwin. 

"  Darley. 


On  the  9th,  the  Theatre  was  opened  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Theatrical  Fund  for  Decayed  Actors,  when  the  "  Slave "  was 
repeated ;  Mrs.  Barnes  recited  Collins'  "  Ode  on  the  Passions," 
and  Simpson,  Hilson  and  Mrs.  Darley  appeared  in  "  Catharine 
and  Petruchio."  This  Fund  was  in  existence  several  years,  and 
accumulated  quite  a  handsome  amount.  Of  its  distribution, 
or  into  whose  hands  it  finally  fell,  no  information  ever  tran- 
spired. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


327 


The  new  season  at  the  Park  commenced  on  the  1st  of  Sep- 
tember, 1817,  witli  the  comedy  of  "  Laugh  When  You  Can," 
in  which  Mr.  H.  A.  Williams  (from  the  Boston  Theatre)  made 
his  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  Gossamer.  Mr.  Williams 
was  a  versatile  and  useful  actor  in  parts  of  less  pretension, 
but  was  altogether  unequal  to  the  rank  of  first  light  come- 
dian. He  was  afterward  well  known  in  New  York,  but  on 
separating  from  his  wife,  in  1828,  went  South,  where  he  was 
living  many  years  after.  He  left  behind,  among  other  chil- 
dren, a  little  girl,  (adopted  by  the  tragedian  May  wood)  who, 
as  "La  petite  Augusta,"  created  a  great  sensation,  in  1838,  as 
a  dancer,  in  the  first  theatres  of  the  Union. 

On  the  3d,  Miss  Johnson,  now  one  of  the  regular  company, 
made  her  appearance  as  Letitia  Hardy.  On  the  same  evening, 
her  father,  after  an  absence  of  eleven  years,  again  came  before 
the  public  as  Deputy  Bull,  in  the  "  Review."  He  was  now  far 
advanced  in  years,  and  wisely  undertook  a  range  of  charac- 
ters subordinate  to  that  in  which  he  had  formerly  won 
great  favor. 

A  Mr.  Holland  was  announced  as  Giles,  in  the  "Maid  of  the 
Mill,"  on  the  8th,  his  first  and  probably  only  appearance.  On 
the  11th,  for  the  first  time,  was  played  the  melo-drama  of  the 
"Bold  Buccaneers,  or  the  Discovery  of  Robinson  Crusoe," 
with  the  following  cast : 


Robin >.Hi  Crusoe. 
Friday.  .  .  . 
Bluff  .  .  .  . 
Windlass  .    .  . 


Mr.  Simpson. 

"  Bancker. 

"  HlLSON. 

"  Pritchard. 


Diego  . 
Nipcheese  . 
Inez     .  . 


.    .    Mr.  Robertson. 
.    .     "  Barnes. 
.    .    Mrs.  Groshon. 


It  was  very  successful,  and  is  still  often  played  at  the  minor 
theatres.  A  pantomime,  on  the  same  subject,  had  been  pro- 
duced many  years  before. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles  Young  re-appeared,  for  a  few  nights, 
after  a  lapse  of  eight  years.  The  lady,  still  young  and  lovely, 
commenced  her  engagement  on  the  12th,  as  the  Widow  Cheerly  ; 
and  her  husband — noisy  and  blustering  as  ever — opened  on 
the  18th,  as  Charles  Austenrxmrt. 

Shiel's  tragedy  of  the  "Apostate,"  so  long  a  favorite  with 
actors  and  audiences,  was  first  presented  to  the  New  York 


828  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

public  on  the  22d,  and  admirably  performed  by  the  annexed 
cast: 

Pescara  Mr.  Pritchard.        I    Alvarez     ....    Mr.  Jones. 

Hemeya  "    Simpson.  Florinda   ....    Mrs.  Barnes. 

Malec  "  Robertson. 

Mrs.  Barnes  added  another  leaf  to  her  laurel  chaplet,  by 
her  exquisite  personation  of  the  heroine. 

The  plays  of  Shiel  and  Maturin,  though  popular  with  the 
public,  were  no  favorites  with  Halleck,  Drake  &  Co.,  authors 
of  the  celebrated  "  Croaker"  satirical  poems,  then  in  course  of 
publication ;  and,  although  they  had  paid  a  neat  compliment 
to  Mrs.  Barnes,  in  the  following  lines, 

"  Mrs.  Barnes!  Shakspeare's  heart  would  have  beat  had  he  seen  her  ; 
Her  magic  has  drawn  from  me  many  a  tear ; 
And  ne'er  shall  my  pen  or  its  satire  chagrin  her, 
While  pathos,  and  genius,  and  feeling  are  dear! " 

yet,  in  another  poem,  addressed  to  her,  they  ejaculate — 

"  Think,  lady,  what  we're  doomed  to  feel — 

By  Heaven!  'twould  rouse  the  wrath  of  stoics, 

To  see  the  queen  of  sorrows  deal 

In  thundering,  lofty,  low  by  Shiel, 
Or  mad  Maturin's  mock  heroics  !  " 

Soane's  admirable  domestic  drama  of  the  "Innkeeper's 
Daughter"  was  brought  out  on  the  29th,  as  follows: 

Tricksey   ....    Mr.  Jones. 
Hans  Ketzler  ...     "  Darley. 


Mary  Mrs.  Darley. 

Marianne  ....     "  Wheatley. 


Langley   Mr.  Baldwin. 

Monckton     ....     "  Robertson. 

Richard  "  Simpson. 

Harrop  "  Pritchard. 

Edward  "  Williams. 

Mrs.  Darley's  pathetic  representation  of  the  Innkeeper's 
Daughter  was  received  with  every  demonstration  of  applause, 
proving  that  she  still  held  her  old  position  in  the  estimation 
of  the  public,  notwithstanding  the  powerful  rivalry  of  the 
fascinating  Mrs.  Barnes. 

On  the  30th,  Mr.  Spiller  first  appeared  this  season  as  Bob 
Acres.  On  the  3d  of  October,  he  played  Doctor  Pangloss,  in 
the  "  Heir  at  Law " — Mrs.  H.  A.  Williams  making  her  debut 
here  on  the  same  night,  as  Cicely  Homespun.  This  lady  was 
born  at  Bath,  England,  in  1793  ;  and,  previous  to  appearing  in 
New  York,  had  been,  with  her  husband,  attached  to  tbe  Boston 
Theatre.    She  was  never  a  favorite  on  the  Park  Stage,  but  in 


RECORDS   OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


329 


other  theatres  excited  a  good  share  of  admiration,  and  at- 
tracted much  attention  by  her  performance  of  leading  male 
characters  in  several  tragic  plays.  She  married  Mr.  Robert 
Maywood  in  1828,  very  shortly  after  a  separation  from  her 
first  husband.  She  passed  through  almost  every  grade  of 
character  during  her  connection  with  the  American  Stage, 
and,  we  believe,  finally  played  the  line  of  "  Old  Women n  at 
one  of  the  Western  theatres.  She  was  last  in  New  York  at 
the  Greenwich  Theatre,  in  1846,  and  died  at  the  West  about 
1855. 

The  celebrated  Charles  Incledon,  at  this  time  the  most 
renowned  of  English  vocalists,  made  his  first  appearance  in 
America  on  the  20th  as  Hawthorn,  in  "Love  in  a  Village/' 
He  subsequently  appeared  as  Tom  Tug',  Steady,  Giles,  (in  the 
••Maid  of  the  Mill")  Macheath,  Patrick,  Harry  Blunt  and 
Don  Ccesar,  in  the  "  Castle  of  Andalusia."  He  did  not  com- 
mand the  applause  that  had  been  anticipated,  and  on  the 
plight  that  the  "Beggars'  Opera"  was  given,  great  dissatisfac- 
tion was  expressed  with  the  piece,  which  had  not  for  many 
years  been  played  in  New  York.  "Black-eyed  Susan"  was 
called  for,  and  quite  a  row  ensued,  in  consequence  of  Mr. 
Incledons  declining  to  sing  it.  His  great  fame  attracted 
Large  "audiences  during  his  first  engagement;  but  he  was  now 
past  the  prime  of  life,  burly  in  person,  careless  in  dress,  and 
as  poor  an  actor  (out  of  his  songs)  as  ever  walked  the  stage ; 
and  the  feeling  of  disappointment  was  very  general,  save 
among  the  few  who  were  able  to  appreciate  his  surpassing 
excellence  as  a  vocalist. 

Mr.  Incledon  was  a  native  of  Cornwall,  England,  born  in 
1757,  the  son  of  a  respectable  physician,  by  whom  he  was 
articled  to  Mr.  Jackson,  of  Exeter,  a  then  celebrated  musical 
composer.  Here  he  remained  some  six  or  seven  years,  at  the 
end  of  which  he  entered  as  a  midshipman  on  board  the  For- 
midable, A.  D.  1779,  went  to  the  West  Indies,  and  was  in 
several  engagements.  Ele  returned  to  England  in  1782,  and 
made  his  first  appearance  on  the  Stage  at  Southampton,  as 
A/plionso,  in  the  "  Castle  of  Andalusia : "  whence  he  was  soon 

42 


880  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

promoted  to  Bath ;  and  from  there,  under  the  patronage  of 
the  celebrated  Rauzzini,  to  Vauxhall,  London,  where  his  suc- 
cess was  so  great  that  he  was  engaged  at  Covent  Garden, 
where  he  first  appeared,  in  October,  1790,  as  Dermot,  in  the 
"Poor  Soldier;"  the  audience  soon  acknowledging  that,  to 
one  of  the  finest  voices  ever  heard,  he  united  the  greatest 
science,  pathos,  taste,  and  execution.  His  song  of  the  "  Storm" 
was  a  masterly  and  astonishing  performance,  and  his  style  was 
so  expressive  of  the  horrors  of  the  tempest,  and  the  confusion 
and  despair  of  the  sufferers,  that,  independent  of  the  amaze- 
ment excited  by  the  vast  power  and  flexibility  of  voice  he  dis- 
played in  this  difficult  undertaking,  the  effect  upon  the  audi- 
ence was  always  as  strong  as  any  impression  produced  by  the 
finest  piece  of  acting.  Mr.  Incledon  added  greatly  to  his 
reputation  by  his  very  fine  and  affecting  execution  of  sacred 
music,  during  the  Lent  Oratorios. 

The  writer  of  the  memoir  (published  in  1801)  from  which 
we  gather  the  above  particulars,  asserts  his  belief  that  there 
never  had  been,  and  probably  never  again  would  be,  a  vocal 
performer  of  equal  excellence.  "  In  his  peculiar  province  he 
stands  alone,  like  Mrs.  Siddons,  and  seems  to  defy  all  compe- 
tition." 

Mr.  Incledon  left  New  York  in  August,  1818,  and  died  at 
Worcester,  England,  February  11th,  1826,  at  the  age  of  69. 

Immediately  after  the  close  of  his  engagement,  another  vo- 
calist appeared,  who  created  a  very  different  impression,  and 
at  once  attained  the  very  highest  summit  of  popular  favor. 
This  was  Mr.  T.  Phillipps,  who  came  out  as  Count  Belino,  on 
the  3d  of  November.  He  afterward  played  Young'  Meadows, 
Prince  Orlando,  the  Seraskier,  and  for  his  benefit  on  the 
24th,  Carlos,  in  the  "  Duenna  ;"  and  Captain  Beldare,  in  "  Love 
Laughs  at  Locksmiths." 

To  a  fine  personal  appearance  he  added  considerable  merit 
as  an  actor ;  his  voice  was  unrivaled  for  sweetness,  he  articu- 
lated distinctly,  and  sung  with  more  feeling  and  expression 
than  any  other  male  vocalist  who  had  been  heard  here,  Incle- 
don only  excepted.    Mr.  Phillipps  made  two  visits  to  this 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


:;:n 


country,  and  last  appeared  at  the  Park  in  June,  1823.  He 
met  with  his  death  by  an  accident  on  the  Grand  Junction 
Railway,  England,  October  27,  1841. 

In  November,  the  "  Conquest  of  Taranto  "  was  first  played, 
and,  with  the  following  cast,  became  quite  popular: 

Aben  Hamet  ....    Mr.   Pritchard  Rinaldo  Mr.  Simpson. 

Gonsalo  "    Jones.  Rosalind    ....    Miss  Johnson. 

Valentio  "    Robertson.  Oriana  Mrs.  Darlet. 

Also,  for  the  first  time,  Pocock's  melo-drama  of  the  "  Liber- 
tine," taken  from  the  old  pantomime,  and  afterward,  with  the 
addition  of  some  of  Mozart's  music,  represented  on  the  English 
stage  as  the  opera  of  "  Don  Giovanni." 

Don  Juan  .        ...    Mr.  Simpson.  Leporello  ....    Mr.  Hilson. 

Don  Pedro     ....     "    Graham.  Elvira  Mrs.  Darlet. 

Don  Octavio  ....  "  Pritchard.  Leonora  ....  "  Groshon. 
Massetto  "    Darlet.  Zerlina  Miss  Johnson. 

Mr.  Phillipps'  second  engagement  commenced  December  7th. 
His  new  parts  were  Lord  Aimworth,  Patrick  and  Don  Sylvio. 

Mr.  Hilson's  engagement  terminated  this  month,  and  on  the 
17th  he  surprised  his  friends  by  his  forcible  personation  of 
Richard  III.,  for  his  benefit. 

On  the  19th,  Mr.  Cooper  commenced  an  engagement,  during 
which,  for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  he  appeared  as  Malec, 
in  the  "Apostate,"  and  King  John.  On  his  benefit  night, 
January  14th,  1818,  he  played  Mark  Antony,  and  Young 
Wilding-,  in  the  "Liar;"  and  between  the  pieces  Miss  John- 
son sang  "  Jessy,  the  Flower  of  Dumblane,"  to  her  own  accom- 
paniment on  the  harj^,  exciting  the  highest  feeling  of  admira- 
tion by  the  sweetness  and  grace  of  her  performance. 

On  the  16th  of  January,  in  the  character  of  Shylock,  first 
appeared  on  the  American  Stage,  Henry  J.  Finn,  who  after- 
ward acquired  distinguished  celebrity  as  an  actor,  author, 
dramatist  and  artist.  During  this  engagement,  he  also  ap- 
peared as  Sir  Edward  Mortimer,  Lord  Og-leby,  and  Belcour,  in 
the  "West  Indian,"  evincing  much  talent,  and  giving  fair 
promise  of  future  excellence. 

>  Mr.  Finn  was  born  at  Cape  Breton,  about  A.D.  1790.  His 
father  had  been  in  the  British  Navy,  but  was  a  resident  of 
this  city  while  our  hero  was  still  a  child.  Young  Finn's  edu- 
cation commenced  at  Traphagen's  Academy,  at  Hackensack; 


332  RECORDS  OP  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

thence  he  was  sent  to  Finley's  Latin  School  at  Newark,  and 
finally  completed  his  classical  education  at  Princeton  College ; 
being  afterward  a  student-at-law  with  Thomas  Phoenix,  Esq., 
at  one  time  U.  S.  District  Attorney  for  New  York.  It  was 
during  his  clerkship  that  he  first  obtained  an  entree  behind 
the  scenes,  at  the  Park  Theatre,  a  privilege  that  was  soon  put 
to  an  end  by  Mr.  Price,  at  the  request  of  Mr.  Phcenix.  His 
father  dying,  he  soon  after  embarked  with  his  mother  for 
England,  in  a  vessel  called  the  Esther  Lindo,  which  foundered 
on  her  passage,  and  from  which  they  were  rescued  by  a  pass- 
ing ship.  Disappointed  in  the  hope  of  finding  his  father's 
relatives  willing  or  able  to  assist  them,  their  circumstances 
became  very  low,  and  young  Finn  for  a  while  taught  school. 
He  then  fell  in  with  some  strolling  players,  to  whom  his 
knowledge  of  painting  was  of  great  service,  and  with  whom 
he  first  essayed  the  life  of  an  actor.  He  finally  worked  his 
way  to  the  Haymarket,  where  his  excellent  performance  of  a 
little  part  (Thomas)  in  the  "Sleepwalker"  first  attracted  the 
notice  and  commendation  of  the  audience. 

Returning  to  America,  he  made  his  first  appearance  as 
above  stated,  and  afterward  went  to  Savannah,  Ga.,  where  he 
made  a  lucky  hit.  He  there  became  associate  editor  of  the 
Savannah  "  Georgian?  and  his  literary  efforts  were  received 
with  high  encomiums.  In  1821,  he  was  again  in  London, 
obtaining  considerable  employment  as  a  miniature  painter, 
and  occasionally  playing  an  engagement  in  the  provincial 
theatres.  He  ultimately  was  connected  with  the  Surrey 
Theatre,  as  leading  melo-dramatic  tragedian ;  but  the  con- 
cern becoming  insolvent,  Mr.  Finn  returned  to  America,  and 
on  the  22d  of  October,  1822,  appeared  at  Boston  as  Richard 
III.  He  had  now  a  permanent  situation,  and,  as  actor  and 
manager,  ranked  as  a  prominent  favorite  in  that  city  for 
many  years.  Finding  Cooper,  Kean  and  others,  in  full  pos- 
session of  all  leading  tragic  parts,  he  abandoned  that  walk  of 
the  drama,  and  betook  himself  to  a  range  of  comedy  in  which 
he  has  been  rarely  equaled,  and  never  excelled  on  the  Ameri- 
can Stage.    His  Beau  Sh'atterly,  Billy  Black,  Paul  Shack,  Bob 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


333 


Logic,  Philip  Garbois,  Mons.  Jacques,  &c,  were  all  highly  fin- 
ished pieces  of  acting.  He  traveled  as  a  star  in  the  latter 
years  of  his  life  with  great  success,  but  unfortunately  lost 
much  of  his  earnings  in  bad  investments  during  the  univer- 
sal distress  of  1837,  &c.  His  wife  was  Miss  Elizabeth  Powell, 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  S.  Powell,  of  the  Boston  Theatre. 

Mr.  Finn  was  lost  on  the  steamer  Lexington,  which  was 
burnt  on  Long  Island  Sound,  in  January,  1840,  almost  in 
sight  of  his  own  home  at  Newport,  to  which  he  was  return- 
ing after  a  successful  Southern  tour.  The  last  character  he 
played  was  Mons.  Jacques,  at  the  Chestnut  Street  Theatre. 
Philadelphia,  on  the  8th  of  January,  1840. 

Mr.  Finn's  character  as  a  man  is  said  to  have  been  exem- 
plary in  every  respect.  As  a  dramatist,  he  was  the  successful 
author  of  "  Casper  Hauser,"  "  Removing  the  Deposits/'  the 
"Fall  of  Montgomery,"  &c,  all  played  with  applause.  His 
Comic  Annuals,  published  many  years  since,  proved  his  wit 
and  humor  to  be  in  no  wise  inferior  to  the  most  famous  pun- 
ster and  humorist  of  the  day — the  noted  Hood;  while  his 
more  serious  essays  bore  evidence  of  a  highly  cultivated  taste 
•and  the  purest  morality  of  sentiment.  He  was  one  of  those 
who  serve  to  redeem  the  Stage  from  the  odium  thrown  on  its 
professors  by  their  frequent  immorality  and  licentiousness. 

Mr.  l'ncledon  commenced  a  second  engagement  on  the  night 
of  February  2d,  as  Rashley.  in  the  "  Lord  of  the  Manor ;" 
he  also  appeared  as  Fair/op;  (the  ''Woodman")  Belville ;  and 
for  his  benefit  and  last  appearance  in  New  York,  on  the  13th. 
as  Carlos  ("  Duenna'")  and  Harry  Blunt.  His  name  had  now 
lost  its  attraction,  and  his  audiences  were  slim. 

Mr.  Simpson,  on  the  16th,  for  his  benefit,  produced  Gold- 
smith's comedy  of  the  "  Good-Natured  Man,"  probably  for  the 
first  time  in  New  York.  We  have  not  found  the  complete 
cast,  but  to  Messrs.  Pritchard  and  Robertson  were  assigned 
the  characters  of  Sir  William  and  Mr.  Honeywood ;  to  Mrs. 
Darley  that  of  Miss  Richland:  and  Mr.  Simpson  himself 
played  Lofty. 

On  the  18th,  Mr.  Woodhull  made  his  first  appearance  this 


334 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


season  as  Richard  III,  and  on  the  20th  played,  for  his  benefit, 
Zaphna,  in  "  Mahomet."  A  Mr.  Hawxhurst  made  his  debut  on 
the  21st,  as  Pierre,  to  Woodhull's  Jaffier,  and  afterward  per- 
sonated Glenalvon,  to  the  latter's  Young  Norval,  and  Iago  to 
his  Othello,  after  which  he  is  heard  of  no  more. 

Oul ton's  amusing  farce  of  "My  Landlady's  Gown,"  with 
Barnes  as  Timothy  Button,  Darley  as  Mons.Genlis,  and  Pritchard 
as  Dermot  O'Finn,  was  played  for  the  first  time  on  the  evening 
of  March  2d. 

Mr.  Phillipps  commenced  a  third  engagement  on  the  4th, 
as  Count  Belino ;  and  on  the  14th,  for  the  first  time  in  many 
years,  BickerstafFs  once  highly  popular  opera  of  "  Lionel  and 
Clarissa"  was  played,  with  the  following  cast: 

Lionel   Mr.  T.  Phillipps.  Lady  Oldboy  .    .    .  Mrs.  Baldwin. 

Col.  Oldboy   ....  "  Baenes.  Diana  "  Darley. 

Harman   "  Pritchard.  Clarissa    ....  Miss  Johnson. 

Jessamy   "  Simpson.  Jepny  "  Dellinger. 

On  the  20th,  the  famous  and  still  enduring  ballet  panto- 
mime of  "Mother  Goose"  was  brought  out:  Mr.  Barnes  as 
Mother  Goose;  Mr.  Parker  as  Colin;  and  Mrs.  Parker  as 
Colinette.  The  two  latter  had  formerly  been  attached  to 
West's  equestrian  corps.  Mr.  Parker  was  a  neat  and  graceful 
dancer,  and  for  many  years  ballet-master  at  the  Park,  and 
was  a  teacher  of  his  art  in  this  city,  where  he  resided  until 
his  death,  which  occurred  December  23,  1858,  at  an  advanced 
age.  His  public  balls  at  Tammany  Hall  must  be  well  re- 
membered by  all  dancing  democrats.  His  wife  was  petite, 
pretty  and  pleasing — the  best  Columbine  known  to  our  Stage 
for  years,  and  quite  happy  in  such  parts  as  Little  Pickle,  &c. 

On  the  27th,  Shakspeare's  comedy  of  "Measure  for  Meas- 
ure" was  played  for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  Mr.  Prit- 
chard as  the  Duke  of  Austria;  Mr.  Robertson,  Angelo  ;  Mr. 
Simpson,  Claudio ;  Mr.  Barnes,  Elbow;  and  Mrs.  Barnes  as 
Isabella. 

April  1st,  the  drama  of  "Frederick  the  Great"  was  pro- 
duced, as  follows : 

Frederick  Mr.  Pritchard.  Stork  Mr.  Barnes. 

Charles  "     Simpson.  Matilda  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Governor  "    Jones.  Charlotte  ....     "  Groshon. 

Brandt  "  Robertson. 

On  the  3d,  Mr.  Simpson  took  a  farewell  benefit  previous  to 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK   STAGE.  335 

visiting  Europe,  for  the  purpose  of  engaging  recruits  for  the 
next  season.  The  entertainments  were,  Murphy's  fine  comedy 
of  "All  in  the  Wrong,"  with  Simpson  and  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Sir 
John  and  Lady  Rest/ess;  and  for  the  afterpiece,  a  new  melo- 
drama, called  the  "Falls  of  Clyde.''  with  Pritchard  as  Ken- 
mure  ;  Robertson  as  Farmer  Enfield  :  Simpson  as  Edward : 
and  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Ellen  Enfield. 

On  the  6th,  Mr.  Arthur  Keene,  a  young  irishman,  who  had 
come  hither  "  to  seek  his  fortune,"  possessing  a  tenor  voice  of 
great  sweetness,  and  some  knowledge  of  music,  and  en- 
couraged by  the  great  success  of  Phillipps,  undertook  the 
character  of  Henry  Bertram,  in  "  Guy  Mannering."  He  made 
a  favorable  impression,  notwithstanding  an  unfortunate  acci- 
dent that  befell  him  on  his  entree.  His  foot  tripping,  he  fell 
with  considerable  force  flat  on  the  stage,  but  the  kindness 
and  propriety  of  manner  exhibited  by  Miss  Johnson,  who  was 
engaged  in  the  same  scene,  and  his  own  self-possession,  hap- 
pily soon  relieved  him  from  the  embarrassment  of  the  occur- 
rence, and  he  went  through  the  character  triumphantly  to 
the  end.  He  soon  after  appeared  as  Patrick  and  Carlos,  with 
equal  success,  and.  in  after  years  became  an  eminently  favorite 
vocalist.  When  Malibran  sung  in  English  opera  at  the  Bow- 
ery Theatre,  in  1827,  she  was  supported  by  Mr.  Keene,  who 
received  from  her  many  commendations  for  the  purity  of  his 
voice,  and  the  correctness  of  his  execution. 

After  several  years'  absence  from  America,  he  returned  here 
in  1833,  and  appeared  at  several  concerts  at  Castle  Garden 
and  Niblo's.  He  afterward  resided  at  Nashville,  Tennessee, 
and,  we  think,  died  at  Mobile  about  the  year  1835. 

Mr.  Hilson  commenced  a  new  engagement  on  the  8th  of 
April  as  Trapanti ;  and  during  Mr.  Simpson's  absence,  attended 
to  the  duties  of  the  stage  department. 

The  lively  farce  of  "  Husbands  and  Wives"  was  admirably 
played  for  the  first  time  in  America  on  the  17th,  thus  cast: 

Sir  P.  Peery      ...    Mr.  Jones.  Lady  Sarah  Peery    .  Mrs.  Groshon. 

Capt.  Wingem    ...     44  Pritchard.  Eliza  Beaumont  .    .  Misa  Johnson. 

Capt.Tickall.    .    .    .     "  Robertson.  Dame  Brierly     .    .  Mrs.  Baldwin. 

j     Humphrey  Grub     .    .     "  Hilson.  Rose  Grub.    ...  "  Barnes. 

Farmer  Clover  ..."  Barnes. 


336  RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

May  4th,  Dibdin's  comedy,  "  The  Will  for  the  Deed,"  was 
brought  out,  but  never  became  popular.    It  was  thus  cast : 

Old  Hairbrain    .    .    .  Mr.  Barnes.  Motto  Mr.  Hilson. 

Harry  Hairbrain     .    .  "  Pritchard.  Acorn  "  Robertson. 

Manly   "  Graham.  Mrs.  Reference  Mrs.  Baldwin. 

Antimony   "  Jones.  |     Miss  Manly     ..."  Wheatlet. 

Mr.  T.  Phillipps'  fourth  engagement  commenced  on  the 
6th,  and  terminated  on  the  20th;  his  new  characters  were, 
Sandie,  in  the  "Highland  Reel,"  and  Captain  Seymour,  in 
"  Fontainbleau."  The  "  Bride  of  Abydos,"  dramatized  from 
Byron's  celebrated  poem,  was  produced  on  the  23d,  and  en- 
joyed a  partial  success,  with  Pritchard  as  Selim,  Robertson 
as  Oiaffier,  and  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Zulieka. 

June  1st.  Mr.  Hilson  took  his  benefit,  appearing  as  Fat- 
staff,  in  the  "  Merry  Wives  of  Windsor,"  and  reviving,  for  the 
first  time  in  eighteen  years,  the  drama  called  the  "  Recess,  or 
Secret  Panel,"  in  which  he  played  Muskato,  and  Mrs.  Barnes, 
Beatrice. 

On  the  8th  of  June,  the  operatic  drama  from  Scott's  "  Rob 
Roy"  was  first  presented  to  the  public  of  New  York,  thus 
cast : 

Rob  Roy  Mr.  Robertson.        j     Owen  Mr.  Jones. 

Francis  "     Darley.  Diana  Vernon         .    Mrs.  Darley. 

Rashleigh  "    Pritchard.  Helen  McGregor.    .     "  Barnes. 

Baillie  Jarvie     ...     "  Hilson. 

On  the  15th,  Mrs.  Darley  took  her  farewell  benefit,  previous 
to  her  removal  to  Philadelphia,  appearing  as  Lady  Bell,  in 
"  Know  Your  Own  Mind."  Mr.  Cooper  began  an  engagement 
as  Pierre  on  the  29th,  and  played  till  the  close  of  the  season. 

"Who's  My  Father?"  an  amusing  farce,  was  first  played 
on  the  4th  of  July  :  Lord  Alten,  Mr.  Pritchard ;  Major  Flank, 
Barnes ;  Fitzcloddy,  Hilson ;  Emily,  Miss  Johnson ;  Fanny 
Fetch,  Mrs.  Darley.  This  piece  was  revived  as  lately  as  1840, 
at  Mitchell's  Olympic.  The  season  terminated  on  the  8th, 
with  a  benefit  for  the  Theatrical  Fund,  when  Cooper  per- 
sonated the  Duke  Aranza,  and  Mr.  Pritchard  recited  a  Monody 
on  the  Death  of  Gen.  Montgomery,  whose  remains  had  been 
brought  from  Quebec,  and  interred  that  day  in  front  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  beneath  the  handsome  monument  erected  to 
his  memory  by  Congress. 

The  same  evening,  Mrs.  Holman  made  her  first  appearance 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NKW   YORK  STAGE. 


837 


on  the  New  York  Stage,  singing  with  brilliant  effect  "  The 
Soldier  Tired  of  War's  Alarms,1'  and  the  celebrated  Echo  song, 
accompanied  on  the  flute  by  Mr.  Meline.  We  have  before 
mentioned  that  this  lady,  when  Miss  Lattimer,  had  been 
brought  from  England  for  the  Charleston  Theatre  by  Mr. 
Holman,  to  whom  she  was  married  in  August,  1817,  two  days 
before  his  lamented  death.  In  March,  1819,  the  announce- 
ment of  her  marriage  to  Isaac  Starr  Clason  appeared,  but  by 
his  name  she  was  never  known  to  the  New  York  Stage.  In 
the  summer  of  1824,  she  again  married,  (C.  W.  Sandford,  Esq., 
a  distinguished  lawyer  of  this  city,  now  holding  a  high  mili- 
tary rank)  and  retired  from  the  Stage;  but  on  her  husband's 
becoming  the  proprietor  of  the  Lafayette  Theatre,  she  resumed 
her  profession,  and  appeared  there  in  October,  1826.  She  last 
played  at  the  Park  in  the  summer  of  1829.  Attractive  in  her 
personal  appearance,  refined  and  lady-like  in  her  manners,  she 
united  to  a  sweet  and  powerful  voice  as  high  a  degree  of  cul- 
tivation as  was  then  deemed  essential  to  the  most  finished 
singer,  and  during  the  greater  part  of  the  time  she  was  at- 
tached to  the  New  York  Stage,  she  had  "  no  rival  near  her 
throne."  and  was  held  in  the  highest  admiration  by  all.  She 
died  in  New  York,  after  a  lingering  illness,  on  the  1st  Sep- 
tember, 1859. 


48 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Park  Theatre.  1818-19— Pavilion,  Anthony  Street,  1819— Park,  1819-20- 
Its  Conflagration — Anthony  Street,  1820. 

IT  H  the  close  of  the  previous  season  ended  the 
engagements  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Darley,  Mr.  Hilson,  Mr. 
Jones,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  H.  Williams,  and  Mrs.  Groshon, 
all  valuable  and  important  performers.  But  Mr.  Simpson  had 
not  been  idle  in  Europe  ;  he  had  engaged,  either  as  stars  or 
for  the  stock  company,  an  array  of  artists  such  as  had  never 
before  been  presented  to  the  public  in  the  course  of  one  sea- 
son, including  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bartley,  Mr.  James  Wallack,  Mr. 
Maywood,  Mr.  Kilner,  Miss  Leesugg,  (afterward  Mrs.  Hackett) 
Messrs.  Howard,  Morelancl,  Garner,  Blair,  and  Goll ;  while, 
within  our  own  borders,  the  services  of  Mrs.  Entwistle,  and  of 
Mr.  Dykes,  heretofore  noticed,  were  also  secured. 

The  following  were  the  entertainments  on  the  opening 
night,  August  31st,  1818  : 

The  Soldier's  Daughter ; 

Got.  Heartall     Mr.  Barnes. 

Frank  Heartall      (hia  first  appearance  since  his  return  from  Europe)   .  "  Simpson. 

Malfort,  Sr   "  Robertson. 

Malfort.  Jr   .    "  Pritchard. 

Capt.  Woodley  (Last  appearance  in  America)     ....  "  Moreland. 

Timothy  Quaint    ....  (first  appearance  in  nine  years)  ....  "  Dykes. 

Widow  Cheerly     .    .        .  (first  appearance  in  six  years)     ....  Mrs.  Entwistle. 

and,  The  Irishman  in  London. 

Murtoch  Delany     .     (from  Dublin,  his  first  appearance  in  America)     .    Mr.  Blair. 

Mr.  Harry  George  Moreland  was  from  the  York  Theatre, 
and,  though  not  distinguished  by  any  eminent  ability,  pos- 
sessed talents  of  that  useful  and  available  sort  which  ren- 
dered him  a  desirable  , acquisition.    He  was  a  very  pleasing 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


389 


singer,  with  a  flexible  but  rather  weak  voice;  a  correct  reader, 
and,  as  an  actor  in  the  lighter  characters  of  the  drama,  al- 
ways gave  satisfaction.  He  married  Miss  Aspinall,  a  favorite 
dancer,  about  1826,  and  died  in  New  York,  June  13th,  1832. 
Mr.  Blair's  Irish  performance  was  marked  by  no  distinguished 
excellence. 

On  the  next  evening,  Sept.  1st,  a  very  successful  debut  was 
made  by  Miss  Catharine  Leesugg,  from  the  Birmingham 
Theatre,  in  the  characters  of  Jessy  Oat/and  and  Marian 
Ramsay. 

"  There's  sweet  Miss  Leesugg — by  the  by,  she's  Dot  pretty  : 
She's  a  little  too  large,  and  has  not  too  much  grace  ; 
Vet  there's  something  about  her  so  witching  and  witty, 
Tis  pleasure  to  gaze  on  her  good-humored  face." 

A  compliment  from  the  "Croakers"  must  necessarily  have 
been  deserved,  and  none  were  more  worthy  of  it  at  this  time 
than  the  charming  Miss  Leesugg.  She  was  now  in  the  health- 
ful bloom  of  youth,  with  a  frank  and  open  countenance,  full 
of  mirth  and  humor, — fine,  sparkling  eyes,  a  buxom  figure,  a 
clear,  melodious  voice,  great  sprightliuess  and  vivacity,  and, 
notwithstanding  a  little  awkwardness  of  manner,  won  her  way 
at  once  to  every  heart.  She  was,  in  fact,  the  very  Hebe  of 
actresses.  Her  forte  was  comedy;  her  merry,  romping  country 
lasses  have  never  since  been  equaled,  and  her  chambermaids 
were  almost  equally  meritorious.  She  was  not  as  happy  in 
the  fine  lady  of  comedy,  nor  in  tragic  parts,  although  she 
frequently  played,  and  with  considerable  merit,  such  charac- 
ters as  the  Queen,  in  "Hamlet;"  Emilia,  Volumnia,  &c.  Miss 
Leesugg  was  born  in  England  about  the  year  1798,  and  at  a 
very  early  age  was  introduced  to  the  Stage,  where  her  remark- 
able vocal  powers  and  precocious  histrionic  abilities  acquired 
for  her  the  cognomens  of  the  Infant  Billington  and  Roscius, 
!by  which  she  was  known  in  the  British  provincial  theatres  as 
I  early  as  1805. 

On  her  arrival  in  America,  her  noble  contralto  voice  at  once 
ittracted  attention ;  and,  possessing  considerable  science  and 
HdU,  she  was  bv  many  considered  superior  to  any  singer  that 


340  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

had  preceded  her,  and  by  all  she  was  allowed  to  take  equal 
rank  with  Mrs.  Burke  and  Mrs.  Holman.  While  in  the  very 
height  of  her  popularity,  in  1819,  she  married  Mr.  Hackett, 
the  comedian,  (who  was  at  that  time  engaged  in  mercantile 
life)  and  left  the  stage.  On  resuming  the  profession  in  1826, 
(in  consequence  of  her  husband's  pecuniary  difficulties)  her 
powers  as  a  vocalist  and  comic  actress  again  shone  forth  in 
full  maturity,  and  for  several  years  she  was  one  of  the  first 
favorites  of  the  town.  She  made  her  last  appearance  on  the 
Park  stage  on  her  final  retirement,  in  June,  1832,  as  Maria,  in 
"  Of  Age  To-morrow."  In  1838,  on  the  19th  of  May,  she  once 
more  emerged  from  her  seclusion,  for  her  husband's  benefit 
at  the  National  Opera  House,  where  she  appeared  as  Susan,  in 
"  Perfection,"  to  the  Kate  O'Brien  of  her  sister,  Mrs.  Sharpe. 
Her  person  was  then  almost  too.  large  for  the  stage,  and  her 
appearance  indicated  the  presence  of  dropsy,  a  disease  with 
which  we  have  understood  she  was  afflicted  in  her  latter  years. 
She  died  at  her  husband's  residence,  Jamaica,  L.  I.,  December 
4th,  1845,  agpd  47  years. 

On  the  2d  of  September,  1818,  Mr.  James  Howard,  from  the 
Brighton  Theatre,  made  his  first  bow  in  America,  in  the  char- 
acter of  Henry  Bertram.  He  possessed  a  pure,  sweet,  tenor 
voice,  a  good  face  and  figure,  and  as  a  vocalist  for  several 
years  enjoyed  the  highest  favor.  He  last  played  at  the  Park 
Theatre  in  1828,  and  after  an  absence  of  seven  years,  re- 
appeared in  concerts  at  Niblo's  Garden,  in  the  summer  of 
1835,  with  considerable  success,  although  obliged  to  use 
crutches  for  support,  having  had  one  or  both  legs  fractured 
during  his  retirement.  Mr.  Howard  was  born  in  London, 
about  the  year  1798,  and  died  in  Philadelphia  in  1848. 

Mr.  Garner,  another  addition  to  the  company,  first  appeared 
on  the  3d,  as  Valverde,  in  "  Pizarro,"  and  Dermot,  in  the  "  Poor 
Soldier."  In  the  performance  of  the  latter  piece,  the  new- 
comers were  all  enlisted — Mr.  Howard  as  Patrick;  Mr.  More- 
land,  Capt.  Fitzroy ;  Mr.  Blair,  Father  Luke;  Mr.  Barnes, 
Darby ;  Mr.  Bancker,  Bagatelle;  Miss  Johnson,  Norah;  and 
Miss  Leesugg,  Kathleen.  '  Mr.  Garner,  with  an  agreeable  figure, 


1'ORTRAIT  of  JAMBS  wai  lack. 


Theatre  Royal,  Drury  Lane., 


This  Evening,  the  Tragedy  of 

MACBETH. 

Macbeth,  Mr  MACREADY, 

Duncan  (King  of  Scotland)  Mr  YOUNG E 

Macduff,  Mr  WALLACK, 
Malcolm,  Mr  J.  VINING,  Banquo,  Mr  COOPER, 

Rosse,  Mr  H.  WALLACK, 
Donalbain,  Master  BAKER,  Lenox,  Mr  CATHIE 

Seward,  Mr  THOMPSON, 
Fleance,  Miss  LANE,     Seyton,  Mr  FENTON, 

Serjeant,  Mr  Jones,  Physician,  Mr  Yarnold, 
Apparitions — Mr  Howard,  Miss  Lane,  Miss  Poole 

Hecate,  (first  time)  Mr  PHILLIPS, 
1st  Witch,  MrFARREN,  2nd  Witch,  Mr  DOWTON 
3rd  Witch,  Mr  HARLEY. 

Lady  Macbeth  Miss  HUDDART, 

Gentlewoman,  Mrs  NEWCOMBE. 


After  which,  will  be' presented 

THE  DIORAMA, 

Designed  aBd  Painted  by 

MR.  STANFIELD. 

To  conclude  with,  a  Melo-dramatic  Opera,  in  2  Act's,  called 

The  Devil's  Brother. 

"With  New  Scenery,  ^Dresses,  &c 

The  Music  selected  from  the  Fra  DioTalo  of  Auber,  and  adapted  to  the  Engli^t 
Stage  by  Mr  ALEXANDER  LEE. 

Sir  Gregory  Goslington,  (an  English  Traveller)  Mr  HARLEY, 
Fra  Diavolo,  (under  the  title  of  Marquis  San  Marco)  Mr  WALLACK 

Lorenzo,  (Brigadier  of  Carabineers)  Mr  SINCLAIR, 
Lucro,  (Host  of  the  Inn)  Mr  WEBSTER,  Postilion,  Mr  HONNER 

Banditti— Beppo,  Mr  LATHAM,  Giacorao,  Mr  BEDFORD, 
1st  Carabineer,  Mr  BLAND,   Francisco,  (the  Miller)  Mr  EATOX 
Lady  Pamela  Goslington,   Mrs  ORGER, 
Zulina,      (Daughter  of  Lucro)      Mrs  WAYLETT. 
The  Concerted  Music  by  Miss  Byfeld,  Miss  Bruce,  Miss  Butline. 

Oa  Tuesday,  The  Stranger,  with,  firet  time,  a  new  larce  called  high 
Ways  and  By  Ways. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


841 


correct  gesticulation,  and  a  pleasing  voice,  was  a  valuable  ac- 
quisition for  the  lighter  operatic  parts,  and  also  appeared  as 
a  fop,  or  valet,  to  considerable  advantage.  We  remember  him 
last  in  New  York,  at  the  Lafayette  Theatre,  about  1828.  He 
died  at  Baltimore  in  1843. 

Mr.  Goll,  a  dancer,  first  appeared  on  the  4th  of  September, 
as  Barebones,  in  the  ballet  of  the  "  Miser/' 

On  the  7th,  Mr.  James  W.  Wallack,  afterward  for  many 
years  proprietor  of  Wallack's  Theatre,  in  this  city,  made  his 
first  appearance  in  America  as  Macbeth  ;  following  it  in  suc- 
cession with  Coriolarius,  Rolla,  Romeo,  Hamlet,  and  Richard 
III.,  playing  all  with  triumphant  success.  Mr.  Wallack  was 
born  in  London,  August  24th,  1794,  the  day  on  which  Astley's 
Amphitheatre  was  destroyed  by  fire,  an  event  which,  it  is  said, 
precipitated  his  entrance  into  this  breathing  world. 

His  father,  William  Wallack,  was  an  admired  nautical  actor 
at  that  establishment,  and  his  mother,  a  daughter  of  the  cele- 
brated mime  Johannot,  was  the  best  actress  that  ever  trod  its 
boards.  She  was  a  woman  of  superior  mind,  and  very  far 
above  the  station  into  which  fate  had  thrown  her.  She  was 
the  mother  also  of  Mrs.  Jones,  the  favorite  of  New  York  in 
1806,  and  of  Henry  Wallack,  and  of  Mrs.  Stanley,  (well  known 
here  as  Mrs.  Hill)  and  of  Mrs.  Pincott,  of  London,  whose 
daughter,  Mrs.  A.  Wigan,  is  now  one  of  the  greatest  favorites 
of  the  British  Metropolis. 

James  Wallack's  name  first  appears  on  a  playbill,  on  Easter 
Monday,  1798,  at  the  opening  of  the  Royal  Circus,  afterward 
the  Surrey  Theatre,  in  a  drama,  entitled  "Black  Beard,"  which 
run  one  hundred  and  thirteen  nights.  When  still  very  young, 
he  received  the  appointment  of  midshipman  in  the  navy,  but 
unable  to  resist  the  fascinations  of  the  stage,  he  declined  the 
dangers  of  the  sea,  and  at  the  age  of  twelve,  made  his  debut 
at  the  German  Theatre,  Leicester  Square,  whence  he  was  soon 
called  to  Drury  Lane,  to  personate  the  few  parts  adapted  to 
his  age.  He  afterward  spent  three  years  in  Dublin,  but  re- 
turned to  London  in  1812,  and  made  his  first  appearance  at 
the  Lyceum  Theatre,  where  the  Drury  Lane  company  were 


342 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGR. 


then  playing,  as  Sangrida,  in  the  "  Wood  Demon.''  On  Drury 
Lane  Theatre  being  rebuilt,  he  appeared  there  on  its  opening 
night  as  Laertes,  to  the  Hamlet  of  Mr.  Elliston.  From  this 
period  his  reputation  as  an  actor  commenced,  and  in  the 
youthful  heroes  of  genteel  comedy,  and  in  many  second  char- 
acters of  tragedy,  he  soon  greatly  distinguished  himself.  In 
parts  of  a  more  melo-dramatic  cast  he  for  many  years  stood 
unrivaled,  both  in  England  and  America,  His  Rolla,  Rob 
Roy,  Roderick  Dhu,  Falconbridge,  Massaroni,  &c,  were  gener- 
ally allowed  to  rank  above  all  competition.  In  another  very 
dissimilar  line,  embracing  characters  of  a  more  domestic 
nature — the  blunt  yet  honest  farmer,  the  warm-hearted  sailor, 
and  others  combining  homeliness  of  expression  with  great 
natural  feeling  and  pathos — he  stood  a  model  of  excellence. 
In  this  list  we  may  include  his  Martin  Heywood,  Walter, 
"  Children  in  the  Wood,"  Capt.  Copp,  Adam  Brock,  Michael  in 
the  "  Adopted  Child,"  &c.  In  the  class  of  characters  usually 
performed  by  Charles  Kemble,  such  as  Benedick,  Mercutio, 
Duke  Aranza,  Mr.  Oakley,  Petruchio,  Charles  Surface,  &c, 
Mr.  Wallack,  in  his  meridian,  nearly  equaled  the  high  artistic 
finish  thrown  around  them  by  that  eminent  comedian,  and 
infinitely  surpassed  him  in  voice,  face,  and  every  other  per- 
sonal requisite  ;  indeed,  it  may  be  questioned  also,  in  this 
line,  whether  he  has  ever  been  equaled  on  the  American 
stage,  for  Kemble  was  too  far  past  his  prime  to  represent 
his  best  parts  effectively,  when  he  played  in  this  hemi- 
sphere. 

Mr.  Wallack  attained  his  high  position  by  the  most  careful 
study  and  unceasing  cultivation  of  his  powers,  and  the  results 
were  plainly  perceivable  in  every  character  he  personated, 
even  in  those  where  he  was  the  least  successful.  In  Shak- 
speare's  finest  tragic  parts,  and  in  other  heroes  of  passion  and 
intense  excitement,  he  was  probably  inferior  to  Cooper,  Kean, 
Booth  or  Forrest.  It  was  remarked  of  him  that  he  was  first 
in  his  line,  but  that  his  line  was  not  the  first. 

Mr.  Wallack  early  became  a  citizen  of  the  United  States, 
but  frequently  revisited  his  native  land. 


RECORDS  OF  THK   NKW  YORK  STAOE. 


343 


In  1822,  shortly  after  his  second  arrival  here,  he  had  the 
misfortune  to  break  his  leg  by  an  accident  occurring  to  the 
stage-coach  in  which  he  was  journeying  from  New  York  to 
Philadelphia;  but  it  was  very  skillfully  set,  and  although  con- 
fined to  his  room  for  months,  no  trace  of  the  disaster  ap- 
peared when  he  was  at  last  able  to  throw  away  his  crutches. 

He  was  here  again  in  1828,  in  1832,  and  in  1834,  '35  and  '36. 
In  1837,  he  became  the  manager  of  the  National  Theatre — 
formerly  the  Italian  Opera  House,  corner  of  Leonard  and 
Church  Streets — and  under  his  regime,  the  elder  Vandenhoff, 
Miss  Shirreff,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Seguin,  Wilson  the  vocalist,  James 
Browne,  W.  H.  Williams  and  other  eminent  artists,  were  first 
introduced  to  the  American  Stage.  His  connection  with  this 
establishment  terminated  by  its  unfortunate  conflagration  in 
the  fall  of  1839,  and  he  again  returned  to  Europe.  In  1843-44, 
he  played  several  engagements  at  the  Park  Theatre,  then 
sinking  rapidly  to  its  fate,  with  less  success  than  he  deserved, 
and  he  again  set  sail  for  England,  where  he  remained  until 
1852,  when  he  came  out  to  assume  the  management  of  the 
Lyceum  Theatre,  which,  under  Brougham's  management,  had 
sunk  to  the  lowest  ebb  of  poverty.  Gathering  around  him  a 
few  choice  spirits,  the  prestige  of  his  name  at  once  attracted 
public  attention,  and  by  his  superior  taste  and  judgment,  his 
pieces  were  put  upon  the  stage  in  a  style  surpassing  any 
other  establishment  in  the  city,  while  his  own  performances, 
as  well  as  those  of  his  company,  generally  satisfied  the  most 
fastidious  critic,  and  resulted  pecuniarily  with  equal  satisfac- 
tion to  himself. 

At  this  house  he  closed  his  career  as  an  actor,  having  per- 
sonated within  its  walls  a  long  list  of  his  most  celebrated 
characters,  and,  in  1859,  enacted  his  last  original  part,  Colonel 
Del  mar,  in  the  drama  of  the  "Veteran,"  written  by  his  son, 
John  Lester  Wallack. 

At  the  termination  of  his  lease  here,  he  built  the  present 
(1866)  Wallack's  Theatre,  in  Broadway,  corner  of  Thirteenth 
Street,  which  was  first  opened  on  the  25th  of  September,  1861, 
and  at  the  close  of  the  season  in  1862,  he  last  appeared  before 


344  RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

the  curtain  to  return  his  acknowledgments  to  his  friends  for 
their  liberal  patronage. 

Mr.  Wallack  was  for  several  years  a  sufferer  from  gout  and 
asthma — diseases  which  finally  caused  his  death  at  his  resi- 
dence in  Fourteenth  Street,  on  the  25th  of  December,  1864, 
at  the  age  of  70  years  and  4  months. 

In  his  prime,  his  face  was  eminently  handsome,  intellectual 
and  expressive,  his  figure  finely  proportioned,  his  attitudes 
strikingly  elegant  and  graceful,  and  his  voice  rich,  strong  and 
melodious.  His  elocution  was  so  fine  and  impressive,  that  we 
have  heard  that  the  late  distinguished  prelate,  Bishop  Wain- 
wright,  many  years  since  applied  to  him  for  a  course  of  les- 
sons in  the  art,  which  he  declined  giving,  on  the  ground  that 
the  reverend  gentleman,  who  was  indeed  a  most  accomplished 
reader,  was  already  his  superior,  Mr.  Wallack  married,  in 
early  life,  a  daughter  of  the  celebrated  Irish  comedian  and 
vocalist,  Johnstone,  the  predecessor  of  Power  on  the  London 
Stage ;  and  Mr.  Lester  Wallack,  born  in  America,  in  1819, 
was  the  first  offspring  of  the  union. 

Immediately  after  the  close  of  Mr.  Wallack's  engagement, 
Mr.  Cooper  opened  as  Macbeth,  following  it  up  with  Leon, 
Penruddock,  Beverly,  Marc  Antony,  Hamlet,  Zanga,  and  for  his 
benefit,  on  the  5th  of  October,  Othello,  supported  in  the  latter 
character  by  Mr.  Hilson  as  Iago,  his  first  and  only  appearance 
during  the  season. 

Mrs.  Holman  commenced  an  engagement  on  the  7th  of 
October,  as  Rosetta,  her  first  appearance  in  this  character  on 
the  New  York  boards.  She  also  appeared  as  Adela,  in  the 
"Haunted  Tower;"  Mrs.  Cornflower,  in  the  "Farmer's  Wife;" 
Princess  of  Navarre  and  Rosina,  and  fully  sustained  the  high 
opinion  that  had  been  formed  of  her  merits  at  the  close  of 
the  previous  season. 

Mr.  Wallack's  second  engagement  begun  on  the  8th,  when 
he  appeared  as  Rolla,  and  continued  playing  on  alternate 
nights  with  Mrs.  Holman  and  others  until  his  benefit,  on  the 
4th  of  November.  His  new  parts  were  Octavian,  Alexander, 
Achmet,  in  "  Barbarossa,"  Reuben  Glenroy,  Sir  Edward  Morti- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


345 


mer,  Jqffler,  Stranger,  Othello,  and  on  his  benefit  night,  in  the 
new  farce  of  "My  Aunt/'  his  capital  performance  of  Dick 
Dasha/l  greatly  increased  his  fame,  and  precluded  all  possi- 
bility of  competition.  In  this  still  popular  farce  he  was  sus- 
tained by  Spiller  as  Rattle,  Baldwin  as  Soberlove,  Mrs.  Baldwin 
as  Mrs.  Corbett,  and  Miss  Johnson  as  Emma.  The  other  en- 
tertainments on  that  evening  were  the  "Children  in  the 
Wood"  and  "Love  a  la  Mode,"  in  which  he  was  very  success- 
ful as  Walter  and  Sir  Archy  McSarcasm. 

On  the  17th  of  October,  Mr.  T.  Phillipps  commenced  his 
first  engagement  this  season,  as  Count  Belino,  supported  by 
Mrs.  Holman  as  Rosalvina.  On  the  20th,  they  appeared  as 
Prince  Orlando  and  Floretta,  in  the  "Cabinet;"  and  on  the 
24th,  as  Henry  de  Rosier  and  Miss  Hartington,  in  Tom  Moore's 
opera  of  "M.  P.,  or  the  Bluestocking."  Sustained  as  the  lat- 
ter now  was  by  Simpson  as  Sir  Charles,  Moreland  as  Captain 
Canvass,  Robertson  as  Hartington,  Spiller  as  Leatherhead, 
Miss  Johnson  as  Miss  Selwyn,  and  Miss  Leesugg  as  Susan,  it 
was  far  more  popular  than  on  its  first  production,  in  1812. 
Mr.  Phillipps  and  Mrs.  Holman  also  appeared  in  the  "Siege 
of  Belgrade,"  the  "Maid  of  the  Mill,"  and  in  "Brother  and 
Sister."  Their  combined  attraction  was  a  source  of  great 
pleasure  to  the  public,  as  well  as  of  profit  to  the  theatre. 

On  the  27th  of  October,  Mrs.  Barnes  made  her  first  appear- 
ance for  the  season  in  the  character  of  Belvidera,  and  was 
welcomed  back  with  the  most  enthusiastic  applause. 

On  the  same  evening,  Colman's  farce  of  "  X.  Y.  Z."  was  first 
played  in  America,  with  the  following  cast: 

Neddy  Bray  ....    Mr.  Spiller.  Maria   Miss  Johnson. 

Capt.  Galliard    ..."  Moreland.  Mm.  Mouaer  .    .    .  Mrs.  Wheatley. 

Roscius  Alldross.    .    .     "  Robertson.  Dora  Mumwell    .    .  "  Baldwin. 

Ralph  Hempseed  "  Babnes. 

On  the  13th  of  November,  a  drama  called  "Retribution" 
was  produced,  with  Robertson  as  Varanes,  Pritchard  as  Chos- 
roo,  Simpson  as  Hamed,  and  Mrs.  Barnes,  Zimra. 

On  the  14th,  the  amusing  farce  called  "My  Spouse  and  I" 
[  was  first  played  here,  as  follows : 

'rlsk  Mr.   Spiller.  Harriet  Miis  Johnson. 

I  Dlck  "     Pritohard.  Janet  "  Leesuqq. 

Paddock  "    Barnes.  I     Dame  Paddock   .    .    Mrs.  Baldwin. 

44 


346  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

On  the  18th,  Mrs.  Bartley,  formerly  Miss  Smith,  of  Covent 
Garden,  an  eminent  European  favorite,  made  her  first  appear- 
ance in  America,  as  Isabella.  This  lady  was  born  at  Liverpool, 
October  23d,  1783.    Her  father  was  an  actor,  by  the  name  of 
Williamson,  and  her  mother  the  daughter  of  General  Dillon, 
of  Galway,  Ireland,  renounced  by  her  friends  on  account  of 
her  passion  for  the  stage.    At  a  very  early  age  little  Miss 
Williamson  appeared  at  the  Salisbury  Theatre,  and  on  her 
mother's  marriage  with  a  Mr.  Smith,  another  Thespian,  in 
1793  was  called  by  his  name,  and  so  continued  to  be  until 
her  own  marriage  with  Mr.  Bartley,  on  the  23d  of  Au- 
gust, 1815.    After  various  vicissitudes  consequent  on  the 
changing  fortunes  of  her  parents,  she  was  engaged  at  Bath, 
which  boasted  the  most  fashionable  of  all  the  provincial 
theatres,  where  she  was  patronized   by  the  most  distin- 
guished people  of  the  place.    Her  renown  soon  reached  Lon- 
don, and  in  1805  she  was  engaged  at  Covent  Garden,  at  a 
high  salary ;  but  Mrs.  Siddons  being  a  member  of  the  com- 
pany, and  in  possession  of  all  the  most  important  parts  that 
Miss  Smith  excelled  in,  she  was  of  course  precluded  from 
playing  them,  and  refusing  to  injure  her  repute  by  appearing 
in  a  different  line,  her  engagement  was  of  more  advantage  to 
her  fortune  than  her  fame.    She  afterward  went  to  the  Dublin 
Theatre,  and,  owing  principally  to  her  attraction,  the  season 
there,  in  1809,  resulted  in  a  net  profit  of  £9,000.  Returning 
to  Covent  Garden,  in  1810,  on  an  engagement  for  three  months, 
she  became  so  great  a  favorite,  that  her  benefit  night,  when  she 
performed  Isabella,  drew£709.  On  the  opening  of  the  New  Drury 
Lane  Theatre,  she  was  engaged  as  the  principal  tragic  actress 
for  three  years,  and  filled  that  important  situation  to  the  entire 
satisfaction  of  the  public  and  the  management.  After  leaving 
America,  she  performed  in  the  principal  British  provincial  thea- 
tres as  a  star  of  the  first  rank,  and  in  1823  resumed  her  old  sit- 
uation at  Covent  Garden.  Mrs.  Bartley  died  in  London,  Janu- 
ary 14th,  1850,  at  the  age  of  67.     She  had  long  retired  from 
the  stage,  and  was  throughout  life  as  much  esteemed  for  her 
private  virtues  as  for  her  professional  merits. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


347 


Mr.  George  Bartley,  her  husband,  who  made  his  debut  in 
America  on  the  19th  of  November,  as  Falslaff,  was  born  in 
the  city  of  Bath,  England,  in  1782,  and  at  a  very  early  age 
was  engaged  to  play  children's  characters  at  the  theatre  there, 
making  his  first  appearance  as  the  Page,  to  Elliston's  Will 
Steady,  in  the  "  Purse."    He  was  afterward  placed  in  a  mer- 
cantile concern,  but  being  unable  to  resist  the  force  of  early 
predilections,  he  made  his  debut  in  the  summer  of  1800,  at 
Cheltenham,  as  Orlando,  in  "  As  You  Like  It,"  with  consider- 
able success.    Some  time  after,  while  playing  at  Margate,  he 
attracted  the  notice  of  Mrs.  Jordan,  who,  as  Rosalind,  was 
much  pleased  with  the  excellence  of  his  Orlando,  and  in  con- 
sequence recommended  him  to  the  management  of  Drury 
Lane,  where  he  was  engaged,  and  first  appeared  December 
11th,  1802,  in  the  same  character,  with  a  success  so  decided 
that  for  five  years  he  supported  in  that  theatre  an  extensive 
range  in  the  drama,  with  a  continued  increase  of  reputation. 
He  afterward  engaged  as  stage  manager  with  Mr.  Arnold,  of 
•  the  English  Opera  House,  and  gave  so  much  satisfaction  that, 
i  previous  to  his  visiting  America,  the  manager  and  performers 
,  joined  in  giving  him  a  splendid  dinner  in  the  saloon  of  the 
I  theatre,  September  13th,  1818.   On  his  return  to  England,  his 
great  merit  kept  him  in  continual  and  profitable  employment 
until  his  final  retirement  from  the  stage,  in  February,  1853. 
He  died  of  paralysis,  July  22d,  1858,  aged  76  years.    In  early 
and  middle  life  his  talents  were  happily  displayed  both  in  the 
I  serious  and  comic  walks  of  the  drama ;  but  in  later  years  he 
derived  his  greatest  fame  from  his  personation  of  the  veterans 
of  the  stage,  such  as  Falslaff,  (in  which  he  was  for  many  years 
unrivaled)  Polonius,  Sir  Peter  Teazle,  Sir  Anthony  Absolute, 
Sir  David  Dunder,  Job  Thornberry,  Col.  Damas,  Max  Hark- 
away,  &c,  in  which  a  chasteness  and,  at  the  same  time,  a 
richness  of  humor  were  so  happily  blended  as  to  leave  the 
most  fastidious  critic  nothing  to  desire.    If  the  favor  of  roy- 
alty be  any  additional  proof  of  merit,  it  may  be  mentioned 
that  Mr.  Bartley  received  the  highest  encomiums  in  the  olden 
time  from  the  late  Queen  Charlotte,  of  snufiy  memory,  and, 


348  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

in  the  present  day,  from  her  more  popular  granddaughter, 
Queen  Victoria. 

On  the  20th  of  November,  Mrs.  Bartley  appeared  as  Euphra- 
sia, and  also  recited  Collins'  "  Ode  on  the  Passions,"  with  a 
success  so  great  that  it  was  continually  demanded  until  the 
close  of  her  engagement.  On  the  26th,  Milman's  tragedy  of 
"  Fazio  "  was  first  played  in  America ;  Fazio  by  Mr.  Simpson ; 
Duke,  Mr.  Robertson ;  Bartolo,  Pritchard ;  Bianca,  Mrs.  Bart- 
ley; Aldabella,  Miss  Leesugg.  This  tragedy,  with  all  its 
merits,  never  attained  popularity  till  irradiated  by  Fanny 
Kemble's  brilliant  genius.  Mrs.  Bartley's  first  benefit  took 
place  on  the  27th,  when  she  appeared  as  Belvidera  and  recited 
the  "Passions,"  and  her  husband  personated  Pierre,  and 
Michael,  in  the  "Adopted  Child."  On  the  2d  of  December, 
Mr.  Bartley  played  Sir  Anthony.  Absolute;  on  the  3d,  Job 
Thornberry ;  on  the  4th,  Dr.  Pang-loss,  for  Miss  Johnson's 
benefit.  On  the  5th,  Mrs.  Bartley  appeared  as  Mrs.  Holler, 
and  on  the  8th  as  Lady  Randolph,  to  Mr.  B.'s  Old  Norval.  On 
the  latter  evening,  the  farce  of  the  "  Sleeping  Draught "  was 
first  played  here,  as  follows : 

Rinaldo  Mr.  Carpendeb.  Popolino    ....    Mr.  SpIller. 

Dr.  Vincolo  ....  "  Baldwin.  Francesca  ....  Miss  Johnson. 
Bruno  "    Barnes.  |     Nonna  "  Leesugg. 

Mr.  Bartley  took  his  first  benefit  on  the  9th,  when  he  ap- 
peared as  Major  Oakley,  to  his  lady's  Mrs.  Oakley,  in  the 
"  Jealous  Wife,"  and  also  as  Capt.  Allclack,  in  the  "  Invisible 
Girl." 

On  the  10th,  a  comedy  called  the  "Green  Man"  was  first 
produced,  with  the  following  cast : 

Lord  Rowcroft    .    .    .    Mr.  Robertson.  Fungus     ....    Mr.  Spiller. 

Sir  G.  Squander.    .    .     "    Pritchard.  Closefist    ....     "  Barnes. 

Mr.  Green  "    Bartley.  Lady  Squander  .    .    Miss  Leesugg. 

Crackley  .    .        .    .     "     Simpson.  Bertha  44  Johnson. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bartley  also  appeared  during  this  engagement, 
as  Henry  VIII.  and  Queen  Katharine ;  Montalto  and  Bellamira, 
(in  Shiel's  tragedy  of  "  Bellamira,"  now  first  played  in  Amer- 
ica, supported  by  Mr.  Kilner  as  Salerno,  Mr.  Pritchard  as 
Amurath,  and  Mr.  Simpson  as  Manfredi)  Jane  Shore,  Shylock 
and  Portia,  Abbe  de  VEpee  and  Julio,  in  "  Deaf  and  Dumb," 
and  Catharine  and  Petruchio.    Their  engagement  ended  on 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


349 


the  23d  of  December,  when  they  appeared  in  "Deaf  and 
Dumb,"  for  the  benefit  of  the  New  York  Institution  for  that 
class  of  unfortunates. 

On  the  12th  of  December,  Mr.  Thomas  Kilner  made  his 
first  appearance  in  America,  as  Sir  Abet  Handy.  With  figure, 
face  and  voice  well  adapted  to  the  characters  of  old  men, 
whether  serious  or  comic,  he  seldom  failed  to  represent  them 
in  a  manner  that  secured  the  warmest  approbation  of  the 
audience.  Mr.  Kilner  was  for  several  seasons  attached  to  the 
Park  and  Chatham  Garden  Theatres,  and  was  afterward  mana- 
ger of  the  Theatre  at  Boston.  He  last  played  in  New  York  at 
the  Bowery  Theatre,  in  January,  1837.  He  left  Boston  in 
1838,  and  went  to  Ohio,  where  he  purchased  a  farm,  on  which 
it  was  said  he  resided  for  many  years.  His  death  was  an- 
nounced as  having  occurred  at  Wilmington,  Indiana,  January 
2d,  1862,  at  the  age  of  85. 

His  wife  made  her  first  appearance  on  the  14th  of  Decem- 
ber, as  Peggy,  in  "  Turn  Out,"  but  her  merit  was  of  the  nega- 
tive kind.  She  never  evinced  sufficient  talent  to  excite 
admiration,  and  was  never  obtrusive  enough  to  be  offensive. 

January  1st,  1819,  witnessed  the  performance  of  "Laugh 
When  You  Can,"  an  Olio  of  Sentimental  and  Comic  Songs,  and, 
for  the  first  time  in  America,  Faucit's  melo-drama  of  the 
u  Secret  Mine."  It  was  thus  cast,  and  proved  highly  attractive  : 

Araza   Mr.  Simpson.  Dimdim     ....  Mr.  Barnes. 

Assad   "  Kilner.  Zaphyra    ....  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Ismael   "  Robertson.  Zobeide   Miss  Leesogq. 

Hyder   "  Pritohard. 

On  the  4th,  Mr.  Robert  Campbell  Maywood  made  his  first 
appearance  in  America,  in  the  character  of  Richard  III.  lie 
soon  after  appeared  as  Sir  Giles  Overreach,  Bertram,  Shylock, 
Othello,  Hamlet,  Fitzharding,  ("  Smiles  and  Tears")  and  for 
1  his  benefit  on  the  18th,  as  King  Lear,  and  Lovell  in  "  High 
Life  Below  Stairs."    A  second  engagement  followed,  during 
!  which  he  represented  Luke,  ("Riches")  Sir  Edward  Mortimer, 
•  Abednego,  Penruddock,  Skirmish,  Octavian,  Bajazet,  in  "Ta- 
'.  merlane,"  and  Young  Wilding,  in  the  "  Liar" — the  last  two 
being  for  his  benefit,  February  1st,  in  all  of  which  ho  was  fa- 
vorably received,  and  gave  general  satisfaction. 


350  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

Mr.  Maywood  was  a  son  of  Dr.  Maywood,  of  the  Isle  of 
Wight,  but  was  himself  born  at  Edinburgh  in  the  year  1790. 
Of  his  earlier  years  we  have  no  account,  save  that  he  first 
appeared  at  Drury  Lane,  as  Shylock,  September  25th,  1817. 
On  his  appearance  in  New  York,  many  considered  him  equal 
as  a  tragedian  to  any  actor  who  had  preceded  him,  but  gen- 
eral opinion  did  not  sustain  that  impression,  although  all 
awarded  him  the  merit  of  being  unsurpassed  as  a  general 
stock  actor.  His  Rob  Roy,  Fitz  James,  Gilderoy,  Carwin, 
Harvey  Birch,  in  the  "  Spy,"  and  many  melo-dramatic  char- 
acters, evinced  powers  of  a  very  superior  order ;  but,  in  latter 
days,  he  enjoyed  a  greater  popularity  by  his  entirely  unri- 
valed performance  in  a  line  of  Scottish  characters,  in  only  one 
of  which  he  has  ever  been  matched  on  the  American  Stage — 
by  Cooke,  as  Sir  Pertinax  McSycophant.  This  list  included 
Baillie  Nicol  Jarvie,  Caleb  Balder  stone,  Edie  Ochiltree,  Donald, 
in  the  "  Falls  of  Clyde,"  Jock  Howison,  in  "  Cramond  Brig," 
Laird  of  Dumbiedikes,  Tarn  CShanter,  Sir  Andrew  Burley,  in 
the  "Rights  of  Women,"  Muckle,  in  the  "Millionaire,"  &c. 
Mr.  Maywood  continued  a  resident  of  New  York  for  some  ten 
years,  after  which  he  removed  to  Baltimore  and  Philadelphia, 
in  both  of  which  cities  he  was  connected  with  the  manage- 
ment of  their  various  theatres.  The  Chestnut  Street  Theatre 
of  Philadelphia  was  under  his  principal  direction  from  1832 
to  1840.  He  had  married  Mrs.  H.  A.  Williams  in  1828,  and 
one  of  her  daughters,  whom  he  had  adopted  at  a  very  tender 
age,  was  educated  by  him  with  the  most  lavish  expense. 
This  young  girl,  when  about  twelve  years  of  age,  was  intro- 
duced to  the  public  of  Philadelphia  and  New  York  as  "la 
petite  Augusta,"  and  the  grace  and  brilliancy  of  her  execu- 
tion as  a  danseuse  challenged  comparison  with  the  finest 
artists  America  had  yet  known.  In  order  to  give  her  every 
attainable  advantage,  he  afterward  visited  Paris,  and  had  her 
placed  under  the  most  skillful  professors  of  dancing ;  but,  to 
his  great  chagrin  and  disappointment,  and  total  loss  of  any 
advantage  he  had  rightfully  expected  from  her  services,  she 
had  scarcely  entered  her  teens  when  she  surreptitiously  mar- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


351 


ried  a  Mons.  Mabille,  from  whom  in  less  than  two  years  she 
eloped,  deserting  at  the  same  time  the  infant  she  had  borne 
him.  An  elder  daughter,  Miss  Mary  Maywood,  whom  he  had 
also  carefully  trained  for  the  stage,  and  for  whom  he  obtained 
a  short  engagement  at  the  Hayniarket,  London,  where  she 
appeared  about  1840,  made  a  failure  on  her  return  to  America, 
and  as  an  actress  soon  sunk  into  mediocrity.  From  this 
period,  fortune  went  wrong  with  him.  In  1842,  he  was 
invited  to  resume  the  management  of  the  Chestnut  Street 
Theatre;  but  declining  the  responsibility,  his  daughter's  name 
was  placed  at  the  head  of  its  bills  by  the  stockholders,  and 
he  engaged  to  take  charge  of  the  stage  department.  The 
season  proving  unprofitable,  his  connection  with  the  estab- 
lishment terminated  in  the  spring  of  1843.  In  1844,  Mr. 
Maywood  appeared  for  a  few  nights  at  the  Park,  and  in  1845 
and  1846,  played  one  or  two  very  brief  engagements  at  the 
Chatham  and  Olympic  Theatres,  after  which  we  heard  of  his 
acting  in  Canada,  and  at  some  of  the  theatres  in  the  West. 
As  a  pendant  to  the  above  sketch,  we  copy  the  following 
paragraphs,  the  first  of  which  appeared  in  the  New  York 
Tribune,  January  11th,  1855,  and  the  latter  in  the  Mirror  the 
day  following : 

"  We  are  requested  to  call  the  attention  of  the  benevolent 
to  the  situation  of  Mr.  Robert  Maywood,  who  was,  several 
years  since,  quite  an  eminent  and  worthy  member  of  the 
theatrical  profession  in  this  city.  Mr.  Maywood,  in  company 
with  his  daughter,  has  been  for  several  years  living  in  Trieste  ; 
but  having  become  deranged  in  mind  and  enfeebled  by  old 
age,  he  has  been  sent  to  the  land  of  his  birth  (adoption)  to  be 
taken  care  of.  His  professional  brethren  will  doubtless  see 
that  he  and  his  are  properly  cared  for.  Further  information 
may  be  obtained  of  Doctor  Covel,  at  City  Prison." 

u  Robert  Maywood,  formerly  an  actor  of  some  celebrity  in 
this  city,  was  yesterday  sent  to  the  Lunatic  Asylum.  It  ap- 
pears that  Mr.  Maywood  has  but  lately  arrived  from  Trieste, 
Austria,  where  he  has  been  living  in  great  affluence  with  his 
daughter,  Miss  Augusta  Maywood,  a  danseuse  of  some  celeb- 


352 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


rity  in  Italy  and  Germany.  It  is  said  she  has  a  villa  on  Lake 
Como,  worth  half  a  million  of  dollars." 

Poor  Maywood  finally  died  of  paralysis,  at  the  Marshall 
Infirmary,  Troy,  N.  Y.,  November  27th,  1856,  aged  66  years. 

On  the  15th  of  January,  Beazley's  farce  of  "Fire  and 
Water"  was  first  played  here  as  follows  : 

Capt.  Hurry  ....    Mr.  Barnes.  i     Fanny  Miss  Johnson. 

Thrifty  "    Kilner.  Furbelow  ....    Mrs.  Baldwin. 

Frederick  "  Simpson. 

On  the  3d  of  February,  Dibdin's  celebrated  operatic  romance 
of  "  Zuma,  or  the  Tree  of  Health,"  was  produced,  with  the  fol- 
lowing cast: 

Carlo  .        ....    Mr.  Robertson.  Zuma  Mrs.  Holman. 

Dr.  Bonoro    ....     "    Kilner.  Zoro  "  Parker. 

Picquillo  ...        .     "    Barnes.  Oriana  Miss  Johnson. 

Azan  "    Pritchard.  Chinchilla  ....     "  Leesugg. 

Mirvan  "    Howard.  Beatrice    ....    Mrs.  Baldwin. 

It  was  favorably  received,  and  several  times  repeated. 

"  Is  He  Jealous  ?  "  a  sprightly  one-act  comedy,  adapted  from 
the  French  by  Beazley,  was  brought  out  on  the  8th,  with 
great  success,  being  capitally  played  by  Simpson  as  Belmour, 
Miss  Johnson  as  Mrs.  Belmour,  Miss  Leesugg  as  Harriet,  and 
Mrs.  Baldwin  as  Rose.  Few  trifles  of  its  class  have  retained 
such  lasting  approval. 

Mr.  Wallack  now  began  another  engagement,  opening  as 
Macbeth  on  the  10th. 

"The  Castle  of  Paluzzi"  was  produced  on  the  15th,  with 
the  annexed  cast,  but  attained  no  remarkable  popularity : 

Count  Salviati   .    .    .    Mr.  Pritchard.  Paolo  Mr.  Barnes. 

Marquis  Castello  .  .  "  Kilner.  Countess  ....  Mrs.  Barnes. 
Ferdinand    ....     "    Robertson.  Zerlina  Miss  Johnson. 

On  the  19th,  "  Altorf,"  a  tragedy  by  the  celebrated  Frances 
Wright,  afterward  Madame  Darusmont,  was  produced  for  the 
first  time  on  any  stage — it  was  cast  as  follows,  and  enjoyed 
but  a  brief  existence : 

Altorf  Mr.  Wallack.  De  Rheinthal  .    .    .    Mr.  Simpson. 

Elflock  ....  "  Pritchard.  Giovanni  ....  Miss  Johnson. 
Werner  "    Robertson.       |     Rosina  Mrs.  Barnes. 

On  the  27th,  Shakspeare's  tragedy  of  "Richard  II. 'was  also 

produced,  for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  its  characters  thus 
distributed : 

Richard  Mr.  Wallace  Northumberland  .    .    Mr.  Kilner. 

John  of  Gaunt   .    .          "     Pritchard.  Gardener  ....     "  Spiller. 

York  "    Robertson.  Queen  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Bolingbroke  ....     "    Simpson.  Matilda  "  Holman. 


RICHARD  II 

'rom  the  original  picture  in  the  Jerusalem  Chamber,  Westminster  Hall 
(Engraved  in  /790) 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


353 


Mr.  Wallack's  benefit  took  place  March  1st,  when  he 
gave  a  capital  delineation  of  the  Three  Singles,  in  "Three 
and  the  Deuce;"  and  also  appeared  as  Kalig,  in  the 
"Blind  Boy.'1 

March  3d,  the  drama  of  "  Barmecide"  was  first  played,  as 
follows : 


Haroun 
Iaouf  . 

Giaffar 


Mr.  Pritchard. 
"  Kilner. 
"  Simpson. 


Goodman  ....    Mr.  Spiller. 

Hassan  Miss  Johnson. 

Zaida  Mrs.  Barnes. 


On  the  8th,  Mrs.  Holman's  benefit  took  place,  when  she 
appeared  as  Diana  Vernon,  and  produced  for  the  first  time, 
the  burletta  of  "  Don  Giovanni,  or  the  Spectre  on  Horseback," 
which  was  played  as  follows : 

...  Mr. 


Giovanni 
Octavio 
Guzman 


Moreland.  Leporello  ....    Mr.  Spiller. 

Howard.  Anna  Miss  Leescgg. 

Barnes.  Bride  "  Johnson. 


Mr.  Simpson's  benefit  took  place  on  the  15th,  when  he 
presented,  for  the  first  time  in  America,  John  Howard  Payne's 
tragedy  of  "  Brutus."  Censured  as  it  has  been  for  its  lack  of 
originality,  the  author  acknowledging  that  he  not  only  bor- 
rowed the  ideas,  but  occasionally  the  language  of  others,  its 
greatest  proof  of  merit  is  that  it  is  the  only  one  of  eight  plays 
on  the  same  subject  that  has  retained  possession  of  the  stage. 
We  subjoin  its  cast  on  this  occasion: 


L.  J.  Brutus  . 
SexU  Tarquin 
Titus       .  . 
Collatinus . 
Valerius  .  . 
Horatius  . 
Aruns 
Lucretius  . 
Claudius  . 
Flavius    .  . 


Mr. 


Pritchard. 

Robertson. 

Simpson. 

Moreland. 

Kilner. 

Hopper. 

Garner. 

Graham. 

Banckeb. 

Baldwin. 


Centurion  .  . 
Roman  Citizens 


Tullia  . 

Tarquinia 

Lucretia 

Lavinia 

Priestess 

Vestal  . 


Mr.  Nexsen. 

"  Johnson. 

M  Howard. 

u  Parker. 
Mrs.  Barnes. 
M'ss  Johnson. 

"  Leescoo. 
Mrs.  Wheatley. 

*'  Baldwin. 
Miss  Dkllinoer. 


It  would  be  folly  to  speak  of  Pritchard  as  Brutus,  in  com- 
parison with  Kean,  who  first  played  the  part  in  London ;  still, 
he  was  most  respectable  and  praiseworthy — but  we  are  in- 
clined to  believe  that  Mrs.  Glover,  the  original  representative 
of  Tullia,  was  inferior  to  Mrs.  Barnes,  who  portrayed  the 
madness  and  despair  of  the  unhappy  Roman  matron  with 
thrilling  power  and  effect.  Mr.  Kilner,  as  Valerius,  also 
deserved  the  highest  praise. 

In  the  cast  of  "Brutus"  will  be  observed  the  name  of  Mr. 
Gilbert  Nexsen,  a  most  worthy  and  respectable  man,  who  was 

45 


354 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


long  attached  to  the  Park  company.  He  was  born  in  New 
York,  June  20th,  1795,  and  first  appeared  at  the  Park  as  Jock 
Jabos,  in  "Guy  Mannering,"  September,  1816.  He  labored 
hard  in  the  profession,  but  never  rose  beyond  the  lowest  grade 
of  mediocrity,  retiring  at  the  close  of  the  season  in  1839.  He 
was  afterward  long  Reader  to  the  Common  Council  of  New 
York,  and  ultimately  died  in  the  city,  at  the  age  of  60, 
October  17th,  1855. 

On  the  17th,  Mr.  T.  Phillipps  opened  as  Count  Belino :  and 
on  the  22d  appeared  as  Henry,  in  "  Fontainbleau,"  for  the 
first  time. 

Mr.  Wallack  and  Mrs.  Bartley  commenced  a  joint  engage- 
ment on  the  26th,  as  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Beverly ;  they  subse- 
quently appeared  as  Macbeth  and  Lady  Macbeth,  Rolla  and 
Elvira,  Biron  and  Isabella,  Alexander  the  Great  and  Roxana, 
Young  Norval  and  Lady  Randolph,  and  Posthumus  and 
Imogen.  On  the  10th  of  April,  the  night  of  her  benefit, 
Mrs.  Bartley  recited  the  beautiful  melologue  written  for  her 
by  Thomas  Moore,  accompanied  with  appropriate  national 
melodies  by  the  orchestra. 

On  the  14th,  Mr.  Bartley  re-appeared  with  his  lady,  as  Major 
and  Mrs,  Oakley ;  on  the  16th,  as  Solus  and  Lady  Elinor 
Irwin;  17th,  as  Sir  John  and  Lady  Restless;  21st,  Prince 
Altenberg  and  Madame  Clermont;  23d,  as  Lord  and  Lady 
Townly ;  and  24th,  as  Sir  Adam  and  Lady  Contest. 

On  the  19th,  Aytous  capital  farce  of  the  "  Rendezvous"  had 
been  brought  out,  with  the  following  cast : 

Quake  Mr.  Kilxek.  I     Smart  Mr.  Spilleb. 

Bolding  "    Moreland.  Sophia  Miss  Leesugg. 

Charles  "     Pritchard.  Lucretia    ....     "  Johnson. 

Simon  "     Barnes.  Rose         ...        Mrs.  Baldwin. 

Mr.  Phillipps  began  his  farewell  engagement  on  the  26th, 
introducing,  for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  Dibdin's  drama 
entitled  the  "  English  Fleet  in  1342,"  (music  by  Braham)  in 
which  he  appeared  as  Valentine;  Mr.  Robertson  as  Count 
Charles;  Mr.  Barnes  as  Mainmast;  Miss  Johnson  as  the 
Countess  Jane,  and  Miss  Leesugg  as  Katharine.  This  opera 
never  attained  an  American  popularity.  Mr.  Phillipps'  en- 
gagement extended  to  the  17th  of  May,  when  his  benefit 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


355 


attracted  an  audience  that  crowded  the  Theatre  in  every  part. 
The  following  was  the  bill  on  the  occasion : 
The  Barber  of  Seville  ; 

Almaviva  Mr.  T.  Phillip^.     I     Figaro  Mr.  Spiller. 

Dr.  Bartolo    ....     "     Barnes.  I     Rosina  Miss  Liesugg. 

Pas  de  Deux    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Parker. 

Concluding  with  The  Deserter. 

Skirmish  Mr.  May  wood.               Louisa   Miss  Johnson. 

Henry  "  T.  Phillipps.          Jenny  ...  "  Leesugo 

Russet  "  Kilner.                 Margaret   ....  Mrs.  Baldwin. 

Simpkin  "  Barnrs.  | 

After  the  performances  terminated,  the  beneficiary  was 
presented  by  the  managers  with  a  pair  of  magnificent  silver 
pitchers,  in  token  of  their  appreciation  of  the  value  his  serv- 
ices had  been  to  their  establishment. 

Mr.  Maywood's  new  engagement  had  commenced  on  the 
4th  of  May,  when  he  opened  as  King  Lear,  and  his  per- 
formances continued  to  attract  and  gratify  the  public. 

On  the  13th,  the  farce  of  "Where  Shall  I  Dine?"  was  first 
played.  Simpson  made  quite  a  hit  as  Sponge,  and  was  ably 
supported  by  Kilner  as  Grumpy,  Robertson  as  Discount,  Spil- 
ler as  Dig-gory,  and  Miss  Leesugg  as  Mrs.  Discount. 

On  the  19th,  the  "Heart  of  Mid  Lothian"  was  brought  ou 
in  which  the  great  beauty  of  Miss  Johnson  as  Effie,  the  deep, 
pathetic  feeling  displayed  by  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Jtannie  Deans, 
and  the  admirable  portrayal  of  Madge  Wildfire's  fantastic 
madness  by  Miss  Leesugg,  obtained  universal  approbation  and 
applause.  These  ladies  were  ably  supported  by  Pritchard  as 
the  Duke  of  Ar gyle,  Simpson  as  Staunton,  Robertson  as  Reu- 
ben Butler,  and  Barnes  as  the  Laird  of  Dumbiedikes. 

Shiel's  tragedy  of  "  Evadne,"  surpassing  in  interest  all  his 
other  dramas,  was  first  played  on  the  24th,  with  the  following 
cast,  and  with  great  success  : 

King  of  Naples  .    .    .    Mr.   Moreland.         :     Vincentio  ....    Mr.  Simpson. 

Colon  n  a        ...  Maywood.  Olivia  Miss  Leesugo. 

Ludovico  .        ..."     Pkitchard.        \     Evadne  Mrs.  Barnes. 

It  was  carefully  and  well  played  throughout,  and  no  suc- 
ceeding Evadne  has  equaled  Mrs.  Barnes  in  her  exquisite 
delineation  of  this  finely-drawn  character. 

On  the  2(5th,  a  farce  called  "Doctor  Bolus"  was  presented, 
with  Kilner  as  Doctor  Bolus,  Spiller  as  Gen.  Scaramoucho, 


356  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

Barnes  as  King  Artapadiedes,  and  Miss  Leesugg  as  Queen 
Catalinda. 

On  the  31st,  the  "Recluse"  was  brought  out,  thus  cast: 

Elskender     ....    Mr.   Maywood.          I     Ellislaw    ....    Mr.  Robertson, 
Marechal  Wells  ..."     Simpson.                Isabel  Vere    .    .    .    Mrs.  Barnes. 
Sir  F.  Langley  ..."     Pritchard.  Lucy  Miss  Johnson. 

June  2d.  Mrs.  Barnes  took  her  benefit,  when  she  produced 
another  drama  of  Shiefs,  entitled  "Adelaide;"  but  her  great 
talents  in  the  part  of  the  heroine  could  not  impart  vitality  to 
the  piece,  and  we  believe  it  was  never  repeated.  In  the  after- 
piece, Mrs.  Barnes  played  Little  Pickle,  to  the  unbounded 
delight  of  her  friends. 

On  the  4th,  Mr.  Maywood  played  Hamlet  for  his  benefit; 
and  on  this  occasion,  in  the  character  of  Rosencrantz,  Mr.  D. 
Reed,  afterward  well  known  on  the  Park  boards,  made  his 
first  appearance  in  New  York.  He  was  an  ambitious  and 
useful,  but  never  an  eminent  actor.  He  died  at  Philadelphia, 
whither  he  had  removed,  being  found  lifeless  in  his  bed, 
(October  6th,  1836)  to  which  he  had  retired  the  previous 
night  in  his  usual  health. 

Mr.  Pritchard  announced  his  farewell  benefit  on  the  16th, 
when  he  appeared  as  Orsino,  in  "  Alfonso,"  and  Col.  Rig-olio, 
in  the  "  Broken  Sword." 

Mr.  Spiller's  benefit  came  off  on  the  18th,  when  he  brought 
out  the  extravaganza  of  "  Bobbinet,  the  Bandit,"  with  Barnes 
as  Bobbinet,  Robertson  as  Antonio,  Kilner  as  Grumpino,  Pritch- 
ard as  Fierbras,  and  Miss  Johnson  as  Amanda.  He  also  gave, 
with  great  applause,  what  he  called  a  "Nouveau  Criticism" 
on  "Goody  Two  Shoes,"  "Blue  Beard,"  "Forty  Thieves,"  &c. 

Miss  Leesuggs  farewell  benefit  took  place  on  the  21st,  on 
which  occasion  M.  M.  Noah's  drama,  entitled  "  She  Would  Be 
a  Soldier,  or  the  Battle  of  Chippewa,"  was  first  played,  with 
the  cast  annexed : 

Indian  Chief  ....    Mr.   Matwood.  Jerry  Mr.  Barkis. 

General  "    Graham.  Larole  "  Spiller. 

Jasper  M    Robertson.  Christine   ....    Miss  Leesugg. 

Lenox  "    Pritchard.  Adela   "  Johnson. 

Capt.  Pendragon    .    .     "  Simpson. 

It  was  highly  successful,  and,  in  connection  with  Miss 
Leesugg's  personal  claims,  attracted  a  house  of  thirteen  hun- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NKW  YORK  STAGE. 


357 


dred  dollars.  The  beneficiary  having  become  Mrs.  Hacfcett, 
retired  at  the  end  of  the  season,  which  terminated  on  Mon- 
day, July  5th,  with  the  performance  of  "She  Would  Be  a 
Soldier"  and  "Bobbinet,  the  Bandit." 

We  believe  this  was  the  first  drama  of  Major  Noah's  that 
was  performed  in  New  York,  although  he  had  previously 
written  one  entitled  "Paul  and  Alexis"  (now  known,  witli 
some  alterations,  as  the  "Wandering  Boys")  which  was  suc- 
cessfully represented  in  Charleston  in  1812.  His  other  plays 
were,  "  Marion,"  "  Grecian  Captive."  "  Siege  of  Yorktown,"  and 
u  Yesef  Caramatti."  Major  Noah  was  a  noted  politician — at 
one  time  Consul  to  Morocco — a  fluent  and  agreeable  writer, 
and  at  different  times  editor  of  several  newspapers  in  New 
York.  He  was  of  Jewish  extraction,  born  in  Philadelphia, 
1785,  and  died  in  New  York,  1851. 

An  extra  night  was  announced  on  the  7th,  as  a  benefit  for 
I  the  Theatrical  Fund.  The  "Castle  Spectre"  and  "High  Life 
Below  Stairs"  were  the  pieces  performed,  interspersed  with 
singing,  dancing,  &c,  in  which  the  whole  company  appeared. 

Mr.  Robertson's  health  had  been  for  some  time  declining, 
and  he  never  again  appeared  after  the  close  of  the  sea- 
son. His  death  occurred  on  the  10th  of  the  following 
■  November. 

Immediately  after  the  closing  of  the  Park,  the  little  thea- 
tre in  Anthony  Street  was  fitted  up,  and  re-christened  the 
•  Pavilion  ;  and  here  went  Maywood,  Kilner  and  wife,  Spiller 
and  wife,  Mrs.  Brundage,  Miss  Brundage,  Bancker,  Carpender, 
Reed  and  others — opening,  on  the  12th  of  July,  with  "  Adel- 
bert  of  Warsaw  "  and  a  "  Tale  of  Mystery." 

On  the  19th,  Mr.  William  Leggett.  afterward  the  celebrated 
editor  and  critic,  made  his  first  appearance  on  any  stage,  as 
Charles  Ratcliff,  in  the  "  Jew."  He  played  once  or  twice  after- 
ward, and  then  disappeared.  In  the  season  of  1826-7,  Mr. 
Leggett  made  another  debut  at  the  Bowery  Theatre,  in  the 
character  of  Bertram,  but  without  success,  proving  that  the 
most  discriminating  critic  may  be  entirely  incapable  of  em- 
Ibodying  and  portraying  even  his  own  correct  conceptions  to 


358  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

the  satisfaction  of  an  audience.  Mr.  Leggett  was  born  in 
New  York  in  1802,  and  died  in  1840. 

The  Pavilion  closed  on  the  13th  of  August,  with  a  benefit 
for  Mrs.  Dobson,  a  lady  who  made  her  debut  here  on  the  28th 
of  July,  as  the  Marchioness,  in  the  "Castle  of  Otranto." 

The  Park  Theatre  re-opened,  under  the  continued  manage- 
ment of  Price  and  Simpson,  on  the  evening  of  August  30th, 
1819.    The  opening  entertainments  were : 
Who  Wants  a  Guinea  ; 

Sir  Larry  McHurragh      Mr.   Simpson.  Solomon  Gundy  .        Mr.  Spiller. 

Torrent  "    Kilner.  Andrew  Bang     .    .     "  Barnes. 

Barford  "     Haywood.  Fanny  Hiss  Johnson. 

Oldskirt  "     Baldwin.  I     Hrs.  Glastonbury     .    Hrs.  Baldwin. 

A  Ballet,  "The  Garland  of  Love,"  .    .    by    .    .    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Parker,  &c. 

and,                              The  Review. 

Caleb  Quotem    .  .    .    Mr.  Spiller.  j     Capt.  Beaugard  .  .    Mr.  Moreland. 

Looney  M'Twolter  .         »'  Kilner.  Grace  Gaylove  Miss  Johnson. 

John  Lump  .    .             "  Baldwin  Lucy    .  Hrs.  Baldwin. 

The  next  evening,  Mrs.  Barnes  made  her  appearance  as 
Belvidera,  in  "  Venice  Preserved,"  supported  by  May  wood  as 
Pierre,  and  Woodhull  as  Jaffier. 

September  1st,  the  "  Road  to  Ruin"  was  played,  with  Mr. 
Dwyer  as  Goldfinch,  his  first  appearance  in  five  years. 

The  very  pleasing  petit  comedy,  entitled  "  A  Roland  for  an 
Oliver,"  was  first  played  on  the  6th,  with  great  success : 

Sir  Mark  Chase  .  Mr.   Barnes.  Maria  Darlington     .    Mrs.  Barnes. 

Alfred  Highflyer     .    .     "     Simpson.  Mrs.  Selborn  .    .    .    Miss  Johnson. 

Fixture  "     Kilner  |     Mrs.  Fixture  ...      "  Dellinger. 

On  the  8th,  Mr.  Wallack  commenced  an  engagement  as 
Hamlet,  and  continued  playing  until  the  18th,  after  which  the 
Theatre  was  closed,  in  consequence  of  the  general  alarm  felt 
by  the  citizens  on  the  announcement  of  the  appearance  ot 
yellow  fever,  and  was  not  re-opened  until  the  6th  of  October, 
when  Morton's  comedy  of  "  A  Way  to  Get  Married,"  and  the 
"  Innkeeper's  Daughter,"  were  performed.  The  next  evening, 
a  new  drama  was  produced,  called  the  "Jew  of  Lubeck," 
which  proved  successful,  and  was  several  times  repeated,  with 
the  following  cast : 

The  Jew  Mr.   Haywood.  Von  Fursten 

Prince  "     Woodhull.  Lindor  .  . 

Donamar  "    Simpson.  Magliano  . 

Stefano  l<    Bancker.  Rosa.    .  . 


Hr.  Kilner. 

"  Baldwin. 

"  Moreland. 
Mrs.  Barnes. 


On  the  11th,  Mrs.  Bartley  re-appeared  in  her  favorite  role 
of  Isabella;  and,  on  the  12th,  Mr.  Bartley  opened  as  Falstaff. 


RECORDS  OF  THK  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


359 


Their  engagement  extended  to  the  10th  of  November.  Mr. 
Cooper  was  also  engaged,  and  appeared  on  the  22d  of  October 
as  Bertram;  and  in  several  plays,  acted  in  conjunction  with 
the  Bartleys,  sustaining  the  characters  of  Hotspur,  Lothario, 
Leon,  Duke  Aranza,  &c.  On  the  3d  of  November,  he  re- 
presented, for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  his  afterward  fa- 
vorite part  of  Lucius  Junius  Brutus.  On  the  10th,  the  night 
of  Mrs.  Bartley's  benefit,  a  new  farce,  called  "  Gay  Deceivers/' 
was  produced  with  much  success,  thus  represented : 


Sir  Harry  Popinjay. 

Cavely  

Nehemiah.    .    .  . 


Mr.  Dwter. 
"  Kilner. 
"  Barnes 


Pegasus  Puncheon 
Jenny  Stump  . 


Mr.  Baldwin. 
Mrs.  Baldwin. 


On  the  15th,  the  comedy,  entitled  "  Wanted,  a  Wife  I" 
brought  out,  with  the  subjoined  cast: 


was 


Sir  Gabriel  Peeper 
Gen.  Malabar 
Arthur  Wildfire. 
Frank  Cleverly  . 
Jonathan  Curry. 


Mr. 


Barnes. 

Maywood. 

Simpson. 

DWVER. 

Spiller. 


Barney  McShift 
Mies  Arragon  . 
Catharine  . 
Lillian  Eden 


Mr.  Kilner. 
Mrs.  Baldwin. 

"  Barnes. 
Miss  Johnson. 


A  farce,  called  "  My  Uncle,"  that  attained  considerable  pop- 
ularity, was  thus  produced  on  the  18th : 

Mr. 


Commodore  Jokely 
Florid  .... 
Subtle .... 


Kilner. 
Simpson. 
Moreland. 


Ellen  . 
Flounce 


Miss  Johnson. 
Mrs.  Baldwin. 


The  famous  melo-drama,  called  the  "  Carib  Chief,"  in  which, 
in  after  years,  Wallack  played  the  hero  so  finely,  was  first 
acted  on  the  25th,  and  with  great  success,  thus  cast : 


Omreah 

Carbal 

Trefusis 


Mr. 


Maywood. 

Kilner. 

Simpson. 


Montalbert. 
Claudine  . 
Kathelrade 


Mr.  Dwyer. 
Mrs.  Barnes. 
"  Baldwin. 


On  the  26th,  a  benefit  was  given  to  the  widow  and  chil- 
dren of  the  late  Hopkins  Robertson,  recently  deceased,  which 
yielded  thirteen  hundred  dollars  gross  receipts. 

December  1st, "  Swedish  Patriotism,''  a  long-popular  drama, 
was  produced,  with  the  following  cast : 


Count  Cronstadt 
Col.  Walstein 
Capt.  Albert  .  . 
Cokaski    .    .  . 


Mr.  Woodhull. 

"  Maywood. 

'•  Simpson. 

M  Kilner. 


Walter 
Ulrica 
Rriaka 


Mr.  Barnes. 
Miss  Johnson. 
Mrs.  Baldwin. 


December  13th,  an  amusing  farce,  called  "  A  Walk  for  a 
Wager,"  was  first  represented,  as  follows  : 


lob  Lorelock 
lookey  Walker 
Harrington  . 
'oaby  .    .  . 


.    Mr.  Spiller. 

,4  Barnes. 

"  Moreland. 

u  WoODHDLL. 


O'Mittimus  .  .  .  Mr.  Kilner. 
Emma  ....  Miss  Johnson. 
Mrs.  Kildeary     .    .    Mrs.  Baldwin. 


The  same  evening,  Mr.  Wallack  commenced  an  engage- 
ment as  Rolla ;  and,  on  the  25th,  appeared  for  the  first  time 


360 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


as  King-  Henry  V.  He  took  his  benefit  on  the  27th,  playing 
Pierre,  supported  by  Mr.  Cooper  as  Jaffier,  whose  aid  was  now 
called  in  to  impart  additional  interest  to  the  performances. 
The  latter  played  King-  John  and  Mercutio,  to  Wallack's  Fal- 
conbridge  and  Romeo  ;  and,  on  the  31st,  his  benefit  night,  ap- 
peared as  Othello,  admirably  supported  by  Wallack  as  Iago, 
Dwyer  as  Cassio,  Spiller  as  Roderigo,  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Desde- 
mona,  and  Mrs.  Baldwin  as  Emilia,  whose  excellence  in  that 
part  has  been  rarely  equaled.  Notwithstanding  their  com- 
bined attraction,  a  season  of  theatrical  depression  occurred, 
and  the  house  was  closed  on  the  4th  of  January,  1820,  and 
remained  so  until  the  21st  of  February. 

March  1st,  a  melo-drama  by  Samuel  B.  Judah,  of  this  city, 
entitled  the  "  Mountain  Torrent,"  was  produced  with  very  fair 
success.    We  annex  the  cast: 


Marquis  d'Arenza   .    .    Mr.  Woodhdll. 

Baron  Trevasi    ..."  Maywood. 

Alonzo  "  Simpson. 

Marco  "  Barnes. 

Pietro  "  Spiller. 


Lupartro 
Viola  . 
Bianca  . 
Beatrice 
Biondella 


Mr.  Bancker. 
Miss  Johnson. 

"  Brundage. 

"  Dellinger. 
Mrs.  Kilnee. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bartley  again  commenced  an  engagement  on 
the  7th,  in  "Adrian  and  Orilla." 

On  the  9th,  a  farce  called  "  Helpless  Animals,  or  Bachelors' 
Fare,"  was  brought  out — Mr.  Barnes  as  Mulberry,  Mr.  More- 
land  as  Ratio,  Mr.  Spiller  as  Martin,  and  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Letitia 
Mulberry.  The  same  evening  Mr.  Frederick  Brown  made 
his  first  appearance  in  New  York,  as  Hamlet — the  bills  an- 
nouncing it  as  his  first  appearance  in  America,  although  he 
seems  to  have  played  in  Boston  as  early  as  1816 ;  but  it  had 
become  the  fashion  of  the  Park  managers  to  ignore  the  ex- 
istence of  other  theatres  in  the  Union,  and  when  any  foreign 
actor  or  new  drama  was  introduced  to  the  public,  it  was 
always  for  "  the  first  time  in  America,"  although  they  may 
have  been  well  known  on  the  boards  of  some  sister  city. 
Mr.  Brown  had  enjoyed  an  enviable  reputation  in  the  Liver- 
pool Theatre,  and  in  Boston  had  been  greatly  and  justly  ad- 
mired, although  he  gave  deep  offense  to  the  audience  there 
by  refusing  to  play  second  parts  during  the  engagements  of 
Cooper  and  Wallack.    His  performances  in  New  York  were 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


361 


creditable  to  himself,  but  failed  to  create  anything  of  a  furore. 
He  was  at  one  time  manager  of  the  Montreal  Theatre,  and 
was  also  well  known  at  the  Charleston  and  other  Southern 
theatres.  He  married  Miss  DeCamp,  a  versatile  and  popular 
actress,  and  sister  of  Mrs.  Charles  Kemble.  We  last  remem- 
ber his  playing  here  at  the  Richmond  Hill  Theatre,  in  1833. 
He  died  about  1838. 

Mr.  Brown  displayed  great  versatility  of  talent  during  his 
engagement,  playing  Young  Norval,  the  Stranger,  the  Three 
Singles,  Macbeth,  Brutus,  Cardinal  Wot  set/,  Duke  Aranza, 
Rolla,  Sylvester  Daggerivood,  Somno,  Richard  III.,  and  Bus- 
kin, in  "  Killing  no  Murder,"  in  which  he  introduced  some  re- 
markable imitations  of  Kemble,  Cooke,  Incledon,  Blanchard, 
Munden,  &c.  In  many  of  his  characters  he  had  the  valuable 
support  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bartley. 

On  the  16th  of  March,  the  interesting  drama  of  the  "  Wan- 
dering Boys"  (altered  from  a  piece  written  by  M.  M.  Noah, 
for.  Mrs.  Charles  Young,  and  called  "  Paul  and  Alexis,  or  the 
Orphans  of  the  Rhine"')  was  brought  out  with  great  success, 
and  continues  popular  to  the  present  day.  Its  original  cast 
stood  thus : 

Count  de  Croissy  Mr.   Maywood.  Paul  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Roland  44    Woodhull.  Justin  Miss  Johnson. 

Hubert  -  Kilner.  Baroness    ....    Mrs.  Baldwin. 

Lubin  "     Barnes.  Louise  Miss  Dellinger. 

Mrs.  Barnes  and  Miss  Johnson,  the  former  as  the  fearless, 
intrepid  and  (juick-witted  boy,  and  the  latter  as  his  timorous 
and  shrinking  brother,  won  universal  applause  by  the  force 
and  truthfulness  of  their  acting. 
On  the  23d,  Poole's  amusing  comedy  of  "  Rochester,  or  the 
:  Merry  Days  of  Charles  the  Second,"'  was  produced,  with  the 
'  annexed  cast : 


Charles    .....  Mr.  Wooduull. 

.  Rochester   ••  Simpson. 

|  Buckingham  .        .    .  Dwyer. 

1  Dunstable     ....  •*  Moreland. 

'  Starvemoase      ...  "  Spiller. 


Amen  Squeak  Mr.  Barnes. 

Countess  Lovelaugh.  Mrs.  Barnes. 
Aunt  Rebecca  M  Baldwin. 

Sylvia  Golden     .    .  Miss  Johnson. 

Bell   "  Dellinger. 


On  the  29th,  Mrs.  Bartley  played  Hamlet  for  her  benefit, 
and  the  farce  of  "  High  Notions"  was  acted  for  the  first  time — 
Mr.  Barnes  as  Sir  Frederick  Augustus  Pageant ;  Mr.  Spiller, 
Brisk;  Mr.  Kilner,  Timothy ;  Miss  Johnson,  Charlotte;  and 

46 


362  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

Mrs.  Baldwin,  Martha.  Mr.  Bartley  took  his  benefit  on  the 
oth  of  April,  producing  for  an  afterpiece  a  farce  called  "  A 
Short  Reign  and  a  Merry  One,"  in  which  he  appeared  as 
Gabriel  de  Coquinard,  his  wife  as  the  Countess  de  Rosier,  Mr. 
Woodhull  as  St.  Val,  Mr.  Simpson  as  Morange,  and  Miss  John- 
son as  Adela. 

On  the  14th,  the  "  Gnome  King"  was  played  for  the  first 
time,  and  was  afterward  occasionally  repeated. 

On  the  17th,  Miss  Denny,  from  the  Boston  Theatre,  made 
her  debut  in  New  York  as  Helen  Worrett,  and  proved  a  valuable 
addition  to  the  company.  This  young  lady  was  a  native  of 
Albany,  and  afterward  married  Alexander  Drake,  well  known 
as  actor  and  manager  at  several  Western  theatres.  As  Mrs. 
Drake,  she  has  played  frequent  star  engagements  at  the  Park 
and  Bowery  Theatres  with  success,  and  for  many  years  reigned 
the  Tragic  Queen  of  the  West.  Her  abilities  were  well 
adapted  to  every  walk  of  the  drama,  but  she  excelled  in 
the  heavier  characters  of  tragedy,  in  which  line  she  has 
been  rarely  equaled  on  the  American  Stage.  She  was 
last  here  about  1835,  but  is  probably  still  living  at  the 
West. 

Her  daughter,  Miss  Julia  Drake,  afterward  Mrs.  H.  Chap- 
man, has  been  at  the  Bowery  and  other  minor  theatres  of  New 
York,  and  is  a  very  sprightly  and  pleasing  comedienne. 

On  the  26th  of  April,  the  melo-drama  called  the  "  Forest 
of  Rosenwald,  or  the  Bleeding  Nun,"  was  thus  played  for 
the  first  time  : 

Raymond  Mr.  Simpson.  Agnes  Miss  Johnson. 

Robert  "    Mayytood.  Marguerite     .        .    Mrs.  Barnes. 

Baptiste  "    Woodhull.  Beatrice    ....      "  Eilner 

Theodore  "     Barnes.  Bleeding  Nun     .    .    Miss  Dellinger. 

A  serious  pantomime  of  the  same  title  had  been  played 
many  years  previous. 

May  1st,  Mr.  Bartley  announced,  for  his  farewell  benefit, 
the  adaptation  of  Voltaire's  famous  tragedy  of  "Zara" — the 
character  of  Zara  by  Mrs.  Bartley ;  Lusignan,  Mr.  Bartley ; 
Omar,  Mr.  May  wood ;  Chatillon,  Mr.  Woodhull ;  Ntrestan,  Mr. 
Simpson.  He  also  brought  out  a  farce  called  the  "  Youthful 
Days  of  Frederick  the  Great,"  in  which  he  personated  the  old 


MQBSa    \  DRAKE. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


363 


King-;  Simpson,  Prince  Frederick;  May  wood,  Frederstoff  : 
and  Miss  Johnson,  Christine. 

May  5th,  the  farewell  benefit  of  Mrs.  Bartley,  and  last  ap- 
pearance of  herself  and  husband  in  America,  took  place.  The 
play  was  the  "Winters  Tale,"  by  Shakspeare,  with  Mr.  Bartley 
as  Autolycus,  Mr.  May  wood  as  Leontes,  Mr.  Simpson  as  Florizel, 
Mr.  Woodhull  as  Polixenes,  Mrs.  Bartley  as  Hermione,  and  Mrs. 
Barnes,  Perdita.  Mr.  Bartley  also  delivered  a  farewell  ad- 
dress in  the  character  of  Fcdstajf]  and  Mrs.  Bartley  recited 
the  "  Passions,"  with  undiminished  applause.  These  excellent 
artists  left  behind  them  a  warm  regard  for  their  private 
virtues,  as  well  as  a  high  estimate  of  their  professional  merits. 

Mr.  Simpson  took  his  benefit  on  the  8th,  and  produced  a 
tragedy  entitled  "  Guilt,"  and  a  new  farce  called  the  "  Quad- 
rille." The  latter  became  very  popular,  with  Simpson  as 
Touchwood,  Spiller  as  Query,  and  Miss  Johnson  as  Sophia. 

Mr.  Wallack's  farewell  engagement  commenced  on  the  10th, 
and  he  took  his  last  benefit,  previous  to  his  return  to  Europe, 
on  the  18th,  appearing  in  several  favorite  characters,  selected 
from  various  plays,  and  also  gave  his  popular  imitations  of 
celebrated  British  actors. 

On  the  loth,  for  Miss  Johnson's  benefit,  the  first  perform- 
aDce  of  Noah's  drama,  entitled  the  "  Siege  of  Tripoli,"  took 
place,  with  the  following  cast  : 

Yuseff  Mr.   Matwood.  Mandeville     .    .    .    Mr.  Horeland 

Hassan  "     Barnes.  Harry  Montford  .    .     "  Simpson. 

Gonzales  "    Woodhull.  Rosabel  Miss  Johnson. 

On  the  25th  of  May,  the  author's  benefit  attracted  a  large 
and  brilliant  audience  to  the  third  representation  of  the 
"Siege  of  Tripoli,"  the  performance  going  off  to  the  delight 
of  the  managers,  the  author,  and  the  spectators,  all  of  whom 
had  left  the  Theatre  but  a  short  time  before  it  was  discovered 
to  be  in  flames,  resulting  in  its  total  destruction  in  a  few  hours. 
The  fire  was  supposed  to  have  occurred  from  the  wadding  of 
a  gun  fired  during  the  performance,  which,  probably,  lodged 
in  the  scenery,  and  smoldered  there  unperceived.  Mr.  Noah's 
share  of  the  receipts  on  that  night,  amounting  to  over  four 
hundred  dollars,  was  generously  presented  by  him  for  distri- 


364  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

bution  among  the  most  distressed  members  of  the  company, 
many  of  whom  suffered  severely  from  the  loss  of  their  ward-  I 
robes,  &c. 

The  managers  immediately  engaged  the  Anthony  Street 
Theatre,  and  opened  it  on  the  29th  of  May,  with  "  Man  and 
Wife"  and  "  Too  Late  for  Dinner."  They  also  called  in  the 
aid  of  two  skillful  and  daring  rope-dancers,  Mons.  Godeau  and 
M'lle  Adolphe,  the  latter  of  whom  was  long  after  well  known 
as  Madame  Blanchard,  being  the  first  lady  that  we  remember 
who  entertained  the  citizens  of  New  York  in  this  exalted 
manner. 

For  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Barnes,  on  the  10th  of  June,  Jeph-  J 
son's  fine  tragedy  of  "Julia,  or  the  Italian  Lover,"  was  first 
played  in  New  York,  its  characters  thus  supported : 

Montevole   Mr.  Maywood.          \     Julia   Mrs.  Barnes. 

Durazzo   "  Woodhtjll.             Fulvia   "  Baldwin. 

Marcellus   "  Simpson.  Olympia    ....  Misa  Johnson. 

Manoa   44  Kilner. 

Also,  the  still  popular  interlude,  called  the  "  Actress  of  All  j 
Work,"  in  which  Kilner  played  the  Manager,  and  Mrs.  Barnes 
went  through  with  the  various  assumptions  of  Maria,  with 
extraordinary  merit  and  applause. 

On  the  19th  of  June,  the  excellent  melo-drama  of  "  Ivanhoe" 
was  played,  with  the  following  admirable  cast,  for  Mr.  May- 
wood's  benefit: 


Ivanhoe   Mr.  Simpson.                Gurth   Mr.  Spiller. 

Cedric   44  Kilner.                Wamba   44  Barnes. 

Boisguilbert  ....  44  Woodhull.  Rowena     ....  Miss  Johnson. 

Front  de  Boeuf  ...  44  Moreland.  Rebecca     ....  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Isaac  of  York    ...  44  Maywood.  Ulrica  .....  44  Baldwin. 


It  was  exceedingly  well  played  throughout,  and  Mrs. 
Barnes  and  Mr.  Maywood  won  the  highest  approbation  of 
their  friends. 

The  Anthony  Street  Theatre  remained  open  until  the  4th 
of  July,  when  the  season,  which  had  not  been  a  very  profit-  1 1 
able  one,  terminated  with  the  performance  of  the  "Glory  of  I 
Columbia,"  &c. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


Anthony  Street  Theatre,  A.D.  1820-21. 

H  E  Park  Theatre  being  still  in  ruins,  Messrs.  Price 
and  Simpson  commenced  the  dramatic  season  in 
Anthony  Street  on  the  4th  of  September,  1820,  with 
the  comedy  entitled,  "Wives  as  They  Were  and  Maids  as 
They  Are,"  admirably  supported  in  every  part. 

Sir  William  Dorillon  ....    Mr.  Kilner. 

Lord  Priory  ....    Mr.  Barnes.  Oliver   ''  Spiller. 

Bronzely  "    Simpson.  Miss  Dorillon  .    .    .  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Sir  George  Evelyu  .    .     "     Moreland.  Lady  Priory  .    .    .  Miss  Jounson. 

Norberry  "    Woodhull.  Lady  Mary  Raffle    .  Mrs.  Baldwin. 

The  afterpiece  was  "  A  Walk  for  a  Wager." 

Mr.  Johnson  and  Mr.  Baldwin  had  been  removed  by  death, 
but  the  company  was  substantially  the  same  as  on  the  pre- 
ceding season. 

The  first  novelty  was  the  appearance  of  Mr.  Finn,  who,  on 
the  12th,  after  an  absence  of  nearly  three  years,  commenced 
an  engagement  in  the  character  of  Hamlet.  He  had  not  yet 
made  comedy  the  principal  aim  of  his  ambition,  but  went 
through  a  round  of  tragic  characters  with  much  credit  to 
himself,  terminating  his  engagement  on  the  23d,  with  a  repre- 
sentation of  Richard  III.  for  his  benefit.  Sir  Archy  McSar- 
casm  was  the  only  humorous  part  in  which  he  now  appeared. 

On  the  25th,  the  tragedy  of  "  Virginius,  or  the  Liberation 
of  Rome,"  one  of  Sheridan  Knowles'  earliest  productions,  was 
first  played  in  New  York,  with  the  following  cast  : 

Virginius  .    .  .  .  Mr.  Maywood.  I     Numetorius    .    .    .  Mr.  Reed. 

Ioiliut  ...  .  .     "  Simpson.  Dentatus  .  .    .  "  Kilner. 

Appius  Claudius  .  .     "  Woodhull.  Virginia    ....  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Cains  Claudius  .  .         "  Morelard.             Servia   Miss  Dennt. 

Mr.  Maywood  made  a  deep  impression  as  Virginius,  and 


366 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mrs.  Barnes  and  Miss  Denny  did  ample  justice  to  their  re- 
spective parts,  but  Mr.  Kilner's  Dentatus  was  probably  the 
finest  piece  of  acting  in  the  cast.  The  play  was  frequently 
repeated  during  the  season,  and  has  ever  since  enjoyed  high 
popularity. 

On  the  26th,  Mr.  Frederick  Brown  commenced  a  short 
engagement  in  the  character  of  Romeo. 

On  the  29th,  the  "  Promissory  Note,"  an  entertaining  farce, 
was  brought  out  as  follows : 

Markham  Mr.  Simpson.  I     Mrs.  Markham    .    .    Miss  Denny. 

Scamper  "    Mobeland.  Caroline    ....      "  Dellinger. 

Nick  •  "    Reed.  |     Cicely  "  Johnson. 

The  pleasing  and  popular  musical  drama,  entitled  "  Henri 
Quatre,"  was  thus  played  for  the  first  time  in  America,  on  the 
evening  of  October  9th : 


Henri  Quatre.  . 
Due  de  Sulli  .  . 
Gen.  d'Aumont  . 
Eugene  de  Biron 
Frederick  St.  Leon 
Moustache 


Mr.  Maywood. 
Reed. 
Spiller. 
Simpson. 

WoODHCLL. 
KlLNER. 


Jocrisse. 

O'Donnell 

Florence 

Clotilde. 

Louison 


Mr.  Barnes. 

"  Moreland. 
Miss  Johnson. 

"  Denny. 

"  Dellinger. 


On  the  14th,  Mr.  Pritchard,  who  had  suffered  from  a  long 
and  severe  illness,  during  which  he  underwent  an  important 
surgical  operation,  re-appeared,  after  a  retirement  of  fifteen 
months,  in  the  character  of  Goldfinch,  and  was  welcomed  back 
with  a  generous  enthusiasm.  In  the  course  of  his  engage- 
ment, he  appeared  as  Michael  Ducas,  Pescara,  Othello,  Sim, 
in  "  Wild  Oats,"  and,  for  his  benefit,  as  Ludovico,  in  "  Evadne." 

Oct.  18th.  First  night  of  Dibdin's  farce,  entitled  "  Twenty 
Per  Cent." 

Old  Dunsford.    .    .    .   Mr.  Woodhull.        I    Jacob  Mr.  Kilner. 

Charles  Dunsford    .    .     "    Moreland.  Lady  Emily    .    .    .    Miss  Denny. 

Gripe  "    Barnes.  I     Fanny  "  Johnson. 

Timothy  "  Spiller. 

The  romantic  drama  of  the  "  Vampire,  or  the  Bride  of  the 
Isles,"  founded  on  Scott's  beautiful  poem,  was  first  put  upon 
the  New  York  Stage  on  the  evening  of  October  22d,  with  the 
following  cast : 


Lord  Ruthven    .    .    .  Mr.  Simpson. 

Lord  Ronald  ....  "  Maywood. 

Robert   "  Moreland. 

Andrew   "  Reed. 


McSwill   Mr.  Barnes. 

Lady  Margaret    .    .  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Effie   Miss  Johnson. 

Bridget     ....  Mrs.  Baldwin. 


It  was  received  with  great  favor,  and,  as  re-arranged  by 
Boucicault,  still  keeps  possession  of  the  stage. 

Nov.  1st.     "Too  Late  for  Dinner,"  a  farce,  by  Richard 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


367 


Jones,  produced  last  season  at  the  Park,  but  whose  cast  was 
not  obtained,  was  again  brought  forward  with  the  following 
distribution,  which  varies  somewhat  from  the  original  one : 


Mr.  Pincroft  ....    Mr.  Reed. 

Frank  Poppleton    .    .     "  Simpson. 

Frederick  Poppleton         "  Woodhull. 

Robert  Rafter    ..."  Kilner. 

Nicholas  Twill   ...     "  Barnes. 


Mods.  Fumet  .    .    .  Mr.  Banoker. 

Mrs.  Thompson       .  Mrs.  Baldwin. 

Emma  Somerton .    .  Miss  Johnson. 

Elizabeth  Pincroft  .  Mrs.  Parker. 

Letty   44  Kilner. 


Mr.  Cooper  commenced  an  engagement  on  the  4th  of  No- 
vember, in  the  tragedy  of  "  Virginius,"  its  seventh  perform- 
ance here,  and  his  own  first  appearance  in  the  part  of  the 
hero,  which  he  played  superbly.  It  was  a  masterpiece  of 
acting,  sustained  throughout  with  an  uniformity  of  excellence 
rarely  observable  in  his  other  personations,  and  was  probably 
the  best  portraiture  of  his  lifetime.  If  he  has  ever  been  sur- 
passed in  this  character,  it  has  been  by  Macready  alone,  for 
whom  it  was  originally  written. 

Nov.  15th.  The  farce  of  "Exchange  no  Robbery,"  taken 
from  Pilon's  play  of  "  He  Would  be  a  Soldier,"  was  first  played 
here,  as  follows : 

Sir  Christopher  Cranberry  Mr.  Kilner. 

Sir  Lennox  Leinster  "  Woodhull. 


Sam  Swipes       ...    Mr.  Barnes. 
Capt.  Littleworth   .    .     44  Moreland. 
Lamotte  44  Spiller 


Lady  Cranberry  .    .    Miss  Johnson. 
Miss  Melrose  ..."  Denny. 
Mrs.  Swipes   .    .        Mrs.  Baldwin. 


This  farce  has  been  repeatedly  revived,  but  never  attained 
more  than  a  transient  popularity. 

Another  new  piece,  called  the  "  Fortune  of  War,"  was  pro- 
duced on  the  18th,  with  the  annexed  cast: 

Commandant.    .    .    .    Mr.  Moreland.  Farmer  Gruntem .    .    Mr.  Barnes. 

Gen.  Greenstock.    .    .     44    "Woodhull.  Mrs.  Toughindorf        Mrs.  Kilner. 

Alltop  44    Simpson.  Adela  Miss  Dellinger. 

Vonderscamp     ...     44  Spiller. 

On  the  20th,  Mrs.  Alsop,  a  daughter  of  the  renowned  Mrs. 
Jordan,  (born  before  the  latter1  s  connection  with  the  Duke  of 
Clarence,  afterward  William  IV.)  made  her  debut  in  America 
as  Viol  ante,  in  the  "  Wonder,"  and  Maria,  in  the  "  Actress  of 
All  Work,"  with  very  flattering  success.  She  also  appeared 
as  Letitia  Hardy,  Peggy,  in  the  "  Country  Girl,"  Rosalind, 
and  Lady  Elizabeth,  in  a  "  Day  After  the  Wedding."  Known 
before  marriage  as  Miss  Frances  Bettesworth,  she  was  born  at 
York,  England,  about  1784.  She  was  a  highly  educated  and 
accomplished  woman,  and  inherited  much  of  her  mother's 
early  beauty  and  great  comic  ability.    On  a  separation  from 


368  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

her  husband,  she  made  her  debut  on  the  stage  at  Covent  Gar- 
den, as  Rosalind,  Oct.  18th,  1815 ;  and  in  the  fall  of  1816 
transferred  herself  to  Drury  Lane.  Brought  up  in  luxury, 
she  ran  a  career  of  reckless  extravagance  at  home,  and  her 
pecuniary  embarrassments  there  were  the  probable  cause  of 
her  visiting  America ;  but  the  habits  of  a  lifetime  were  too 
strong  to  be  resisted,  and  like  causes  produced  like  misfor- 
tunes here.  Mr.  Wood,  in  his  "  Recollections  of  the  Stage," 
also  informs  us  that  she  had  become  a  slave  to  the  use  of 
opium,  which  frequently  incapacitated  her  from  doing  justice 
to  the  characters  she  assumed.  She  played  two  or  three 
engagements  in  New  York,  and  was  last  advertised  to  appear 
as  Ophelia,  in  the  "  Hamlet  Travestie,"  for  Mr.  Spiller's  bene- 
fit, on  the  13th  of  June,  1821,  on  which  day  she  was  found 
dead  at  her  boarding-house — a  building  still  standing  on  the 
south-west  corner  of  Dey  and  Greenwich  Streets.  She  had 
swallowed  a  large  quantity  of  laudanum — whether  with  a 
deliberate  view  to  suicide,  or  for  the  mere  gratification  of 
her  vitiated  taste,  we  believe  was  never  ascertained.  She 
left  a  young  child,  a  daughter,  whom  Mr.  Spiller  took  under 
his  protection. 

On  the  29th  of  November,  Edmund  Kean  first  played  to  an 
American  audience,  in  the  character  of  Richard  III.,  ably 
supported  by  Kilner  as  Henry  VI,  Simpson  as  the  Earl  of 
Richmond,  Woodliull  as  Buckingham,  Mrs.  Barnes  as  the 
Queen,  Miss  Johnson  as  Lady  Ann,  and  Mrs.  Baldwin  as  the 
Duchess  of  York.  In  immediate  succession  he  also  appeared 
as  Othello,  Shylock,  Lucius  Junius  Brutus,  Hamlet,  and  Sir 
Giles  Overreach,  taking  his  first  benefit  on  the  11th  of  De-  . 
cember.  A  re-engagement  followed,  commencing  on  the 
13th,  with  King'  Lear,  and  succeeded  by  Sir  Edward  Morti- 
mer, Macbeth,  Bertram,  Richard  II.,  and  several  of  the  preced-  , 
ing  characters.  His  last  appearance  was  for  Mr.  Simpson's 
benefit,  on  the  2yth,  as  Lear.  The  receipts  during  his  engage- 
ment, it  is  said,  averaged  over  one  thousand  dollars  nightly. 

Mr.  Kean  has  filled  an  important  place  in  theatrical  annals, 
and  requires  more  than  a  passing  notice  here.    Many  doubts 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE.  369 

have  been  thrown  on  his  paternity;  but  it  is  known  that  his 
mother  was  the  daughter  of  George  Saville  Carey,  actor  and 
dramatist — that  she  was  at  times  connected  with  the  stage — 
that  her  husband's  name  was  Aaron  Kean,  according  to 
different  authorities  at  different  times,  a  tailor,  a  surveyor, 
and  an  attorney's  clerk — and  that  our  hero  was  born  in  Castle 
Street,  Leicester  Square,  London,  November  4th,  17b7.  At  a 
very  tender  age  he  was  placed  at  Drury  Lane  Theatre,  under 
a  celebrated  posture-master,  aud  soon  became  a  skillful  con- 
tortionist, as  well  as  a  pleasing  representative  of  the  Cupids 
and  infants  of  the  stage ;  but  incessant  practice  not  only  in- 
jured his  health,  but  produced  a  deformity  of  his  limbs  that 
required  a  long  use  of  bracing  irons  to  remedy  and  remove. 
When  about  seven  years  of  age,  his  mother  withdrew  him 
from  the  theatre,  and  was  anxious  that  his  education  should 
be  attended  to ;  but  not  sharing  the  desire,  he  soon  after  ab- 
sconded from  home,  and  engaged  as  a  cabin-boy  on  a  voyage 
to  Madeira.  Not  liking  the  situation,  on  his  arrival  there  he 
feigned  deafness  and  lameness,  and  attributing  them  to  a  cold 
taken  on  shipboard,  was  sent  home  as  an  invalid.  On  reach- 
ing London,  his  mother  had  removed  to  the  country,  and  he 
sought  out  Miss  Tidswell,  a  subordinate  actress  at  Drury 
Lane,  -whom  he  had  been  taught  to  regard  as  his  aunt.  She 
immediately  took  him  under  her  care,  and  for  many  years 
bestowed  on  him  all  the  kindness  and  affection  of  a  parent. 
His  uncle,  Moses  Kean,  a  noted  ventriloquist  and  mimic,  also 
became  interested  in  his  pursuits,  and  endeavored  to  turn  his 
attention  to  the  legitimate  drama;  but  the  lad's  favorite 
amusements  were  pantomimes  and  feats  of  muscular  dexterity, 
and  he  at  length  became  a  member  of  Saunders'  company  in 
Bartholomew  Fair,  where  he  commenced  the  second  era  of 
his  dramatic  life  in  the  character  of  a  monkey.  He  after- 
ward appeared  at  Sadlers  Wells,  and  the  warm  applause  be- 
stowed on  his  recitations  (for  the  excellence  of  which  he  was 
probably  indebted  to  his  uncle's  admirable  imitations  of 
eminent  tragedians)  induced  him  to  a  closer  study  of  the 
best  dramatic  authors.    Some  time  later,  at  Windsor,  he  won 

47 


370 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


the  approbation  of  royalty  by  his  recitation  of  "  Satan's  Ad- 
dress to  the  Sun,"  and  the  first  soliloquy  of  Richard  ;  and  at 
the  same  time  gained  the  friendship  of  Dr.  Drury,  who  sent 
him  for  three  years  to  Eton  School,  where  his  classical  studies 
were  pursued  with  great  diligence  and  success. 

After  this,  under  the  name  of  Carey,  he  played  at  Birming- 
ham, Edinburgh,  &c,  and  for  several  years  endured  the  vicis- 
situdes of  a  strolling  life.  In  1808,  he  married  Miss  Mary 
Chambers,  an  actress,  by  whom  he  had  two  sons — Howard,  the 
eldest,  who  died  in  childhood,  and  Charles,  who  has  since  ob- 
tained celebrity  as  a  tragedian.  At  this  time,  he  not  only 
played  tragedy,  comedy  and  pantomime,  but  gave  lessons  in 
fencing,  dancing,  &c. 

It  has  been  said,  that  even  in  his  palmiest  days,  he  was 
prouder  of  his  skill  and  dexterity  as  a  harlequin  than  of  his 
grandest  tragic  delineation. 

In  the  winter  of  1813,  on  the  recommendation  of  a  friend, 
Mr.  Arnold,  of  the  Drury  Lane  committee,  went  to  Dorchester 
for  the  purpose  of  witnessing  his  performances,  and  was  so 
much  gratified  with  his  Octavian,  and  Kanko  in  "  La  Perouse," 
that  he  immediately  offered  him  an  engagement  at  London 
for  three  years,  at  eight,  ten,  and  twelve  guineas  per  week,  for 
each  succeeding  year.  He  made  his  first  appearance  at  Drury 
Lane,  January  26th,  1814,  as  Shi/lock,  with  great  success;  and 
on  the  12th  of  February  enacted  Richard  III.  with  a  brilliancy 
and  effect  unknown  since  the  days  of  Garrick.  This  character 
established  his  fame  and  made  his  fortune,  which,  unfortu- 
nately, he  lacked  judgment  enough  to  retain.  He  next  played 
Hamlet,  on  the  13th  of  March;  Othello,  on  the  5th  of  May; 
lago,  on  the  7 th ;  and  Luke,  in  the  play  of  "  Riches,"  for  his 
benefit  on  the  25th. 

On  account  of  the  great  results  of  his  engagement,  the 
committee,  on  the  latter  occasion,  remitted  the  usual  charges 
for  the  house  ;  and  by  the  liberality  of  his  friends,  who  paid 
freely  for  tickets,  the  proceeds  amounted  to  two  thousand 
pounds.  The  management  also  destroyed  their  articles  of 
agreement,  and  made  his  engagement  for  five  years,  at  sixteen 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


371 


guineas  per  week  for  the  first  year,  eighteen  for  the  second, 
and  twenty  for  the  remainder  of  the  term.  For  several  years 
he  reigned  the  undisputed  monarch  of  the  stage,  the  fire  of 
genius  and  the  seemingly  unstudied  impulses  of  nature  lend- 
ing a  charm  to  his  acting  that  at  once  swept  the  heavy  dec- 
lamation and  the  formal  attitudes  of  the  Kemble  school  from 
the  altars  where  they  had  so  long  been  worshipped. 

Intoxicated  with  success,  Kean  unhappily  associated  with 
those  who  soon  debased  his  mind  and  morals — who  led  him 
into  every  excess,  and  estranged  him  from  his  wife  and  child, 
from  whom  he  was  separated  for  many  years. 

On  his  first  visit  to  America,  he  incurred  the  ill-will  of  the 
Boston  audience,  during  his  second  engagement  there,  by  re- 
fusing to  appear  when  advertised,  in  consequence  of  a  thin 
house,  and,  repairing  to  New  York,  he  found  the  condemna- 
tion of  his  conduct  so  severe  and  universal,  that  he  altered 
his  determination  of  spending  another  season  in  America,  and 
returned  immediately  to  England.  His  moral  infirmities  there 
sunk  him  still  lower  in  the  estimation  of  the  public,  and  his 
disgraceful  liaison  with  Mrs.  Alderman  Cox,  whose  injured 
husband,  in  January,  1825,  recovered  from  him,  in  a  court  of 
justice,  a  verdict  of  £800,  attached  a  stigma  to  his  character 
from  which  he  never  recovered.  In  the  fall  of  1825,  he  again 
visited  this  country,  making  his  first  appearance  at  the  Park 

'  Theatre,  November  14th  of  that  year,  as  Richard  III.  The 
recollection  of  his  slight  to  the  Boston  public,  fostered  by  the 
rumors  of  indiscreet  remarks  attributed  to  him,  caused  one 
of  the  worst  riots  ever  known  in  the  city,  the  whole  perform- 
ance being  interrupted  by  the  most  vile  and  disgusting  pro- 
ceedings. He  immediately  published  an  apologetic  letter, 
couched  in  the  humblest  terms,  which,  after  the  first  flush  of  re- 
sentment was  past,  had  the  effect  of  soothing  the  public  mind, 
and  prevented  any  further  opposition  to  his  appearance  in 

>  New  York.  He  next  proceeded  to  Boston,  where  he  was  an- 
nounced for  Richard  on  the  21st  of  December,  but  his  ap- 
pearance was  the  signal  for  commencing  a  riot  that  ended  in 
the  almost  total  destruction  of  the  audience  part  of  the 


372 


RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


theatre,  and  his  expulsion  from  the  stage  of  that  city,  where 
he  never  after  attempted  to  perform.  He,  however,  appeared, 
with  slight  opposition,  at  most  of  our  other  principal  cities, 
making  his  last  appearance  in  America,  on  the  Park  boards, 
as  Richard,  December  5th,  1826. 

On  his  return  to  England,  he  found  his  attraction  greatly 
diminished,  which  his  confirmed  habits  of  dissipation  served 
only  to  decrease.  In  1833,  after  a  lengthened  retirement,  an 
attempt  was  made  by  the  manager  of  Covent  Garden  to  revive 
the  interest  formerly  entertained  for  him,  by  announcing  his 
appearance  in  connection  with  his  son  Charles,  who,  in  his 
father's  declining  state,  evinced  a  generous  feeling  of  forgive- 
ness, and  an  apparent  reconciliation  had  been  effected  between 
them.  They  were  accordingly  advertised  in  the  tragedy  of 
"  Othello,"  on  the  25th  of  March  in  that  year — Mr.  Kean  as  the 
Moor,  Mr.  Charles  Kean  as  lago — and  appeared  to  a  densely 
crowded  house,  which  greeted  the  former  favorite  with  the 
warmest  demonstrations  of  applause.  It  soon,  however,  be- 
came apparent  that  the  elder  Kean  was  too  feeble  to  do  just- 
ice to  his  part,  and,  immediately  after  repeating  the  sentence, 
"  Othello's  occupation's  gone !"  he  sunk  exhausted  in  his  son's 
arms.  He  was  quickly  removed  to  his  residence,  where  he 
lingered  until  the  15th  of  May,  dying  before  he  had  com- 
pleted his  forty-sixth  year,  and  yet,  alas!  for  human  frailty,  a 
perfect  wreck  in  mind  and  person. 

To  enlarge  upon  his  merit  as  an  actor  would  be  superfluous. 
Suffice  it  to  say  that,  in  his  best  estate  as  a  tragedian,  but  one 
artist  of  his  time  at  all  approached  him  in  excellence.  His 
memory  stands  like  a  blasted  monument,  to  warn  the  unwary 
of  the  path  in  which  he  fell — a  path,  unfortunately,  in  which 
too  many  of  his  successors  tread. 

At  the  termination  of  Kean's  engagement,  Mr.  Cooper  was 
again  brought  forward,  and  played  until  January  4th,  1821, 
when  he  took  his  benefit,  in  the  character  of  Beverly,  in  the 
"  Gamester,"  supported  by  Mrs.  Barnes,  in  a  most  powerful  and 
affecting  delineation  of  Mrs.  Beverly,  being  her  first  appear- 
ance in  that  part. 

* 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


373 


Mrs.  Alsop  also  re-appeared  during  the  month,  in  the  char- 
acters of  Estifania,  Lydia  Languish,  Priscilla  Tomboy,  Lady 
Teazle,  and  Flora,  in  the  "  Midnight  Hour." 

Master  George  Frederick  Smith,  a  youthful  prodigy  of 
eleven,  announced  as  from  the  Montreal  Theatre,  made  his 
debut  in  New  York,  January  5th,  as  Young  Norval.  He  had 
been  well  drilled  in  the  characters  he  represented,  and  went 
through  them  with  much  ability,  appearing,  however,  to  more 
advantage  in  Douglas,  and  Dick  the  Apprentice,  than  in  Ro- 
meo, Richard,  or  Octavian,  which  he  also  played  during  his 
engagement.  He  was  somewhat  attractive  for  a  few  nights, 
making  his  last  appearance  on  the  13th  of  January,  after 
which  the  Theatre  closed  until  Washington's  birthday,  when 
it  re-opened  with  "Gustavus  Vasa"  and  the  "Forest  of  Ro- 
semvald." 

On  the  24th  of  February,  after  an  absence  of  nine  years, 
the  old  favorite,  Jefferson,  re-appeared  as  Bob  Acres,  and  Old 
DoUey,  in  "  Who's  the  Dupe  ?"  This  excellent  actor  was  re- 
ceived with  great  favor  and  maintained  all  his  former  repute 
by  his  very  able  performance  of  Tony  Lumpkin,  Doctor  Smug- 
face,  Lord  Ogleby,  Gregory  Redtail,  Plotwell,  Solus,  Ralph, 
in  "Lock  and  Key,"  Sir  Benjamin  Dove,  in  the  "Brothers," 
Lingo,  Capt.  Bertram,  and  Roger,  in  the  "  Ghost." 

On  the  28th,  the  "  Honeymoon"  was  advertised  with  a 
"  lady's  first  appearance  on  any  stage,"  as  Juliana.  This  lady 
was  soon  after  announced  as  Mrs.  Battersby.  She  repeated 
Juliana  on  the  5th  of  March,  played  the  Widow  Cheerly  on 
the  7th,  and  appeared  as  Mrs.  Holler  and  Lady  Elizabeth 
Freelove,  for  her  own  benefit  on  the  9th.  Mrs.  Battersby  was 
a  woman  of  considerable  ability,  which,  notwithstanding  the 
above  announcement,  had  previously  been  developed  in  the 
profession,  in  her  native  country — England.  In  1826,  she  be- 
came Mrs.  Stickney,  by  which  name  she  was  for  several  sea- 
sons attached  to  the  Park  company.  Mr.  Wemyss,  in  his  Chro- 
nology, states  that  she  returned  to  England  and  died  there. 

This  lady  must  not  be  confounded  with  Mrs.  J.  Stickney, 
ong  known  at  the  Bowery  and  new  Chatham  Theatres. 


374 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


On  the  6th  of  March,  the  first  representation  of  Dimond's 
amusing  farce,  called  the  "  Lady  and  the  Devil,"  took  place, 
thus  cast: 

Wildlove  Mr.  Simpson.  I     Jeremy  Mr.  Barnes. 

Don  Raphael  ....     "     Reed.  Zephyrina      .    .    .    Miss  Johnson. 

Claudian  "     Woodhull.        |     Negombo       ...    Mrs.  Kilner. 

On  the  12th,  Mr.  Kean  opened  a  new  engagement  as  Ham- 
let. He  took  his  benefit  on  the  26th,  presenting,  for  the  first 
time  in  America,  a  tragedy,  entitled  the  "Jew  of  Malta," 
altered  by  Penley  from  Christopher  Marlow's  celebrated 
drama,  which  was  not  very  favorably  received,  nor,  we  be- 
lieve, ever  repeated.    It  was  thus  played : 

Barabbas  Mr.  Kean.  i     Selim        ....    Mr.  Woodhcll. 

Don  Lodowick    ..."     Maywood.  Ithamore   ....     "  Spiller. 

Dod  Matthias.    ..."    Simpson.  Abigail  Miss  Johnson. 

Ferneze  "    Kilner.  |    Katharine  ....    Mrs.  Baldwin. 

The  engagement  being  renewed,  he  appeared  on  the  27th, 
as  Lear  ;  on  the  4th  of  April,  for  the  first  time  as  Alexander 
the  Great;  and,  on  the  6th,  for  his  benefit  and  last  appear- 
ance, as  Jaffier. 

On  the  9th,  "Wallace,  the  Hero  of  Scotland,"  was  first 
played  with  great  success — Mr.  Maywood  as  Wallace,  and  Mrs. 
Barnes  as  Helen  Mar. 

"  The  Warlock  of  the  Glen,"  a  still  favorite  melo-drama  at 
the  minor  theatres,  was  first  represented  in  New  York  on  the 
12th,  as  follows  : 


Matthew  Mr.  Simpson.  j     Sandie  Mr.  Spiller. 

Clanronald  ....  "  Woodhull.  Countess  .  .  .  Mrs.  Barnes. 
Andrew  "    Kilner.  Marian  "  Parker. 


Mr.  Frederick  Brown,  on  the  13th,  commenced  another  sta 
engagement,  during  which  he  played  such  dissimilar  charac 
ters  as  Earl  Osmond,  Wallace,  Job  Thornberry  and  the  Thn 
Singles. 

Mr.  Pritchard  succeeded  him,  opening  on  the  24th,  $ 
Michael  Ducas,  with  Mrs.  Battersby  as  Adelgitha,  and  playin 
on  his  benefit  night,  May  7th,  the  characters  of  Roderick 
Dhu,  Will  Steady  and  Col.  Rigolio. 

On  the  25th  of  April,  Barry  Cornwall's  tragedy  of  "  Miran 
dola"  was  produced,  with  the  following  cast : 

John  of  Mirandola  .    .    Mr.   Maywood.  I     Isadora  Mrs.  Barmes. 

Guido  "     Simp'son.  Isabella  "  Baldwin. 

Gheraldi  "     Woodhull.        |     Beatrice    ....    Miss  Jones. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


375 


At  a  subsequent  period,  Mr.  Cooper  personated  the  hero. 

Miss  Mary  Anne  Jones,  whose  name  appears  above,  was  a 
sister  of  Mrs.  Edmund  Simpson.  She  was  a  very  young, 
pretty,  pleasing  and  lady-like  actress,  and  in  the  course  of 
the  following  year  became  the  wife  of  Mr.  Banckerof  the  Park 
•unipany.  She  died  in  New  York,  October  8th,  1825,  while 
making  rapid  improvement  in  her  profession. 

"Therese,  the  Orphan  of  Geneva,"  an  adaptation  from  the 
French  by  John  Howard  Payne,  was  first  played  in  New 
York,  on  the  30th  of  April,  with  the  following  excellent  cast: 

Darwin   Mr.  Maywood.  Lavigue     ....  Mr.  Barnes. 

Dount  de  Morville  .    .     "  Woodhull.  Therese   Mrs.  Barnes. 

Fontaine  "  Simpson.  Countess   ....      "  Baldwin. 

Picard  "  Kilner.  |     Bridget  '*  Kilner. 

The  interest  of  this  piece  never  flags  for  a  moment ;  its 
principal  characters  afford  fine  scope  for  acting,  and  its  gen- 
eral merit  renders  it  popular  to  the  present  day.  We  do  not 
know  that  its  original  cast  has  ever  been  improved,  except 
perhaps  when  Carwin  and  Therese  were  personated  by  For- 
rest and  Mrs.  Duff.  It  long  ranked  as  one  of  the  great  trage- 
lian's  favorite  dramas,  and  he  frequently  appeared  in  it,  as 
m  afterpiece,  in  years  gone  by. 

May  8th.  The  farce  entitled  "  Bon  Ton"  was  revived  for 
:he  first  time  in  many  years,  thus : 

.ord  Minikin .    .    .    .    Mr.  Simpson.           i     Lady  Minikin.    .    .    Miss  Johnson. 
iir  John  Trotly  .    .    .     "    Kilner.                 Miss  Tittup    .    .    .    Mrs.  Battersbt. 
)»Ty  "    Barnes.  |     Gimp  "  Parker. 

On  the  9th  of  May,  Mr.  Henry  Wallack,  from  the  York  and 
lull  Theatres,  made  his  first  appearance  in  America  (accord- 
ng  to  the  bills)  as  Young  Norval  and  Walter.  Other  authorities 
ay  that  he  had  played  in  Baltimore  and  Philadelphia,  in 
818— '19,  and  we  believe  the  latter  statement  to  be  correct. 
)uring  his  engagement  here,  he  represented  with  success 
be  characters  of  Lucius  Junius  Brutus,  Octavian,  Rob  Roy, 
Bertram,  Gambia,  Coriolanus,  and  Michael,  in  the  "Adopted 
hild."    This  gentleman  is  said  to  have  been  born  in  Lon- 
lon,  in  the  year  1790,  and  although  he  never  attained  the 
igh  distinction  of  his  brother  James,  his  general  merit  was 
)  great  that  we  are  inclined  to  place  him,  as  a  stock  actor, 
b  pry  near  the  head  of  his  profession. 


376  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

Tragedy,  Comedy,  Melo-drama,  Opera,  Farce  and  Panto- 
mime have  all  been  essayed  by  him  at  various  times,  and  fre- 
quently with  an  ability  entirely  eclipsing  the  more  pretend- 
ing efforts  of  self-exalted  stars.   His  list  of  parts  is  surprising 
for  its  diversity:  In  tragedy,  he  has  ranged  from  Hamlet, 
Richard  and  Romeo,  to  the  Stranger,  Othello  and  Virginius. 
In  comedy,  he  has  played  the  Duke  Aranza  and  Bob  Handy, 
Mercutio  and  Benedick,  Goldfinch,  Dennis  Brulgruddery,  Zekiel 
Homespun  and  King  Charles  XII.    In  melo-drama,  he  has 
been  highly  successful  as  Dan  Macraisy,  Roderick  Dhu,  Te- 
keli,  Rob  Roy  and  a  hundred  other  parts.    In  opera,  he  has 
given  very  meritorious  personations  of  Count  Belino,  Doctor 
Bartolo  and  Whimsiculo ;  while  in  farce,  his  Lingo,  Looney 
McTwolter,  My  Lord  Duke's  Servant  and  Bagatelle,  would 
suffer  little  by  comparison  with  -  the  best  seen  on  our  stage. 
In  Hotspur,  Falconbridge,  Macduff,  King  Henry  VIIL,  Den- 
talus,  William,  (Black-Eyed  Susan)  Malvolio,  Silver  Jack  and 
Dandie  Dinmont,  his  efforts  have  shown  to  the  greatest  ad- 
vantage ;  and  in  these  characters,  when  in  his  prime,  he  has 
scarcely  been  rivaled.    In  later  years,  his  Squire  Broadlands, 
in  the  "  Old  English  Gentleman,"  was  a  perfect  facsimile  of 
the  class ;  while  he  appeared  with  great  eclat,  also,  as  Sir  Peter 
Teazle,  Sir  Anthony  Absolute,  Sir  William  Fondlove,  Samuel 
Coddle,  &c,  &c.    At  the  Old  Chatham,  Lafayette  and  Bowery 
Theatres,  from  1824  to  1834,  he  was  in  the  highest  favor.  In 
1837-8-9,  he  was  stage-manager  of  the  old  National  Theatre, 
under  his  brother's  lesseeship.    He  afterward  played  at  the 
principal  theatres  in  London,  was  stage-manager  of  the  Prin- 
cess's, in  1842-3,  and  in  October,  1843,  became  the  lessee  of 
Covent  Garden,  a  position  that  finally  involved  him  in  bank- 
ruptcy.   In  1847,  on  the  opening  of  the  Broadway  Theatre  in 
this  city,  he  was  engaged  to  sustain  the  first  line  of  old  men, 
but  age,  and  perhaps  other  infirmities,  had  then  affected  his 
memory,  and  the  audience  had  frequent  causes  of  dissatisfac- 
tion with  him.    His  last  appearance  in  New  York  was  at  the 
National  Theatre,  Chatham  Street,  as  Falstaff,  October  18th, 
1858. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


377 


In  1833,  he  procured  a  divorce  from  his  first  wife,  and  after- 
ward married  Miss  Turpin,  a  vocalist  of  some  provincial 
celebrity,  whom  he  brought  to  this  country  in  1837.  Mr. 
Henry  Wallack  was  lately  living  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York. 
His  children  by  his  first  wife  who  have  played  here  are : 

1st.  James  W.  Wallack,  Jr.,  a  tragedian  of  repute  both  in 
England  and  America. 

Id.  Miss  Julia  Wallack,  afterward  Mrs.  W.  Hoskin,  who  in 
1839-'40-'41  appeared  at  the  Park,  National,  and  Niblo's  Thea- 
tres, in  singing  characters,  and  afterward  appeared  success- 
fully in  London  as  Miss  Julia  Harland. 

3d.  Miss  Fanny  Wallack,  (Mrs.  Moorhouse)  who  was  the 
leading  actress  at  the  Broadway  Theatre  in  1847  and  1848, 
and  who  died  at  Edinburgh,  Scotland,  October  12th,  1856. 

To  resume  our  record.  On  the  12th  of  May,  Mrs.  Charles 
Durang,  formerly  Miss  Mary  White,  of  the  Philadelphia 
Theatre,  made  her  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  the 
Widow  Cheerly.  She  was  afterward  well  known  at  the 
Chatham  Garden  and  Bowery  Theatres  as  a  very  useful 
actress. 

On  the  16th,  Miss  Johnson  presented  "Rob  Roy"  for  her 
benefit,  and  in  the  course  of  its  performance  a  pas  seul  was 
executed,  with  great  applause,  by  Mrs.  Henry  Wallack,  her 
first  appearance  in  New  York. 

At  this  time,  she  was,  in  face  and  person,  one  of  the  most 
lovely  women  that  had  ever  graced  the  American  Stage ;  and 
as  a  dancer  in  the  good,  old-fashioned,  modest  and  graceful 
English  school,  entirely  unrivaled.  According  to  the  opinion 
of  one  of  her  admirers,  "  she  floated  upon  the  stage  like  a 
being  from  another  sphere."  Mrs.  Wallack  at  this  time  ap- 
peared only  in  the  ballet.  She  made  her  debut  in  the  regular 
drama,  at  Chatham  Garden,  May  25th,  1824,  playing  the  in- 
teresting character  of  Rosalie  Somers  to  the  entire  satisfaction 
of  a  very  numerous  audience.  They  who  remember  only  the 
latter  part  of  her  career  can  scarce  have  an  idea  of  the  exqui- 
site personal  beauty  and  fascinating  gracefulness  of  her  earlier 
years.    Her  figure  was  of  the  most  perfect  symmetry,  her 

48 


378  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

voice  soft  and  musical,  and  her  readings  ever  peculiarly 
chaste  and  correct.  She  had  not  enough  of  physical  power 
to  appear  in  the  higher  walks  of  tragedy,  nor  a  sufficient  flow 
of  animal  spirits  for  a  dashing  comedy  part,  but  her  quiet, 
child-like,  and  artless  manner  as  a  rural  maiden,  and  her, 
grace,  delicacy  and  perfect  ease  as  a  well-bred  lady,  gave  her, 
in  those  characters,  a  superiority  over  all  competition.  She 
sang  ballads  very  pleasingly,  and  her  taste  in  costume  won 
the  admiration  of  the  town.  In  the  fall  of  1828,  she  was 
engaged  at  the  Park  Theatre,  where  she  remained  until  the 
spring  of  1834,  during  which  period  she  became  gradually 
but  totally  changed  in  appearance,  and  was  often  incapaci- 
tated from  playing,  even  when  her  name  was  in  the  bills. 
She  afterward  undertook  a  Southern  tour,  and,  after  a  short 
illness,  died  at  New  Orleans,  April  10,  1836,  aged  about  37 
years.  Her  maiden  name  was  Fanny  Jones  ;  and  of  her  mar- 
ried life  it  is  sufficient  to  say  that  it  was  most  unhappy. 
She  was  divorced  from  her  husband  in  1833. 

On  the  18th  of  May,  a  drama,  from  one  of  Scott's  novels, 
called  the  "  Heir  of  Avenel,  or  Mary  of  Scotland,"  was  thus 
presented : 

George  Douglas  ...    Mr.   Simpson.  Queen  Mary    .    .    .    Mrs.  Barnes. 

Roland  Graeme  ..."    Maywood.  Kate  Seyton   .    .    .    Miss  Johnson. 

Father  Ambrose.    .    .     "    Woodhull.  Magdalene.    .    .    .    Mrs.  Baldwin. 

Luke  Lundin     ..."  Barnes. 

A  new  engagement  with  Mrs.  Alsop  commenced  on  the 
31st.  On  the  4th  of  June,  for  Mr.  Simpson's  benefit,  she  ap- 
peared as  Amelia  Wildlove,  and  other  characters,  in  a  new 
piece  called  "  Twelve  Precisely,"  supported  by  Simpson  as 
Sir  Frederick  Frisky,  Spiller  as  Brass,  and  Miss  Jones  as 
Peggy.    Her  sudden  death  occurred  on  the  13th. 

Mr.  Barnes,  the  most  extravagant  of  comedians,  took  his 
benefit  on  the  12th — appearing  in  the  characters  of  Richard 
III.  and  Crack — attracting,  it  was  said,  the  fullest  house  of 
the  season,  the  receipts  amounting  to  more  than  one  thou- 
sand dollars. 

For  Mr.  Maywood's  benefit,  on  the  18th,  Mrs.  Holman  made 
her  first  appearance  in  two  years,  as  Diana  Vernon;  and  on 
the  same  occasion  the'  drama  of  "Kenilworth"  was  first 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


379 


played,  with  Simpson  as  the  Earl  of  Leicester ;  Woodhull  as 
Varney ;  May  wood  as  Anthony  Foster;  Mrs.  Battersby  as 
Queen  Elizabeth,  and  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Amy  Robsart. 

Mr.  James  Anderson  was  frequently  before  the  public  this 
season.  We  cannot  date  his  first  appearance,  but  he  had  been 
connected  with  the  establishment  for  two  or  three  years.  He 
became  an  efficient  delineator  of  Irish  peculiarities,  and,  in 
1823,  was  the  first  representative  in  America  of  Terry 
ORourke,  the  Irish  Tutor.  He  was,  at  one  time,  prompter 
at  the  Park,  and  was  afterward  attached  to  the  Chatham  Gar- 
den Theatre,  where  his  performance  of  Terence,  in  "Brian 
Boroihme,"  stamped  him  the  best  Irish  actor  of  the  day.  For 
a  long  time  he  was  stage-manager  of  the  Bowery  Theatre,  and 
afterward,  for  several  seasons,  occupied  the  same  situation  at 
the  New  National,  where  he  occasionally  appeared,  on  a  bene- 
fit night,  as  Old  Terence.  Except  on  such  an  occasion,  he  for 
many  years  confined  his  duties  solely  to  the  direction  of  the 
stage.  He  owned  a  fine  farm  in  Tioga  County,  New  York, 
and  is,  perhaps,  still  living  there.  Mr.  Anderson  was  a  native 
of  County  Carlow,  Ireland,  descended  from  a  respectable 
Quaker  family,  and  had  been  by  trade  an  upholsterer. 

The  season  terminated  on  the  6th  of  July,  with  a  benefit 
for  Mr.  Moreland,  his  last  appearance  in  connection  with  the 
Park  company,  and,  we  believe,  the  last  time  the  Anthony 
Street  Theatre  was  used  for  dramatic  purposes.  "  Douglas " 
and  the  "  Falls  of  Clyde  "  were  the  pieces  performed. 

Old  Norval    ....    Mr.  Kilner.  Young  Xorval     .    .    Mrs.  Barnes. 

Glenalvon     ....     "    Haywood.         i     Lady  Randolph  .    .      "  Baldwin. 

The  site  was  soon  after  purchased  by  the  Vestry  of  Christ 
Episcopal  Church,  and  a  sacred  edifice  erected  thereon,  in 
which  the  Rev.  Dr.  Lyell  officiated  for  a  long  time.  This 
was  finally  swept  away  by  the  march  of  improvement,  and 
the  ground  is  now  covered  with  stores. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

New  Park  Theatre,  1821-2— City  Theatre— Chatham  Garden. 


H  E  New  Park  Theatre  was  so  far  completed  as  to 
be  ready  for  performance  on  the  1st  of  September, 
1821. 


Its  dimensions  were,  in  front,  on  Park  Row,  eighty  feet  in 
width  and  fifty-five  in  height,  with  a  depth  of  one  hundred 
and  sixty-five  feet,  running  through  to  Theatre  Alley,  where 
a  large  wing  was  attached,  containing  the  green-room,  dress- 
ing-rooms, &c.  The  audience  entered  by  seven  arched  door- 
ways, the  central  five  of  which  were  reached  by  a  low  flight 
of  steps,  and  opened  into  an  extensive  vestibule  communicat- 
ing with  the  corridor  of  the  first  row  of  boxes ;  and  the  other 
two,  on  a  level  with  the  street  and  on  either  side  of  the  steps, 
from  which  they  were  separated  by  a  heavy  abutment,  afforded 
an  easy  access  to  the  pit  and  gallery.  The  doors  to  these  en- 
trances all  opened  outward,  the  well-remembered  and  terrible 
catastrophe  at  Richmond  rendering  such  an  arrangement  to 
all  public  buildings  indispensable  to  safety.  Six  large  arched 
windows  surmounted  the  doorways,  besides  a  blank  one  in 
the  centre,  which  was  afterward  converted  into  a  niche, 
wherein  was  ensconced  a  well-carved  figure  of  Shakspeare. 

Another  row  of  smaller  square  windows  was  above  these, 
and  the  whole  front,  though  plain  in  its  appearance  and  des- 
titute of  architectural  beauty,  was  inoffensive  and  respecta- 
ble. Its  interior  was  neatly  and  conveniently  fitted  up,  with 
as  much  regard  to  elegance  and  taste  as  the  limited  time  be- 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


381 


tween  its  erection  and  opening  allowed.  In  the  audience 
part  of  the  house,  which  was  calculated  to  hold  2,500  persons, 
there  was  a  pleasant  pit,  with  a  gradual  rise  in  each  succeed- 
ing row  of  seats.  Surrounding  this  rose  three  tiers,  of  four- 
teen boxes  each,  supported  by  small  columns  of  burnished 
gold,  six  feet  and  six  inches  in  height,  and  above  was  a  com- 
modious gallery,  entirely  disconnected  from  the  boxes,  and 
used  principally  for  colored  persons. 

The  front  of  the  first  circle  of  boxes  was  a  Grecian  balus- 
trade, relieved  by  a  crimson  ground.  On  the  second  were 
basso-relievos  on  a  fawn-colored  ground,  representing  boys 
supporting  medallion  portraits  of  poets  and  dramatists,  with 
the  figures  of  Tragedy  and  Comedy  for  a  central  group.  The 
third  circle  was  a  Doric  cornice  with  enrichments,  which  con- 
tinued round  the  proscenium,  the  arch  of  which  was  sup- 
ported by  four  Doric  columns  of  yellow  marble  with  white 
caps.  The  ceiling  was  flat,  painted  to  imitate  a  cone,  and 
divided  into  eight  panels.  The  whole  was  lighted  by  patent 
oil-lamps,  hung  in  three  chandeliers  of  thirty-five  lights  each — 
gas  not  yet  having  been  introduced  into  the  city. 

The  drop-scene  represented  a  crimson  damask  curtain, 
drawn  into  festoons  of  gold  cord  and  tassels, — in  the  centre, 
a  porch  of  mosaic  workmanship  with  balustrade,  and  beyond, 
an  equestrian  statue  of  Washington. 

The  width  of  the  stage  at  the  drop-curtain  was  forty-five 
teet,  and  its  depth  seventy  feet. 

The  architect  of  the  building  was  Hugh  Reinagle,  and  the 
scenery  and  decorative  paintings  were  executed  by  Messrs. 
Robbins,  Reinagle,  Evers  and  Henry  Isherwood.  The  latter 
s  the  present  well-known  artist,  who  was  at  that  time  ac- 
quiring the  rudiments  of  his  profession.  Robbins  had  been 
icene-painter  for  nearly  thirty  years,  and  in  his  department 
vas  always  effective.  Reinagle  and  Evers  are  too  highly  dis- 
inguished  in  the  history  of  American  art  to  need  encomium 
lere. 

The  stage  and  machinery  were  constructed  by  Mr.  George 
I  Jonklin,  long  connected  with  the  establishment,  and  the 


382 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


lamps,  glasses,  hangings,  &c,  were  all  of  American  manufac- 
ture. 

Among  the  gentlemen  who  interested  themselves  in  the 
rebuilding  of  the  Theatre,  and  were  considered  par  eminence 
the  patrons  of  the  drama,  were  Messrs.  Elbert  Anderson,  Na- 
thaniel Prime,  William  Gracie,  D.  C.  Colden,  William  Cole- 
man, Dominick  Lynch,  John  Swartwout,  Philip  Hone,  Edward 
Laight,  Charles  King,  Hugh  Maxwell,  Doctor  Hosack  and 
Doctor  Francis,  but  one  of  whom  is  now  left  upon  the  stage 
of  life  (1866). 

Before  the  building  was  completed,  its  proprietors,  Messrs. 
Astor  and  Beekman,  had  opened  negotiations  with  various 
individuals  for  leasing  it.  At  one  time  it  was  offered  to  Mr. 
W.  B.  Wood,  of  Philadelphia,  and  at  another  Mr.  Dunlap  was 
invited  to  resume  its  management,  but  finally,  after  a  deal  of 
miserable  chaffering,  it  was  awarded  to  those  gentlemen  who 
alone  had  a  rightful  claim  to  it,  the  late  managers,  Stephen 
Price  and  Edmund  Simpson. 

It  was  first  opened  to  the  public  on  the  evening  of  Satur- 
day, September  1st,  1821. 

The  price  of  admission  at  this  time  to  the  boxes  was  one 
dollar ;  to  the  pit,  seventy-five  cents ;  and  to  the  gallery,  fifty 
cents.  Mr.  Falconer  was  treasurer,  a  situation  he  had  held 
for  more  than  thirty  years,  and  Mr.  Gillingham,  a  musician  of 
taste  and  experience,  heretofore  alluded  to,  leader  of  the 
orchestra. 

The  company  engaged  consisted  of  Messrs.  Maywood, 
Pritchard,  Simpson,  Woodhull,  Barnes,  Kilner,  Phillips,  Reed, 
Bancker,  Wheatley,  and  Nexsen ;  Mesdames  Barnes,  Battersby, 
Barrett,  Holman,  and  Wheatley,  and  the  Misses  Johnson, 
Jones,  Bland,  and  Brundage,  to  which  several  valuable  addi- 
tions were  soon  after  made. 

The  freedom  of  the  Theatre  to  a  resident,  or  a  gold  medal 
of  the  value  of  fifty  dollars  to  a  non-resident,  was  offered  by 
the  management  for  the  best  poetical  address,  to  bfe  spoken 
on  the  opening  night.  About  sixty  communications  were  re- 
ceived, and  a  committee  of  literary  gentlemen  justly  selected 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


383 


the  one  written  by  Charles  Sprague,  of  Boston,  and  its  recita- 
tion by  Mr.  Simpson  formed  the  commencement  of  the  enter- 
tainment on  the  first  night  of  the  season.  We  subjoin  a  copy 
of  this  admired  and  spirited  production : 

11  When  mitred  Zeal,  in  wild,  unholy  dnye. 
Bared  his  red  arm.  and  bade  the  fagot  blaze. 
Our  patriot  sires  the  pilgrim  sail  unfurled, 
And  Freedom  pointed  to  a  rival  world. 

Where  prowled  the  wolf,  and  where  the  hunter  roved,  ^ 

Faith  raised  her  altars  to  the  God  she  loved  ; 

Toil,  linked  with  Art.  explored  each  savage  wild. 

The  forest  bowed,  the  desert  bloomed  and  smiled ; 

Taste  reared  her  domes,  fair  Science  spread  her  page. 

And  Wit  and  Genius  gathered  round  the  Stage. 

•'The  Stage!  where  Fancy  sits  creative  queen, 
And  spreads  gay  web-work  o'er  life's  mimic  scene  ; 
Where  young-eyed  Wonder  comes  to  feast  his  sight. 
And  gain  instruction,  while  he  drinks  delight. 
The  Stage !  that  threads  each  labyrinth  of  the  soul, 
Wakes  laughter's  peal  and  bids  the  tear-drop  roll ; 
That  hoots  at  Folly,  mocks  proud  Fashion's  slaves, 
ADd  brands  with  shame  the  world's  vile  drove  of  knaves. 

•  The  child  of  genius,  catering  for  the  Stage. 
Rifles  the  stores  of  every  clime  and  age. 
He  speaks !  the  sepulchre  resigns  its  prey. 
And  crimson  life  runs  through  the  sleeping  clay ; 
The  grave,  the  gibbet,  and  the  battle-field 
At  his  command  their  festering  tenants  yield. 
Here  Wisdom's  heir,  released  from  Death's  embrace, 
Reads  awful  lessons  to  another  race ; 
Pale,  bleeding  Love  comes  weeping  from  the  tomb, 
That  kindred  softness  may  bewail  her  doom  ; 
Murder's  dry  bones,  reclothed.  desert  the  dust. 
That  after-times  may  own  the  sentence  just ; 
And  the  mad  tyrant  of  some  moldering  page 
Stalks  here  to  warn,  who  once  could  curse  an  age. 

'  May  this  fair  dome,  in  classic  beauty  reared. 
By  Taste  be  fostered,  and  by  Worth  revered  ; 
May  chastened  Wit  here  bend  to  Virtue's  cause. 
Reflect  her  image,  and  repeat  her  laws  ; 
And  Vice,  that  slumbers  o'er  the  sacred  page. 
Hate  his  own  likeness  shadowed  from  the  Stage. 


384 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Here  let  the  guardians  of  the  Drama  sit 
In  righteous  judgment  o'er  the  realm  of  Wit ; 
Not  his  the  shame  with  servile  pen  to  wait 
On  private  friendship  or  on  private  hate  ; 
To  flatter  fools,  or  Satire's  javelin  dart, 
Tipped  with  a  lie,  at  proud  Ambition's  heart. 
His  be  the  nobler  task  to  herald  forth 
Young  blushing  merit  and  neglected  worth, 
To  stamp  with  scorn  the  prostituted  page, 
And  lash  the  fool  who  lisps  it  from  the  Stage. 

"  Here  shall  bright  Genius  wing  his  eagle  flight, 
Rich  dew-drops  shaking  from  his  plumes  of  light, 
Till  high  in  mental  worlds,  from  vulgar  ken, 
He  soars,  the  wonder  and  the  pride  of  men. 
Cold  Censure  here  to  decent  Mirth  shall  bow, 
And  Bigotry  unbend  his  monkish  brow ; 
Here  Toil  shall  pause,  his  ponderous  sledge  thrown  by, 
And  Beauty  bless  each  strain  with  melting  eye ; 
Grief,  too,  in  fiction  lost,  shall  cease  to  weep, 
And  all  the  world's  rude  cares  be  laid  to  sleep  ; 
Each  polished  scene  shall  taste  and  truth  approve, 
And  the  Stage  triumph  in  the  people's  love." 

After  which  was  presented  the  comedy  of  "  Wives  as  They 
Were,  and  Maids  as  They  Are,"  with  the  following  cast : 

Lord  Priory  ....  Mr.  Baenes.  Norberry  ....  Mr.  Woodhull. 

Sir  Wm.  Dorillon    .    .  "  Kilner.  Lady  Priory   .    .    .  Miss  Johnson. 

Sir  George  Evelyn  .    .  "  Phillips.  Lady  Mary  Raffle     .  Mrs.  Battersby. 

Bronzely   "  Simpson.  j     Miss  Dorillon  ...  "  Barnes. 

Concluding  with  the  melo-drama  of  "  Therese." 

Carwin  Mr.  Matwood.  Therese  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Fontaine  '■    Simpson.  Countess    ....      "  Battersbt. 

Lavigne  "    Barnes.  I     Bridget  "  Wheatley. 

The  latter  lady  re-appeared  after  a  year's  absence,  and  soon 
gave  evidence  of  very  great  improvement. 

On  Monday,  Sept.  3d,  previous  to  the  performance  of  "  Man 
and  Wife,"  in  which  Pritchard  played  Cornelius  O'Dedimus, 
and  Mrs.  Wheatley  Lady  Worrett,  Mrs.  Barnes  delivered,  with 
much  applause,  a  second  Prize  Poem,  written  by  Samuel 
Wood  worth,  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy : 

"  What  glorious  vision  bursts  upon  my  view  ? 
Does  Fancy  mock  me  ?    No,  'tis  true  !  'tis  true  ! 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


385 


No  false,  illusive  dream  of  past  delight. 
But  blest  realities  salute  my  sight ; 
The  ruthless  fiend  of  Ruin  is  displaced 
By  Beauty,  Fashion,  Elegance  and  Taste ! 

11  Thrilled  with  such  rapture  as  when  first  I  prest 
The  infant  Shakspeare  to  this  throbbing  breast, 
I  hail  the  scene !  my  temple  and  my  home ! 
While  rays  of  beauty  light  the  vaulted  dome. 
Despair,  avaunt !  the  storm  of  grief  is  past, 
And  joy's  bright  sunshine  gilds  the  scene  at  last. 

M  Here,  where  the  tragic  muse  lias  mourned  so  long 
The  sleep  of  passion  and  the  death  of  Bong ; 
Where  o'er  the  urn  of  blighted  hopes  she  hung, 
With  vacant,  beamless  eye  and  silent  tongue ; 
While  shapeless  heaps  of  ruin  smoked  around, 
And  desolation  marked  the  blackened  ground  ; 
Here  from  its  ashes  see  her  temple  burst, 
With  grace  and  splendor  that  surpass  the  first. 
So  from  his  parent's  dust  the  Phoenix  springs, 
With  Eden's  richest  plumage  on  his  wings  ; 
Thus  dazzling  soars,  unrivaled  and  alone. 
His  age  a  century,  and  a  world  his  own ! 

'*  Ye  generouB  freemen,  who  in  danger  stand 
The  shield  and  bulwark  of  your  happy  land  ; 
Who,  mid  the  sweeter  luxuries  of  peace, 
Behold  your  greatness  and  your  arts  increase, 
Whose  liberal  minds  throw  lustre  on  the  age, 
Oh !  still  protect  and  patronize  the  Stage  ; 
That  bright  auxiliar  in  Refinement's  cause, 
Which  raised  proud  Greece  to  what  at  length  she  was  ; 
Invited  forth  and  scattered  unconfined 
The  boundless  treasures  of  a  Shakspeare's  mind, 
And  taught  the  vulgar,  barbarous  sons  of  strife 
The  gentler  courtesies  that  sweeten  life. 

;*  Ye  free-born  fair,  who  grace  Columbia's  clime, 
Whose  bosoms  glow  with  sentiments  sublime. 
Whose  smiles  inspire  the  actions  they  reward, 
Whose  tears  embalm  the  virtues  they  applaud  ; 
Still  let  those  smiles  and  tears  alternate  prove 
That  wit  can  charm — that  sympathy  can  move : 
And  while  your  hearts  celestial  Truth  revere. 
Still  coudescend  to  trace  her  picture  her*« ; 

49 


386 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Still  let  your  presence  consecrate  the  art 
That  holds  a  mirror  to  the  human  heart ; 
That  shows  the  black  and  hideous  form  of  Vice, 
And  raises  Virtue's  worth  beyond  a  price  ; 
That  culls  the  fruits  of  Fancy's  wide  domains  ; 
That  calls  from  Poesy  her  sweetest  strains  ; 
That  teaches  young  Affection  what  alone 
Can  make  a  virtuous,  manly  heart  her  own, 
And  shows  to  Art  how  vain  are  all  its  wiles — 
That  he  who  wins  must  first  deserve  your  smiles. 

"  Columbians  all!  ye  patriots  and  ye  fair, 
Still  let  the  Drama  claim  your  generous  care  ; 
Cherished  by  you,  it  will  the  champion  prove 
Of  Freedom,  Virtue,  and  the  Arts  you  love  : 
So  shall  this  City,  by  refinement  blest, 
Become  the  pride  and  mistress  of  the  West ; 
So  shall  your  Country  rise  to  greater  fame, 
And  endless  glory  gild  Columbia's  name  !  " 

On  the  4th,  Mrs.  Barrett  made  her  first  appearance  in  seven 
years  as  Mrs.  Malaprop.  She  was  still  a  skillful  actress  in 
many  parts,  but  by  no  means  an  adequate  substitute  for  Mrs. 
Baldwin,  whose  versatility  she  had  never  equaled.  The  latter 
had  had  some  misunderstanding  with  the  management  regard- 
ing her  range  of  parts,  and,  the  difference  proving  irrecon- 
cilable, she  was  not  re-engaged,  and  never  afterward  appeared 
on  the  boards  of  the  Park  Theatre. 

The  first  new  piece  of  the  season  was  Banim's  still  favorite 
drama  of  "  Damon  and  Pythias,"  which  was  produced  on  the 
10th,  with  the  following  cast : 

Damon  Mr.  Matwood.  Lucullus   ....    Mr.  Phillips. 

Pythias  "    Simpson.  Damocles  ....     "  Wheatley. 

Dyonisius  "     Pritchard.  Hermione  ....    Mrs.  Battersbt. 

Philistius  "    Woodhull.  Calanthe  ....      "  Barnes. 

Macready  and  Charles  Kemble,  as  Damon  and  Pythias,  made 
this  play  very  popular  at  Covent  Garden ;  but  although  May- 
wood  did  his  best  for  Damon  at  this  time,  it  was  not  until 
Cooper  assumed  the  character,  (which,  next  to  Virginius,  was 
the  best  portraiture  of  his  later  years)  that  it  had  any  marked 
success  here. 

On  the  12th,  Mrs.  Baldwin  gave  an  entertainment  for  her 
benefit  at  Washington  Hall,  then  situated  on  Broadway,  be- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


387 


tween  Chambers  and  Reade  Streets,  where  Stewart's  marble 
warehouse  now  stands.  "  Douglas"  and  the  "  Sultan"  were  the 
pieces  performed,  (by  amateurs)  the  beneficiary  sustaining  the 
characters  of  Lady  Randolph  and  Roxalana.  Mrs.  Holman 
lent  her  aid  in  a  variety  of  musical  gems. 

On  the  24th,  Mr.  Kilner  took  his  farewell  benefit,  playing 
Dentatus,  in  "  Virginius,"  and  Bluff,  in  "  Robinson  Crusoe." 
Mr.  Kilner  went  to  Boston,  where  he  remained  several  years. 

On  the  25th,  a  gentleman  from  England  was  advertised  for 
Henry  Bertram,  his  first  appearance  on  any  stage,  in  which 
part  he  succeeded  so  well,  that  he  appeared  again  on  the  3d 
of  October,  as  Malcolm,  in  the  "  Slave."  This  gentleman  was 
Mr.  Peter  Richings,  who  was  the  son  of  a  Post-Captain  in  the 
British  Navy,  and  born  at  Kensington  on  the  19th  of  May, 
1797.  At  the  Charter-House  School,  London,  and  at  Pembroke 
College,  Oxford,  he  had  acquired  a  liberal  education,  and  in 
1816,  his  father  having  been  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Admiral, 
and  enjoying  a  lucrative  situation  in  the  East  Indies,  he  sailed 
for  that  region,  where  a  fine  opening  was  awaiting  his  accept- 
ance. Soon  after  his  arrival,  his  father  was  seized  with  par- 
alysis, and  he  was  obliged  to  return  with  him  to  England, 
where  a  commission  in  the  army  was  purchased  for  him, 
which,  on  being  drafted  for  a  West  India  station,  he  sold,  and 
devoted  himself  to  the  study  of  the  law. 

About  this  time  he  also  married,  and  after  two  years'  read- 
ing of  Coke  and  Blackstone,  his  health  failed  him,  and  he  re- 
solved to  give  up  the  profession  and  prepare  for  the  Stage, 
an  inclination  Jiat  had  no  doubt  been  encouraged  by  his  gay 
young  friends,  to  whom  his  polished  manners,  fine  voice,  and 
spirited  singing,  had  given  great  delight. 

His  family  strenuously  opposed  this  determination,  and, 
rather  than  wound  their  feelings  or  their  pride,  he  embarked 
for  America,  where  he  made  his  first  theatrical  effort,  as 
above  stated.  During  his  first  season,  his  parts  were  prin- 
cipally operatic,  and  in  these  he  gave  general  satisfaction ; 
but  his  first  genuine  hit  was  in  1823,  in  the  character  of 
Dick  Trifle,  in  "  Tom  and  Jerry,"  which  he  played  with  such 


388 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


spirit  and  effect  as  to  obtain  an  increase  of  salary  from  the 
management,  and  a  prominent  position  with  the  audience, 
who  ever  after  held  him  in  high  esteem,  especially  in  the 
character  of  a  fop,  which  he  represented  better  than  any 
other  actor  we  have  ever  seen.  For  many  years,  Mr.  Rich- 
ings  continued  gradually  but  steadily  to  improve  in  skill,  and 
finally  proved  himself;  in  many  parts,  a  most  consummate 
artist.  We  subjoin  several,  in  which  he  was  entirely  un- 
rivaled on  the  New  York  Stage,  viz.:  Osrick,  Roderigo, 
Sparkish,  Wildrake,  Sir  Benjamin  Backbite,  Lord  Tinsel, 
Floriville,  Random,  Pietro,  in  "  Masaniello ;"  Beppo,  Olifour, 
Marquis,  in  the  "  Postillion  Young  Contrast,  in  the  "  Lord 
of  the  Manor  f  Baron  Altradoff,  Major  Galbraith,  Mantalini, 
SergH  Austerlitz,  Dirck  Hatter aick,  Hyssop,  Ccesar  Chante- 
loupe,  Bill  Sykes,  &c. 

The  last  four  were  truly  wonderful  exhibitions  of  dramatic 
effect,  and  his  personation  of  Sir  Osbaldistone  de  Mowbray,  in 
"  Patrician  and  Parvenu,"  is  also  worthy  of  particular  men- 
tion, as  well  for  its  remarkable  beauty  and  faithfulness  of 
representation,  as  for  its  being  the  first  character  of  note  in 
which  he  delivered  language  purely  sentimental,  and  por- 
trayed high-bred  dignity  with  entire  success,  that  being  a  line 
of  character  in  which  he  had  hitherto  signally  failed.  Owing 
to  the  embarrassments  of  the  Park  Theatre,  Mr.  Richings  left 
New  York  in  1840,  and  became  Mr.  Burton's  stage-manager  in 
Philadelphia,  and  was  afterward  acting  and  stage  manager 
of  the  Chestnut  Street  Theatre. 

Mr.  Richings  has  lately  traveled  as  a  star  with  his  adopted 
daughter,  Miss  Caroline  Richings,  his  chief  attraction  being 
in  the  old  associations  and  affectionate  remembrances  of  a 
small  class  of  playgoers  now  called  old-fashioned.  On  his 
last  appearance  at  Niblo's,  in  1864,  Time's  meddlesome  inter- 
ference was  unpleasantly  perceptible  both  in  his  person  and 
acting. 

Mr.  Richings  is  tall  and  rather  slender,  though  in  his  prime 
he  exhibited  a  remarkably  well-turned  figure ;  his  features 
were  (and  are)  good,  but  deficient  in  variableness  of  expres- 


JUNIUS  BRUTUS  BOOTH 

Hark  I  the  murder's  doing ;  princes  farewell. 
To  me  there's  music  in  your  passing  knell'" 

Richard  III,  A^t  4,  S 
From  an  original  drawing  by  Rouse,  owned  by 
the  late  Edwin  Booth 


RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


389 


sion ;  his  taste  in  costume  was  unrivaled,  and  in  characters 
that  admitted  of  such  display,  his  dresses  were  of  surpassing 
elegance  of  design,  and  magnificence  of  material  and  orna- 
ment; and  in  this  particular,  he  enjoyed  the  repute  of  excel- 
ling all  his  stock  contemporaries.  As  a  man,  we  have  never 
heard  of  a  blemish  on  his  character. 

On  the  26th  of  September,  Byron's  tragedy  of  "Marino 
Faliero"  was  first  brought  out,  and  with  but  little  success. 
Mr.  Maywood  played  Marino;  Mr.  Simpson,  Bertuccio  ;  Mr. 
Woodhull,  Michael  Steno;  Mr.  Pritchard,  Israel  Bertuccio,  and 
Mrs.  Barnes,  Angiolina. 

A  farce  called  the  "  Grand  Tour'  was  more  successful,  and 
was  thus  played  for  the  first  time  on  the  4th  of  October : 

Jacky  Gimcrack  Mr.  Pritchard. 

Seabright  Mr.  Simpson.  I     Bluahington   .    .    .    Mr.  Woodhull. 

Violet  "    Barnes.  Mis?  Venture  .    .    .    Mrs.  Barrett. 

On  the  5th  of  October,  the  little  lunatic  giant  of  the  Stage, 
Junius  Brutus  Booth,  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York 
as  Richard  III.,  a  character  which,  in  America,  has  had  but 
three  adequate  representatives — Cooke,  Kean  and  Booth,  the 
last  not  least  in  point  of  merit. 

Mr.  Booth,  during  his  engagement,  also  appeared  as  Octa- 
vian,  Brutus,  Lear,  Othello.  Hamlet  and  Jerry  Sneak,  the  latter 
two  on  the  15th,  for  his  benefit,  which  netted  him  upward  of 
twelve  hundred  dollars. 

Mr.  Booth  was  born  at  St.  Pancras,  near  London,  on  the  1st 
of  May,  1796,  his  father  being  a  respectable  solicitor,  and  his 
mother  a  descendant  or  relative  of  the  celebrated  John 
Wilkes.  In  very  early  life,  Mr.  Booth  gave  his  attention  to 
pictorial  pursuits,  in  which  he  evinced  great  taste  and  skill; — 
he  afterward  entered  the  navy,  which  he  abandoned  to  ac- 
quire the  printers  art,  which  in  its  turn  was  thrown  aside  for 
the  study  of  the  law;  that  being  succeeded  by  renewed 
attempts  with  his  pencil,  accompanied  by  some  creditable 
experiments  in  sculpture.  He  was  finally  seized  with  a  pas- 
sion for  the  Stage,  and  begaa  his  theatrical  career  at  Dept- 
tbrd,  as  Campiflo,  in  the  "  Honeymoon,"  on  the  13th  of  De- 
cember, 1813.    He  afterward  played  in  several  continental 


390 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


theatres,  and  returning  to  England,  made  his  debut  at  Covent 
Garden,  in  October,  1815,  as  Sylvius,  in  "As  You  Like  It," 
remaining  through  the  season  at  a  salary  of  two  pounds  per 
week.  He  afterward  acted  at  Worthing  and  Brighton,  and 
at  the  latter  place  made  a  great  hit  as  Sir  Giles  Overreach, 
which  resulted  in  his  being  immediately  engaged  for  Covent 
Garden,  where  he  re-appeared  February  12th,  1817,  as  Richard 
III.,  and  notwithstanding  the  sneers,  sarcasms  and  discourage- 
ments uttered  by  almost  every  member  of  the  company,  he 
gained  for  his  representation  the  most  triumphant  success. 
After  playing  it  a  second  time,  with  even  increased  applause, 
the  Drury  Lane  management  induced  him  to  leave  Covent 
Garden,  and  on  the  20th  announced  his  appearance  at  their 
house  in  the  character  of  Iago  to  Mr.  Kean's  Othello,  their 
joint  performance  being  received  with  acclamation,  and  cre- 
ating an  intense  excitement  in  dramatic  circles.  A  repetition 
of  the  play  was  advertised  for  the  following  evening,  and  at- 
tracted a  crowded  and  brilliant  audience.  But  Mr.  Booth 
had  already  repented  of  his  flight  from  Covent  Garden,  find- 
ing out  when  too  late  that  the  Drury  Lane  committee  dreaded 
his  attraction  at  a  rival  house,  and  after  using  him  for  a  time 
must  necessarily  shelve  him,  as  the  characters  in  which  he 
was  likely  to  succeed  were  already  in  Mr.  Kean's  possession, 
and  he  consequently  refused  to  appear,  assigning  also,  as  an 
additional  reason,  an  attack  of  indisposition. 

An  overflowing  house  awaited  Mr.  Booth's  return  to  Covent 
Garden,  where,  on  the  25th,  he  again  attempted  to  perform 
Richard  ;  but  his  vacillating  course  had  excited  a  strong  feel- 
ing of  disapprobation,  which  was  artfully  fanned  by  the  Drury 
Lane  management,  and  notwithstanding  the  presence  of  a  j 
numerous  body  of  friends,  he  was  assailed  throughout  the 
entire  evening  with  riotous  demonstrations  of  opposition  and 
the  play  was  gone  through  with  in  dumb  show  only.  Mr. 
Booth  made  an  apologetic  appeal  to  the  public  the  next  day, 
but  another  riotous  assemblage  greeted  him  on  the  1st  of 
March,  while  on  the  3d  and  6th,  he  played  Richard  with  very 
slight  manifestations  of  disapprobation,  which  thereafter  en- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  8TAOE. 


391 


tirely  ceased.  He  next  appeared  as  Sir  Giles  Overreach, 
which  was  as  attractive  as  his  Richard,  followed  by  Posthumus, 
Fitzharding,  ("Curfew")  Sir  Edward  Mortimer,  and  Rinaldo,  in 
the  "Conquest  of  Taranto,"  being  supported  by  Charles  Kem- 
ble,  Macready,  Young  and  Miss  S.  Booth,  a  lady  who,  on  his 
first  appearance,  had  earnestly  requested  him  to  add  an  "  E" 
to  his  name,  for  fear  they  might  be  mistaken  for  relatives. 
He  afterward  played  at  Edinburgh  and  the  principal  pro- 
vincial cities  with  great  eclat,  returning  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  season  to  Covent  Garden,  where  soon  after  the 
tragedy  of  the  "  Apostate"  was  produced. 

Although  Mr.  Booth  rehearsed  the  character  of  Pescara, 
(which  he  afterward  played  with  fine  effect)  he  refused  to 
perform  it,  and  Mr.  Macready  was  substituted,  making,  in  its 
performance,  his  first  advance  from  his  hitherto  merely  tol- 
erated mediocrity.  In  April,  1820,  Mr.  Booth  played  King 
Lear,  with  masterly  effect,  and  created  such  an  interest  in  his 
performance  that  Mr.  Glossop,  of  the  Cobourg  Theatre,  en- 
gaged him  to  appear  there  for  three  nights  a  week  (his  off- 
nights  at  Covent  Garden)  in  the  character  of  Fitzarden,  in 
a  melo-drama,  called  the  "  Lear  of  Private  Life,"  where  for  a 
long  time  he  attracted  overflowing  audiences. 

In  the  fall  of  1820,  Mr.  Booth  was  again  engaged  at  Drury 
Lane,  where  he  shared  the  leading  business  with  Wallack  and 
John  Cooper.  He  then  played  at  the  English  Theatre  at 
Amsterdam,  and  visited  the  Island  of  Madeira,  whence  he 
suddenly  took  passage  for  America,  and  arrived  at  Norfolk, 
Va.,  in  July,  1821.  He  made  his  first  appearance  in  this 
country,  at  Richmond,  on  the  13th  of  that  month,  as  Richard 
III.  After  a  very  successful  campaign  there,  he  appeared  at 
the  Park,  as  above  recorded,  and  subsequently  played  bril- 
liant engagements  throughout  the  Union,  enlisting  among 
his  warmest  friends,  the  distinguished  statesman  and  scholar, 
John  Quincy  Adams.  About  this  time  he  also  purchased  a 
farm  in  Maryland,  (which  he  held  until  death)  and  re- 
turning to  England,  played  for  a  short  time  in  London.  He 
came  back  to  America  in  the   spring  of  1824 ;  acted 


392 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


again  at  the  Park;  was  stage-manager  at  Chatham  Garden, 
under  Henry  Wallack;  stage-manager  at  the  Camp  Street 
Theatre,  New  Orleans,  under  Caldwell ;  and  lessee  and  man- 
ager of  the  Adelphi  Theatre,  Baltimore,  at  which  establish- 
ment, during  an  engagement  of  Charles  Kean,  he  appeared 
as  the  Second  Actor,  in  the  play-scene  of  "  Hamlet,"  and  re- 
cited his  part  of  six  lines  with  wonderful  power  and  effect. 
He  was  long  an  immense  favorite  at  the  Bowery,  where  he 
never  failed  of  drawing  overflowing  houses,  though  his  fre- 
quent non-appearance  when  advertised,  caused  many  bitter 
disappointments.  In  1843,  he  played  his  last  engagement  at 
the  Park  Theatre,  which  was  highly  successful,  notwithstand- 
ing he  was  then  a  mere  wreck  of  his  former  self.  He  afterward 
occasionally  played  at  the  New  National,  where  his  last  per- 
formance in  New  York  took  place,  Sept.  19th,  1851,  in  the 
characters  of  Sir  Edward  Mortimer  and  Shylock.  He  soon 
after  visited  California,  returning  by  the  way  of  New  Orleans, 
where,  at  the  St.  Charles  Theatre,  on  the  19th  of  November, 
1852,  he  made  his  last  appearance  on  the  Stage,  as  Sir  Ed- 
ward Mortimer  and  John  Lump.  He  died  four  days  later, 
while  on  a  steamboat  bound  for  Cincinnati,  aged  56  years  and 
6  months.  His  remains  were  brought  to  his  home  and  in- 
terred at  Baltimore. 

Mr.  Booth  was  under  middle  size,  and  his  lower  limbs  were 
inelegantly  formed,  but  his  face  was  eminently  handsome, 
his  eyes  capable  of  assuming  a  melting  tenderness  of  expres- 
sion, or  of  darting  the  most  vivid  flashes  of  intense  passion ; 
and  his  voice  was  strong,  musical,  and  of  the  most  varied  in- 
tonation. The  grandeur  of  his  action,  and  the  sublimity  of 
his  elocution,  destroyed  all  thought  of  his  diminutive  size, 
and  crowned  him  for  years  the  monarch  of  the  American 
Stage.  As  a  tragedian,  in  his  best  moods,  he  has  been 
scarcely  surpassed  by  any  who  have  graced  our  boards,  and 
then  by  Cooke  and  Kean  alone.  Charles  Kemble  and  Macready, 
with  their  studied  attitudes  and  enunciation,  were,  in  com- 
parison, but  as  plodding,  wire-drawing  critics.  Booth  was 
the  individual  he  represented ;  he  imagined  himself  the  very 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


393 


man,  and  the  exquisite  modulations  of  his  voice,  the  wonder- 
ful mobility  of  his  countenance,  and  the  inspiration  of  his 
transcendent  genius,  thoroughly  identified  him  with  the  most 
diverse  characters.  In  Richard,  Shylock,  Iago,  Lear,  Sir  Giles 
Overreach,  Sir  Edward  Mortimer  and  Pescara,  he  was  allowed, 
by  universal  suffrage,  to  have  been  unrivaled  here  for  near  a 
quarter  of  a  century ;  and  in  early  life,  his  Hamlet  and  Romeo 
were  equally  beautiful  specimens  of  art.  His  other  parts,  in 
which  he  principally  excelled,  were  Macbeth,  Cassius,  Gloster, 
in  "  Jane  Shore,'"  Luke,  in  "  Riches,"  Pierre,  Oclavian,  Oroo- 
noko,  Michael  Ducas  and  the  Stranger.  He  sometimes  de- 
graded his  talents  by  appearing  in  low  comedy — and  in  Maw- 
worm,  Jerry  Sneak,  John  Lump  and  Geoffrey  Muffincap,  was 
capable  of  convulsing  an  audience  with  laughter.  His  edu- 
cation was  of  a  high  order,  and  he  had  acquired  a  perfect 
mastery  of  the  French,  German  and  Italian  languages,  and  a 
general  familiarity  with  others.  His  performance  of  Oreste, 
in  the  French  Theatre  at  New  Orleans,  was  attended  with 
complete  success. 

Mr.  Booth  was  thrice  married ;  first,  in  1814,  to  a  French 
lady  at  Brussels;  second,  to  a  Miss  Holmes,  in  1820,  who  ac- 
companied him  to  this  country,  and  was  the  mother  of  his 
son  -Junius;  and  third,  to  an  American  lady,  (about  1830) 
who  survived  him,  and  is  the  mother  of  Edwin  Booth.  A 
daughter  is  the  wife  of  John  S.  Clarke,  comedian.1 

Charity  would  draw  a  vail  over  his  frailties,  but  Truth 
obliges  us  to  say  of  this  man,  with  the  signet  of  a  God  upon 
his  brow,  that  by  his  own  act  he  was  often  sunk  below  the 
level  of  a  brute.  In  his  earliest  days  his  temper  is  said  to 
have  been  hasty,  petulant  and  peevish,  and  he  unfortunately 
put  the  enemy  in  his  mouth,  that  not  only  stole  away  his 
brains,  but  substituted  instead  those  of  a  demon.  In  his 
moments  of  inebriation  he  knew  not  friend  from  foe  ;  he  for- 
got his  engagements  with  his  managers,  his  duty  to  the  public, 
his  respect  for  himself.    His  drunken  brawls  were  a  terror  to 

1  His  youngest  son,  John  Wilkes,  was  the  miserable  an<l  misguided  assassin  of  President 
Lincoln. 

50 


394 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


his  friends,  and  in  one  of  them,  while  making  a  violent  as- 
sault upon  the  person  of  a  companion,  he  received  a  blow 
from  an  andiron  across  his  nose,  which  broke  the  cartilage, 
and  destroyed  the  manly  beauty  of  his  countenance  forever. 
Though  disappointed  often  and  again,  so  forgiving  were  our 
audiences,  and  so  intense  the  admiration  of  his  talents,  that 
up  to  his  latest  day,  when  he  appeared  but  as  a  battered  and 
broken  column,  if  the  public  felt  assured  that  he  was  "himself 
alone,"  they  thronged  to  greet  him  as  in  earlier  years,  when 
he  was  indeed  "  the  admired  of  all  admirers."  To  the  last  he 
retained  their  affection,  if  not  their  respect. 

The  farce  of  the  "Spectre  Bridegroom"  was  first  played 
at  the  Park  on  the  11th  of  October,  1821,  Mr.  Woodhull  being 
the  Nicodemus ;  Mr.  Barnes,  Dickory  ;  Miss  Johnson,  Lavinia, 
and  Miss  Jones,  Georgiana. 

On  the  17th,  Mr.  T.  Phillipps  made  his  first  appearance, 
after  an  absence  of  three  years,  as  Count  Belino,  and  went 
through  a  round  of  his  old  operatic  parts. 

October  30th.  Mr.  Joseph  Cow  ell  made  his  first  appearance 
on  the  American  Stage,  as  U  Eclair,  in  the  "Foundling  of  the 
Forest,"  and  as  Crack,  in  the  "Turnpike  Gate,"  being  well 
received  in  the  former,  and  making  so  great  a  hit  in  the  latter 
part,  as  to  retain  its  sole  possession  while  he  continued  on 
the  New  York  Stage.  This  excellent  comedian  was  born  at 
Kent,  England,  August  7th,  1792,  and  made  his  first  appear- 
ance on  the  Stage  at  Plymouth  Dock,  as  Belcour,  in  the 
"West  Indian,"  in  January,  1812,  and  afterward  played  with 
success  at  different  provincial  theatres,  experiencing  the 
various  ills  of  a  strolling  life,  until  he  finally  installed  him- 
self as  an  acceptable  member  of  the  company  at  Drury  Lane, 
London. 

He  stood  in  high  favor  at  the  Park  until  the  summer  of 
1823,  when  he  became  the  acting  manager  of  Price  &  Simp- 
son's Equestrian  Company,  then  performing  at  the  Broadway 
Circus,  with  the  traveling  circuit  of  Boston,  Philadelphia, 
Baltimore,  Washington  and  Charleston.  He  left  this  concern 
in  1826,  to  accept  a  regular  engagement  at  the  Philadelphia 


RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


395 


Theatre,  where  he  was  also  held  in  high  esteem,  and  was 
afterward  well  known  in  almost  every  principal  theatre  in 
the  Union.  In  the  summer  of  1837,  Mr.  Cowell,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  J.  J.  Adams,  opened  a  little  box  in  Broadway, 
in  the  building  afterward  forming  part  of  Barnum's  late 
Museum,  near  Fulton  Street,  and  called  it  the  City  Theatre, 
which,  though  numbering  several  good  artists  in  its  company, 
proved  a  losing  speculation.  He  soon  after  went  to  New 
Orleans,  where  he  brought  out  his  daughter  Sidney,  subse- 
quently Mrs.  Bateman,  and  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  his 
wife,  a  talented  and  accomplished  actress,  but  little  known 
in  New  York. 

In  1844,  he  went  to  Europe,  but  again  returned  here,  and 
in  September,  1850,  appeared  at  the  Astor  Place  Opera  House. 
On  the  23d  of  April,  1856,  he  took  a  farewell  benefit,  and  an- 
nounced his  last  appearance  on  the  New  York  Stage,  at  the 
Broadway  Theatre,  when  he  repeated  his  celebrated  part  of 
Crack.  In  1863,  he  accompanied  his  grand-daughter,  Miss 
Bateman,  to  Europe,  and  witnessed  her  successful  debut  in 
London, — but  was  soon  after  seized  with  the  sickness  which 
terminated  his  existence,  on  the  14th  of  November,  in  that 
year,  at  the  age  of  71. 

Some  years  since,  he  published  an  entertaining  autobio- 
graphical work,  entitled  "  Thirty  Years  Among  the  Players," 
containing  a  valuable  record  of  Stage  events,  and  much  inter- 
esting personal  history.  One  of  his  sons,  Samuel  Cowell,  now 
deceased,  was  well  known  as  a  comedian,  in  Europe  and 
America. 

November  1st,  Mr.  Kent,  formerly  of  Drury  Lane,  made  his 
first  bow  to  an  American  audience,  in  the  character  of  Sir 
Anthony  Absolute,  and  was  also  favorably  received.  He  played 
blufTand  hearty  old  men  with  considerable  merit,  and  was  a 
valuable  adjunct  in  the  operatic  department.  He  left  the 
establishment  in  1825,  and  died  at  Albany  in  1830. 

On  the  13ih,  Miss  Julia  Drake  was  advertised  to  appear  as 
Lady  Teazle.  We  believe  she  afterward  became  Mrs.  Dean, 
and  mother  of  the  future  favorite — Mrs.  Julia  Dean  Hayne. 


396 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE, 


On  the  14th,  Mr.  T.  Phillipps  commenced  another  engage- 
ment as  Count  Belino,  and  took  his  benefit  on  the  22d,  with 
the  following  performance  of  Bishop's  adaptation  of  Rossini's 
«  Barber  of  Seville :" 

Count  Almaviva .    .    .    Mr.  T.  Phillipps.     I     Figaro  Mr.  Cowell. 

Dr.  Bartolo    ....     "    Barnes.  Rosina       ....    Mrs.  Holman. 

Fiorello  "    Kent.  Marcelina  ...    Miss  Jones. 

On  the  loth,  the  pleasing  little  comedy,  called  "Love's 

Dream,"  was  produced  with  the  annexed  cast : 

Henry  Morton    .    .    .    Mr.  Pritchard.        I     Maria  Miss  Jones. 

Frederick  Easy  ...     "     Simpson.  Cecelia      ....    Mrs.  Barnes. 

Simon   "  Cowell. 

Mr.  James  Wallack's  first  appearance  since  his  return  from 
Europe,  occurred  on  the  20th,  in  the  character  of  Hamlet,  in 
which  he  was  received  with  the  greatest  enthusiasm.  He 
took  his  benefit  on  the  27th,  when  he  personated  Romeo  and 
Dick  Dashall.  On  the  latter  evening,  Miss  Chamberlain  made 
her  first  appearance  in  America  as  Juliet.  She  was  unequal 
to  the  part,  or  to  any  first  line  of  characters,  but  remained  at- 
tached to  the  company  until  her  death,  in  the  spring  of 
1824. 

M.  M.  Noah's  holiday  drama  of  "  Marion,  or  the  Hero  of 
Lake  George,"  was  first  played  on  the  25th,  with  the  follow- 
ing cast: 


Capt.  Marion  .    .  Mr.  Simpson.  Caleb   Mr.  Cowell. 

Col.  Conway  ....     "  Maywood.  Nick  "  Barnes. 

Ensign  Beverly  ..."  Woodhull.  Emma   Mrs.  Barnes. 

Aid-de  Camp ....     "  Phillips.  Mrs.  Fitzhenry    .    .      "  Battersbt. 


Mr.  Cooper  now  took  his  turn,  commencing  on  the  29th  as 
Macbeth,  and  ending  with  his  benefit  on  the  6th  of  December, 
when  he  repeated  Virginius,  and  appeared  as  Col.  Tamper,  in 
the  "  Deuce  is  in  Him." 

Faucit's  beautiful  domestic  drama  of  the  "  Miller's  Maid" 
was  played  for  the  first  time  on  the  7th  of  December,  Cowell 
making  another  great  hit  in  it  as  Matty  Marvellous.  The  cast 
stood  thus: 

The  Miller  Mr.   Maywood.  Matty  Marvellous     .    Mr.  Cowell. 

George  "    Simpson.  Dame  Mrs.  Barrett. 

Giles  "    Kent.  Phoebe  "  Barnes. 

Old  Granger  ....     "  Woodhull. 

On  the  10th,  a  benefit  was  given  to  Mr.  Wallack,  who  had 
lately  fractured  his  leg,  by  which  he  was  precluded  from 
playing  for  several  months.    The  entertainments  consisted  of 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


397 


the  comedy  called  "  A  Cure  for  the  Heartache,"  with  the  fol- 
lowing fine  cast: 


Old  Rapid  Mr.  Barnes.  Frank  Oatland  .  .  Mr.  Cowell. 

Young  Rapid     ..."  Simpson.  Miss  Vortex    .  .  .  Mrs.  Battersbt. 

Sir  Hubert  Stanley.         "  Woodhdll.  Ellen  Vorrex  .  .  .  Miss  Jones. 

Vortex  44  Kent.  Jessy  Oatlaud.  .  .      44  Johnson. 


the  first  performance  of  a  farce  entitled  "Nature  and  Phil- 
osophy, or  the  Youth  who  Never  Saw  a  Woman,"  in  which 
Mrs.  Barnes  appeared  as  Colin,  Mr.  Woodhull  as  Father 
Philip.  Miss  Johnson  as  Eliza,  and  Mrs.  Barrett  as  Ger- 
trude ;  also  a  farce  called  a  "  Chip  of  the  Old  Block,"  with 
the  following  cast  : 

Sir  Arthur  Single    .    .    Mr.   Kent.  Lady  Evergreen  .    .    Mrs.  Barrett. 

Capt.  Single  ....     "    Richinqs.  Emma  Miss  Johnson. 

Chip  44    Cowell.  Rose.    .        ...      44  Jones. 

For  Mr.  Simpson's  benefit  on  the  19th,  a  new  comedy  called 
Match  Breaking"  was  brought  out,  with  the  following  cast : 

Baron  de  Stromberg   Mr.  Woodhcll. 

Prince  Mr.   Pritchard.  Theodore   ....  Miss  Johnson. 

Edgar  .......     "    Simpson.  Paulina     ....  44  Jones. 

Solomon  44    Cowell.  I     Emma   Mrs.  Barnes. 

On  the  7th  of  January,  1822,  the  Misses  Durang,  from  the 
Philadelphia  Theatre,  made  their  first  appearance  in  New 
York  in  a  Pas  de  Deux.  They  were  young  and  graceful,  and 
their  dancing  gave  great  satisfaction. 

Miss  Charlotte  Durang  died  at  Philadelphia  in  1824,  at  the 
age  of  21.  Miss  Juliet  Durang  (subsequently  Mrs.  Godey 
and  Mrs.  Wallace)  became  a  pleasing  representative  of  boys 
and  chambermaids,  and  also  died  at  Philadelphia,  February 
15th,  1849,  aged  44  years.  They  were  the  daughters  of  John 
Durang,  formerly  of  the  John  Street  Theatre. 

On  the  15th,  Mr.  Tyler,  after  twelve  years'  separation  from 
the  Park  company,  re-appeared  as  Sciolto  in  the  "  Fair  Peni- 
tent," Mrs.  Barnes  playing  Calista  for  the  first  time.  On  the 
16th,  he  personated  Mandeville,  in  the  "  Will,"  and  gave  the 
Italian  Singer's  music  in  the  "  Critic,"  and  on  the  18th,  took 
his  benefit  in  the  characters  of  Baron  Wildenheim,  and  Ario- 
neJli,  in  the  farce  of  the  "  Son-in-Law,"  with  Cowell  as  Bowkit, 
Richings  as  Bouquet,  and  Mrs.  Holman  as  Cecelia.  Mr.  Tyler 
was  now  in  his  seventieth  year,  but  was  able  to  go  through 
his  personations  with  much  of  his  former  ability. 
On  the  25th,  a  "  young  gentleman"  made  a  most  successful 


398 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


debut  as  Hamlet ;  on  the  29th,  he  appeared  as  Rolla ;  and  on 
the  12th  of  February,  as  Othello;  on  the  19th,  he  was  announced 
for  Octavian,  as  Mr.  John  Jay  Adams ;  and  on  the  20th,  re- 
peated  Rolla  for  his  benefit.  Mr.  Adams,  who  had  been  bred 
to  a  mercantile  life,  possessed  talents  of  a  high  grade,  and, 
with  ordinary  prudence,  would  probably  have  attained  an  ex- 
alted position  in  the  profession.  His  readings  were  remark- 
able for  their  correctness,  and  to  the  time  of  his  death,  his 
Hamlet  ranked  among  the  best  on  our  Stage.  He  took  leave 
of  the  boards  in  1824,  but  after  two  years'  retirement,  again 
donned  the  buskin,  and  continued  in  the  profession  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  from  the  effects  of  intemperance,  in 
the  fall  of  1839. 

Shakspeare's  play,  the  second  part  of  "King  Henry  IV./' 
with  the  coronation  scene  of  "  Henry  V.,"  was  played  for  the 
first  time  on  the  4th  of  February,  and  being  got  up  with  con- 
siderable splendor,  and  with  the  following  excellent  cast,  had 
a  very  successful  run : 


Henry  IV.  .  . 
Prince  of  Wales 
Sir  John  Falstaff 
Hastings  •  .  . 
Westmoreland  . 
Archbishop  of  York 


Mr.  Maywood. 

"  Pritchard. 

"  Kent. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Woodhull. 

"  Reed. 


Chief  Justice  .    .    .  Mr.  Phillips. 

Shallow     ....  "  Barnes. 

Silence   "  Cowell. 

Mrs.  Quickly  .    .    .  Mrs.  Barrett. 
Doll  Tearsheet    .    .      "  Wheatley. 


On  the  11th,  the  farce  of  "  Maid  or  Wife"  was  first  played, 
as  follows : 

Sir  George  Rakewell    .    Mr.  Simpson.  I     Ready  Mr.  Cowell. 

Lady  Rakewell  .    .    .    Mrs.  Battersby.  Fanny  Miss  Johnson. 

On  the  18th,  a  comedy  called  "Don  John,"  altered  from  the 

"  Chances,"  of  Beaumont  and  Fletcher,  was  first  played,  with 
the  following  cast  : 

Don  John  Mr.  Simpson.  Lorenzo    ....    Mr.  Kent. 

Don  Frederick    ..."    Maywood.  j     First  Violetta .    .    .    Mrs.  Holman. 

Duke  of  Ferrara .    .    .     "    Woodhull.  |     Second  Violetta  .    .    Miss  Johnson. 

Fractioso  "    Cowell.  I 

On  the  20th,  Mr.  William  Pelby,  from  the  Boston  Theatre, 
made  his  first  appearance  here  as  Macbeth,  and  we  find  no 
record  of  his  re-appearance  for  several  years.  He  was  reputed 
to  be  an  actor  of  considerable  merit,  but  lacked  one  of  the 
most  important  requisites  for  the  stage,  a  good  voice.  He 
was  born  in  New  York,  March  16th,  1793,  first  played  in  Bos- 
ton in  1816,  was  long  manager  of  the  National  Theatre  in 
that  city,  and  died  there  on  the  28th  of  May,  1850. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


399 


On  the  22d,  Washington's  birthday,  a  new  American  comedy 
called  the  "  Green  Mountain  Boys,"  was  thus  enacted : 


Lord  Howe  .  . 
Sir  Henry  Clinton 
Col.  Oxtou  .  . 
Maj.  Courtney  . 
Capt.  Morville  . 


Mr.  Phillips. 

n  woodhull. 

"  Matwood. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Richings. 


Nathan  . 
Sailor   .  . 
Miss  Oxton 
Fanny  . 
Nance 


Mr.   Cow  ell. 

"  Kent. 
Miss  Johnson. 

"  Jones. 
Mrs.  Wheatlet. 


On  the  1st  of  March,  an  excellent  dramatic  adaptation  of 
Cooper's  novel  of  the  "Spy"  was  produced,  with  great  suc- 
cess, and  is  still  occasionally  revived.  Its  author,  a  gentleman 
of  fine  literary  taste,  who  has  written  several  successful  dramas 
and  some  very  happy  theatrical  addresses,  may  now  be  recog- 
nized on  one  of  the  highest  seats  in  the  New  York  Custom 
House,  in  the  person  of  Charles  P.  Clinch,  Esq.  "  The  Spy  " 
was  thus  played : 


Harvey  Birch 
Col.  Singleton  . 
Maj.  Dunwoodie. 
Capt.  Lawton 
Dr.  Sitgreaves  . 


Mr.  Matwood. 

"  Reed. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Kent. 

"  Cowell. 


Harry  Wharton  . 
Frances  Wharton 
Sarah  Wharton  . 
Katey  Haynes 
Betty  Flanagan  . 


Mr.  Woodhull. 
Miss  Johnson. 

41  Jones. 
Mrs.  Battersbt. 

"  Wheatlkt. 


On  the  5th,  George  Barrett,  who,  as  a  boy,  had  played  in 
1807  and  1808,  made  his  first  appearance  since  that  date  as 
Belcour,  in  the  "West  Indian,"  with  that  marked  success  which 
ever  after  attended  his  performance.  His  other  characters 
during  this  engagement  were,  Leon,  in  "Rule  a  Wife;" 
Beverly }  in  the  "Gamester;"  Jeremy  Diddler,  Tangent,  Charles 
Surface,  Macaire,  in  "Forest  of  Bondy;"  Lothair,  in  "Adel- 
githa,"  and  Delaval,  in  "  Matrimony." 

On  the  18th,  a  very  pretty  ballet,  entitled  "  La  Belle  Peru- 
vienne,"  was  brought  out,  in  which  Messieurs  Labasse  and 
Tatin  made  their  first  appearance  in  New  York,  thus : 


The  European 
Black  Chief  . 


Chief. 


Mons.  Labasse. 
"  Tatin. 
Mr.  Simpson.  1 


Princess 
Zuma 


Miss  J.  Duranq. 

'*     C.  DURANG. 


Claudius  Labasse  was  a  distinguished  dancer  and  ballet- 
master,  director  of  the  first  French  ballet  company  at  the 
Bowery,  in  1827,  and  afterward  married  the  celebrated 
Madame  Hutin,  premiere  danseuse  of  that  troupe.  He  died  in 
New  York,  July  loth,  1830,  aged  50  years. 

On  the  22d,  Mrs.  Barnes  announced  her  farewell  benefit, 
when  she  personated  her  favorite  character  of  Isabella,  sup- 
ported by  Simpson  as  Biron,  Maywood  as  Carlos,  and  Miss 
Charlotte  Barnes  (aged  three  years)  as  Isabella's  child,  being 


400 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


her  first  appearance  on  the  stage.  Mrs.  Barnes  also  spoke  an 
appropriate  farewell  address,  written  for  her  by  Mr.  Clinch. 

On  the  26th,  she  appeared  as  Juliet,  and  Mr.  Barnes  as  Old 
Brummagem,  in  "Lock  and  Key,"  being  their  last  performance 
previous  to  visiting  Europe.  Their  absence  for  more  than  a 
year  was  a  source  of  great  regret  to  the  patrons  of  the 
theatre. 

On  the  28th,  Master  George  F.  Smith  was  again  brought 
forward,  and  entertained  the  admirers  of  precocity  with  his 
personations  of  Norval,  Richard,  Hamlet  and  Octavian. 

Mons.  Labasse  took  his  benefit  April  1st,  producing  a  new 
pantomimic  ballet,  called  the  "  Siege  of  Tripoli." 

On  the  8th,  the  drama  of  "  Lochiel,"  written  by  J.  Agg,  w; 
first  produced,  with  the  cast  annexed : 


3W 

as 


Lochiel  .  .  . 
Sir  Ronald  .  . 
Robert  Campbell 
Evan  Skey  .  . 
Capt.  Stewart  . 


Mr.  Pritchard. 

"  Woodhcll. 

"  Maywood. 

"  COWELL. 

"  Simpson. 


Sawney 
"Adelaide 
Flora  . 
Alice 
Janet  . 


Mr.  Kent. 
Mrs.  Battersbt. 

"  Holman. 
Miss  Jones. 

"  Johnson. 


The  piece  had  a  favorable  reception,  and  its  author  a  benefit 
on  the  17th. 

On  the  10th,  T.  Phillipps  commenced  another  engagement 
as  Count  Belino. 

On  the  18th,  the  "  Rose  of  Arragon,"  a  melo-drama,  by  S.  B. 
Judah,  was  produced,  with  decided  success ;  its  cast  as  follows : 


Aurelio     .  . 
Conde  Laranda 
Benorio 
Nunquillo.  . 
Vasques   .  . 
Garcias    .  . 


Mr.  Simpson. 

"  Pritchard. 

"  Maywood. 

"  Cowell. 

"  Bancker. 

"  Reed. 


Rosaline 

Leonette 

Spring 

Summer 

Autumn 

Winter  . 


Miss  Johnson. 
"  Bland. 

"    J.  DURANG. 

"  Brundage. 

"    C.  DURANG. 

"  Jones. 


On  the  19th,  Miss  Johnson's  benefit  took  place,  when  she 
presented,  as  an  afterpiece,  for  the  first  time,  the  excellent 
little  drama  entitled   the  "Two  Pages  of  Frederick  the 


Great." 


Frederick   Mr.  Pritchard. 

Phelps   '*  Cowell. 

Theodore   Miss  Johnson. 

Augustus   "  Jones. 


Mad.  Ritzberg. 
Caroline  r  . 
Mad.  Phelps  . 


On  the  26th,  a  musical  drama,  called  the 
postor,"  was  brought  out,  with  little  success, 
played : 


Col.  Risberg 
Duke  Zamoski 
Osco    .  . 
Pugatcheff 
Lowdaberg 


Mr. 


T.  Phillipps. 

Woodhull. 

Simpson. 

Pritchard. 

Kent. 


Kiski 
Rosa. 
Adela 
Liska 


Mrs.  Battersby. 
Miss  J.  Durang. 
Mrs.  Wheatley. 

"Russian  Im- 
It  was  thus 


Mr.  Cowell. 
Mrs.  Holman. 
Miss  Johnson. 
"  Jones. 


RECORDS   OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


401 


May  1st.  John  Howard  Payne's  play  of  "  Adeline,  or  the 
Victim  of  Seduction,"  was  played  for  the  first  time  in 
America. 

Prince  Durstein  .    .    .    Mr.  Pbitchabd.  Kreutzer            .    .    Mr.  Cowell. 

Count  Wilhelm  ..."    Simpson.  Countess    ....    Mrs.  Battebsbt. 

Baron  Remberg  ..."    Woodhull.  Adeline     ....    Miss  Johnson. 

Dorlin  "  Matwood. 

May  3d.  Mr.  Cowell  presented,  for  his  benefit,  an  excellent 
cast  for  Column's  amusing  prelude,  the  "  Manager  in  Distress," 
Mr.  Reed  representing  the  Manager ;  Mr.  Woodhull  the 
Prompter ;  Mr.  Kent,  Bustleton ;  Mr.  Anderson,  the  Irishman 
in  the  pit ;  Mr.  Maywood,  the  Scotchman  in  the  boxes ; 
and  Mr.  Cowell,  the  Yorkshireman  in  the  gallery.  He  also 
produced  "  La  Chaperon  Rouge  "  for  the  first  time,  cast  as  fol- 
lows: 


Prince  Alidor    ...  Mr.  Simpson.  Jos<;elin     ....  Mr.  Phillips. 

Lord  Ogeric  ....     "   Woodhull.  Simplette       .    .    .  Miss  J.  Duranq. 

Firepause      ....     "   Kent.  Gertrude    .    .    .  Mrs.  Wheatley. 

Roberto  "   Bancker.  Fairy  of  the  Rose  "  Battebsbt. 

Julien  "   Cowell.  Fairy  of  the  Violet    .  Miss  Jones. 


May  6th.  Mr.  Wallack  made  his  first  appearance  after  his 
accident,  and  gave  his  extraordinary  imitations  of  Cooke, 
Kemble,  Kean,  Incledon,  Munden,  Fawcett,  Blanchard,  &c. 
On  the  8th,  he  appeared  on  crutches  as  Capt.  Bertram,  in 
"Fraternal  Discord." 

May  13th.  The  musical  drama  of  "  Montrose,"  founded  on 
one  of  Scott's  novels,  was  thus  first  performed  : 

Earl  Montrose  .    .    .    Mr.  Simpson.  Ronald  of  the  Mist    .  Mr.  Pbitchabd. 

Earl  Monteith  ..."   Kent.  Annot  Lyle     .    .    .  Mrs.  Holman. 

Allan  Macauley  ..."   Matwood.  Erorcht     ....  "  Battersbt. 

Capt.  Dalgetty  ..."  Cowell. 

May  17th.  The  "Antiquary,"  dramatized  from  another  of 
Scott's  novels,  was  first  played,  with  the  following  cast: 

Lovel  Mr.  Kent.  Mucklebacket  .    .    .  Mr.  Pritchabd. 

Hector  Mclntyre.    .    .     "    Simpson.  Miss  Wardour      .    .  Mrs.  Holman. 

Lord  Glenallen  ..."   Woodhull.  Maria  Miss  Johnson. 

Jonathan  Oldbuck  .    .     "    Cowell.  Jenny  "  Jones. 

Edie  Ochiltree    ..."    Matwood.  Elspeth   Mrs.  Battebsbt. 

On  the  24th,  Mr.  Pritchard  took  his  benefit,  appearing 
as  Gustavus  Vasa,  and  presenting  a  new  farce,  by  Mr.  Clinch, 
called  the  "  Expelled  Collegian." 

Old  Hyson     ....    Mr.  Kent.  I     Cute  Mr.  Cowell. 

I  Young  Hyson    ..."    Simpson.  Sophia  Hyson  .    .    .    Mrs.  Holman. 

Jack  Interlope    ..."   Woodhull.  Jenny  Miss  Jones. 

Greenhorn     ....     "  Pbitchabd. 

Mr.  Cooper  now  fulfilled  another  engagement,  appearing  as 

51 


402 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Alexander  the  Great  and  Petruchio  on  his  benefit  night,  June 
10th. 

Parry's  farce  of  "  Two  Wives  "  was  first  played  here  June 
1st,  thus : 

Sir  Win.  Prune  .    .    .  Mr.  Phillipps.  Lady  Prune    .    .    .    Mrs.  Wheatley. 

Trimmer   "   Woodhull.  Mrs.  Trimmer  .    .    .    Miss  Jones. 

Flank   "  Cowell. 

June  12th — for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bancker,  (late 
Miss  Jones) — "  Pizarro :"  Rolla,  Mr.  Bancker ;  and  the  "  Romp :" 
Priscilla  Tomboy,  Mrs.  Bancker. 

Maturin's  tragedy  of  "  Fredolfo  "  was  first  brought  out  by 
Mr.  Woodhull,  for  his  benefit  on  the  14th,  but,  we  believe, 
was  never  repeated.    It  was  thus  cast : 

Fredolfo  Mr.  Peitchakd.  Adelmar    ....    Mr.  Simpson. 

Wallenberg   ....     "   Woodhull.        |     Berthold    ....     "  Maywood. 
Urilda    Miss  Johnson. 

For  Mr.  Phillips'  benefit  on  the  17th,  a  drama  by  his  rela- 
tive, M.  M.  Noah,  entitled  the  "  Grecian  Captive,"  was  per- 
formed, introducing,  for  the  first  time,  the  great  novelty  of 
a  living  elephant  and  camel  on  the  boards.    We  add  its  cast : 


Ali  Pacha 
Achmet 
Osmin  . 
Nadir  . 
Kiminski 


Mr.  Pbitchaed. 

"  Woodhull. 
"  Banckeb. 

Nexsen. 
"  Matwood. 


Demetrius  ....  Mr.  Simpson. 

Alexander  Ypsilanti  "  Phillips. 

Roberto     ....  "  Cowell. 

Burrows    ....  "  Richings. 

Zelia   Miss  Johnson. 


The  season  terminated  on  the  6th  of  July,  with  the  per- 
formance of  the  "Battle  of  Lexington,"  the  coronation  scene 
from  "  Henry  V.,"  and  the  "  Two  Pages." 

Having  no  regular  theatrical  engagement,  Mrs.  Baldwin, 
formerly  of  the  Park,  was  employed  as  stage-directress  by 
a  company  of  Amateurs,  who,  on  the  2d  of  July,  1822, 
opened  a  small  establishment  at  No.  15  Warren  Street,  under 
the  name  of  the  City  Theatre.  Mr.  Olliff,  formerly  of  the 
Park,  was  engaged  as  Prompter,  and  Mr.  Gillingham,  Leader 
of  the  Orchestra.  An  opening  address,  the  production  of 
Mr.  James  G.  Brooks,  was  spoken  by  Mr.  Benton,  com- 
mencing, 

"  When  murky  clouds  hang  o'er  the  inarch  of  time," 


which  is  sufficient  to  give  an  idea  of  its  character ;  yet  Mr. 
Brooks  lived  to  be  one  of  our  finest  poets. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


403 


We  subjoin  the  balance  of  the  introductory  entertain- 
ment : 

The  Belle's  Stratagem  ; 


Doricourt  .... 
Sir  6.  Touchwood  . 

Hardy  

Flutter  .... 
Courtall  .... 
Saville  


Mr.  W.  Robebtsok. 

M  Shaw. 

"  BlYEN. 

"  Rahaqe. 

"  Archibald. 

"  Benton. 


Villers  .  .  . 
Dick  .  .  . 
Lady  Frances 
Letitia  Hardy 
Mrs.  Rackett  . 
Miss  Ogle  .  . 


Song,  "  Cherry- Cheeked  Patty, 
Song,  "  Pillar  of  Glory,".  . 


Mr 


and 

Don  Carlos 
Sancho.  . 
Lopez  . 


Lovers'  Quarrels. 


Mr. 


SHAW. 

Ramaqi 

BlVEN. 


Leonora 
Jacintha 


Mr.  Still. 
"  Bters. 
Mrs.  Talbot. 
Leqoe. 
"  Baldwin. 
"  Brcndaoe. 

Still. 

W.  Robertson. 


Mrs.  Leqqe. 
M  Baldwin. 


Among  the  above,  none  at  the  time  possessed  a  tithe  of 
Mrs.  Baldwin's  merit ;  and  Robertson  (heretofore  noticed)  and 
Mrs.  Legge  were  the  only  others  possessing  stage  experience. 
The  latter  was  young,  talented  and  interesting  in  appearance, 
a  careful  and  understanding  reader,  and,  in  a  good  school  of 
acting,  would  probably  have  attained  distinction ;  but  it  has 
been  her  misfortune  to  be  generally  attached  to  theatres 
where  her  abilities  have  been  wasted  on  the  worst  of  melo- 
dramas, and  her  true  beauties  undiscovered  or  unappreciated. 

Mrs.  Legge  was  born  of  a  respectable  family  in  the  State 
of  New  Hampshire,  and  made  her  debut  at  Pittsburg,  Penn., 
in  1817.  She  was  long  known  at  the  Bowery  and  other 
theatres  as  Mrs.  Stone,  and  in  1837,  after  a  few  years'  absence 
from  New  York,  re-appeared  as  Mrs.  N.  H.  Bannister,  having 
become  the  wife  of  the  actor  and  author  of  that  name.  Du- 
ring the  long  run  of  u  Uncle  Tom's  Cabin "  at  the  National 
Theatre,  in  1853,  Mrs.  Bannister  was  the  representative  of  the 
revengeful  yet  sympathizing  Cassy.  She  is  probably  still 
living. 

Mr.  Still  was  a  light  and  pleasing  tenor  singer,  and  after- 
ward became  well  known  throughout  the  Union. 

On  the  6th  of  July,  Mr.  W.  Anderson  (Jefferson's  son-in- 
law)  was  added  to  the  company :  and  a  more  important  addi- 
tion was  made  on  the  10th,  in  the  person  of  Mrs.  Entwistle, 
who  went  through  a  round  of  her  favorite  characters  with 
her  usual  success. 

Mr.  John  Augustus  Stone  made  his  first  appearance  in 


404 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


New  York  on  the  same  evening,  as  Old  Hardy,  in  the  "  Belle's 
Stratagem/'  and  Old  Pickle,  in  the  "Spoiled  Child."  Mr. 
Stone  was  born  at  Concord,  Mass.,  in  the  year  1801,  and  made 
his  first  dramatic  appearance  at  Boston.  He  possessed  con- 
siderable merit  in  certain  humorous  parts,  but  had  hardly  force 
and  body  enough  for  the  rough  and  bluff  old  men  whom  he  com- 
monly represented.  He  was  at  one  time  well  known  at  the 
Chatham  Garden  and  Bowery  Theatres,  and  acquired  wide  fame 
by  his  authorship  of  the  tragedy  of  "  Metamora,"  for  which 
Mr.  Forrest's  prize  of  five  hundred  dollars  was  awarded  in 
1829.  He  also  wrote  several  other  dramas,  which  have  been 
acted  with  success.  "  Fauntleroy,"  "  Tancred  of  Sicily,"  "  La- 
roque,  the  Regicide,"  and  Yankee  Hill's  famous  drama,  the 
"  Knight  of  the  Golden  Fleece,"  are  all  attributed  to  his  pen. 
His  unhappy  death  by  suicide  occurred  at  Philadelphia,  June 
1st,  1834,  and  Mr.  Forrest  erected  there  a  handsome  monu- 
mental tribute  to  his  memory.  Mr.  Stone  married  Mrs. 
Legge,  before  mentioned,  by  whom  he  left  two  sons,  Christo- 
pher Lucius,  and  Henry  F.,  both  of  whom  have  played  in 
New  York. 

July  26th.  Mr.  Adamson,  who  had  once  appeared  at  the 
Park,  commenced  an  engagement  here  as  Bob  Acres.  The 
same  evening,  Mr.  Alexander  Simpson,  of  the  Philadelphia 
Theatre,  made  his  appearance  for  that  occasion  only,  as 
Darby,  in  the  "  Poor  Soldier."  He  was  one  of  our  very  best 
native  low  comedians,  and  afterward  became  a  great  favorite 
at  Chatham  Garden.  Mr.  Simpson  died  of  consumption  at 
Poughkeepsie,  in  the  year  1829. 

The  beautiful  Mrs.  Robertson  also  appeared  here  about  this 
time,  and  her  dancing  and  acting  in  light  parts  gave  great 
pleasure. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  Dinneford  also  appeared  ;  the  lady 
was  capable  of.  gliding  gracefully  through  a  pas  seul,  and 
the  gentleman  evinced  more  ambition  and  energy  than 
dramatic  excellence  or  business  stability.  Mr.  Dinneford  was 
a  native  of  England,  and  passed  through  many  varying  scenes 
of  life.    As  an  actor,  he  was  connected  with  the  Broadway 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


405 


Circus  and  the  Chatham  Garden  and  Lafayette  Theatres.  He 
was  the  first  manager  of  the  Franklin  Theatre,  Chatham 
Square,  in  1835 ;  was  manager  of  the  Bowery  Theatre  when 
it  was  burnt  in  1838,  and  opened  Palmo's  Opera  House  in 
1845,  with  George  Vandenhoff  in  the  Greek  tragedy  of  "  An- 
tigone." He  was  at  different  times  engaged  in  mercantile 
pursuits,  and  finally  died  at  Panama,  in  1851. 

The  City  Theatre  was  closed  on  the  31st  of  August,  at 
which  time  the  yellow  fever  was  creating  great  alarm  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  city. 

During  the  summer  of  1822,  Chatham  Garden,  a  pleasant 
retreat  on  the  northerly  side  of  Chatham  Street,  between 
Duane  and  Pearl  Streets,  and  running  through  to  Augustus 
Street,1  in  the  rear,  was  the  great  resort  of  the  beauty  and 
fashion  of  New  York.  Its  proprietor  was  Henry  Barriere,  a 
French  gentleman  of  taste  and  experience,  and  in  his  hands 
it  occupied  as  high  a  position  in  the  esteem  of  the  public  as 
Niblo's  Garden  afterward  did  in  the  zenith  of  its  popularity. 
Its  rural  saloon  was  used  for  concerts  and  light  dramatic 
trifles,  and  here,  Mrs.  Meline,  (a  favorite  songstress)  Mrs.  Do- 
rion,  Mr.  Garner  and  Alexander  Simpson,  (who  was  very  great 
in  a  comic  song)  succeeded  in  entertaining  large  audiences. 
Mast.  G.  F.  Smith,  the  young  Roscius,  also  appeared  here  in 
several  dramatic  recitations. 

After  succeeding  in  establishing  a  regular  theatre  on  his 
premises,  which  for  a  time  enjoyed  the  fullness  of  popular 
favor,  Mr.  Barriere  died  in  New  York,  February  21st,  1826, 
aged  42  years. 


1  Augustua  Street  is  the  present  City  Hall  Place. 


CHAPTER  XXIX, 


Season  1822-3— Broadway  Circus— Park  Theatre— Chatham  Garden— Colo: 
bian  Gardens — Richmond  Hill— Vanxhall— Park.  1823-4. 


ijj|W!i  N  consequence  of  the  prevalence  of  yellow  fever  in  the 
I  lower  part  of  the  city,  and  the  temporary  removal  of 
most  of  its  inhabitants,  the  Park  Theatre  was  not 
opened  at  the  usual  period,  but  the  members  of  the 
company  took  possession  of  the  New  Broadway  Circus,  a  large 
wooden  building,  situated  on  the  easterly  side  of  Broadway, 
between  Howard  and  Grand  Streets,  afterward  well  known 
as  the  "  Tattersalls"  Stables.  Here  they  commenced  perform- 
ing on  the  9th  of  September,  1822,  with  the  drama  of  the 
"  Spy,"  and  the  farce  of  the  "  Turnpike  Gate" — Maywood  as 
Harvey  Birch;  Cowell  as  Crack — remaining  until  the  2d  of 
November,  at  which  time  the  epidemic  had  disappeared. 

During  the  recess,  the  Park  Theatre  had  been  newly  painted 
and  decorated  under  the  supervision  of  Mr.  Cowell,  whose  ele- 
gant and  original  designs  greatly  improved  its  appearance. 

The  regular  season  commenced  on  the  4th  of  November, 
when  Mr.  John  Forester  Foot  made  his  first  appearance  in 
America,  in  the  comedy  of  the  "  Soldier's  Daughter,"  thus 
cast: 

Mr. 


Governor  Heartall 
Frank  Heartall  . 
Malfort,  Sr.  .  . 
Malfort,  Jr.   .  . 


Foot. 
Simpson. 
Woodhull. 
Maywood. 


Timothy  Quaint 
Widow  Cheerly 
Mrs.  Malfort  . 
Mra.  Fidget  . 


Mr.  Cowell. 
Mrs.  Battersby. 
Miss  Johnson. 
Mrs.  Wheatley. 


Mr.  Foot  was  a  native  of  London,  and  a  very  excellent  actor 
of  old  men.  He  was  well  known  on  the  Stage  here  for  some 
fifteen  years,  and  though  possessing  great  natural  abilities  and 
a  fine  education,  became  so  reduced  in  circumstances  that  he 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


407 


was  for  a  long  time  an  inmate  of  the  Almshouse — all  his  mis- 
:  fortunes  being  attributable  to  one  unhappy  failing.     In  1844 
!  or  1845  he  returned  to  England,  where,  it  was  said,  he  came 
into  the  inheritance  of  a  large  fortune. 

On  the  5th,  Mr.  James  Watkinson  made  his  first  appearance 
on  the  American  Stage  as  Sir  Abel  Hand?/  and  Old  Brum- 
magem. Mr.  Watkinson  left  the  Park  in  1825,  and  died  at 
Montreal,  Feb.  10th,  1826,  in  his  48th  year.  His  death  was 
attributed  to  the  bad  water  of  this  continent,  which  forced 
him  into  an  inordinate  use  of  brandy.  He  had  been  a  favorite 
at  the  Haymarket,  London,  in  1816,  and  was  for  a  time  quite 
popular  here. 

On  the  7th,  Mr.  Mathews  made  his  first  appearance  on  the 
New  York  Stage  as  Goldfinch,  in  the  "  Road  to  Ruin,"  Foot 
and  Simpson  representing  Old  and  Young-  Dornton  ;  Watkin- 
son and  Kent,  Silky  and  Sulky;  Mrs.  Wheatley,  the  Widow 
,  Warren ;  and  Miss  Johnson,  Sophia.  He  also  appeared  as 
Monsieur  Morbleau,  in  the  first  representation  in  New  York 
of  MoncriefFs  since  highly  popular  farce  of  "  Monsieur  Ton- 
son."  In  the  former  he  hardly  equaled  the  expectations  of 
the  audience,  but  in  the  latter  received  the  most  tumultuous 
approbation.    The  cast  stood  thus  : 

Morbleau  Mr.  Mathews.  Fip  Mr.  Richinqs. 

Thompson  "    Foot.  Nap  "  Anderson. 

Tom  King  "    Simpson.  Mad.  Bellegarde  .    .    Miss  Johnson. 

1  Jack  Ardorly     ..."     Woodhcll.  Mrs.  Thompson   .    .    Mrs.  Wheatley. 

Rusty  "    Phillips.  Adolphine  ....      "  Banoksb. 

During  his  engagement,  Mr.  Mathews  also  appeared  as  Dr. 
Ollapod,  Dr.  Pangioss,  Somno,  Solomon  Gundy,  Sharp,  Buskin, 
Multiplex,  in  the  "Actor  of  All  Work Falstaff,  Scrub,  and 
Rover ;  in  several  of  which  he  introduced  his  wonderful  im- 
r  stations  of  distinguished  actors. 

1  Mr.  Charles  Mathews  was  born  in  London,  June  28th, 
1. 11776,  and  was  intended  by  his  father  for  his  own  line  of  busi- 
\  i less,  which  was  that  of  a  bookseller,  but,  having  been  praised 
I  Tor  his  great  powers  of  mimicry,  he  acquired  a  passion  for  the 
tage,  and  in  1792  appeared  at  Richmond  as  the  Earl  of  Rich- 
\  vmd,  in  "Richard  III.,"  and  Bowkit,  in  the  " Son-in-Law,"  for 
'hich  privilege  he  and  a  young  friend,  equally  stage-struck, 


408 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


paid  the  sum  of  ten  guineas.  After  various  vicissitudes  at 
different  places,  Mr.  Mathews  made  his  entree  at  the  Hay- 
market,  London,  on  the  16th  of  May,  1803,  in  the  characters 
of  Jabal,  in  the  "  Jew,"  and  Lingo,  with  complete  success,  and 
ever  after  remained  one  of  the  greatest  favorites  on  the  British 
Stage.  He  made  his  first  appearance  in  America  at  the  Holi- 
day Street  Theatre,  Baltimore,  as  Doctor  Ollapod,  having  been 
transferred  there  by  the  Park  managers,  during  the  preva- 
lence of  the  yellow  fever  in  New  York. 

Mr.  Mathews'  visit  to  America  was  a  lucrative  one  to  him- 
self, and  very  entertaining  to  the  public,  and  his  early  return 
to  Europe  was  much  regretted.  After  an  absence  of  eleven 
years,  he  made  a  second  visit  here,  but  was  then  suffering  from 
extreme  nervous  excitability,  and  his  powers  of  attraction  were 
greatly  diminished.  He  made  his  last  appearance  on  the  Stage 
at  the  Park  Theatre,  February  11th,  1835,  sailing  the  following 
week  for  England,  and  dying  at  Plymouth  on  the  28th  of  June 
in  that  year,  which  was  the  fifty-ninth  anniversary  of  his  birth. 

Mr.  Mathews  was  twice  married ;  his  first  wife  (Miss  Strong) 
died  in  1802.  His  second,  (Miss  Jackson,  an  actress  of  merit, 
and  half-sister  to  the  celebrated  Miss  Kelly)  whom  he  married 
in  1803,  survived  him,  and  was  the  mother  of  the  present 
comedian,  Charles  Mathews. 

On  the  8th  of  November,  Mr.  John  H.  Clarke,  one  of  the 
most  valuable  stock  actors  known  to  our  Stage,  made  his 
American  debut  as  Hamlet,  a  character  for  which  he  was 
naturally  well  suited,  and  which  he  played  far  better  than 
many  of  its  representatives  who  have  been  lauded  to  the 
skies. 

For  a  time,  Mr.  Clarke  was  frequently  thrust  into  charac- 
ters in  which  he  appeared  to  little  advantage,  such  as  Charles 
Surface,  Alonzo,  Bronzely,  Hotspur,  &c,  there  being  little  of 
the  heroic,  and  less  of  the  light  and  mercurial,  in  his  tempera- 
ment ;  but  he  finally  limited  his  efforts  to  a  range,  comprising 
Prospero,  Iago,  the  Ghost,  Hubert,  ("King  John")  Dumont 
("Jane  Shore")  Stukely,  Joseph  Surface,  and  a  long  list  of 
serious  fathers,  such  as  Sir  Philip  Blandford,  Capt.  Faulkner, 


RECORDS  OK  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


409 


and  Lieut.  Wor thing-ton,  in  which  he  won  high  repute  for  his 
rarely  equaled  excellence. 

Mr.  Clarke  was  born  at  Manchester,  England,  and  after  his 
arrival  in  America,  was  principally  attached  to  the  New  York 
theatres,  where  the  purity  and  beauty  of  his  readings  ren- 
dered him  a  favorite  with  the  intellectual  and  refined  portion 
of  the  audience,  and,  to  his  credit  be  it  spoken,  he  never, 
during  his  entire  career,  pandered  to  the  vitiated  tastes  of  the 
low  and  vulgar,  and  never  but  once,  we  believe,  disappointed 
an  audience,  and  then  only  when  hoarseness  entirely  prevented 
his  enunciation. 

His  services  being  no  longer  required  at  the  Park  Theatre, 
he  took  his  farewell  benefit  there,  July  10th,  1838,  and  died 
on  the  8th  of  August,  in  the  same  year,  at  the  age  of  fifty. 
Having  a  wife  and  family  dependent  on  him,  his  salary  rarely 
exceeded  his  expenses,  and  his  being  thrown  out  of  employ- 
ment, combined  with  a  long  standing  bronchial  affection,  un- 
doubtedly preyed  upon  his  mind,  and  hastened  his  dissolution. 

Three  of  Mr.  Clarke's  daughters  have  been  in  the  profes- 
sion— Fanny,  the  eldest,  afterward  Mrs.  W.  Isherwood,  al- 
ways had  feeble  health  to  contend  with  as  an  obstacle  to 
success ;  Rosetta  gave  promise  of  a  brilliant  career,  but  in 
very  early  life  married,  and  disappeared  from  the  Stage ; 
while  Constantia,  the  youngest,  was  long  the  pet  of  the 
Olympic  Theatre,  and  possessed  talents  of  the  highest  order, 
which  years  of  ill  health  and  an  early  death  blasted  before 
they  reached  maturity.  We  believe  neither  of  them  now 
survives. 

On  the  27th  of  November,  Mr.  Mathews  commenced  a  new 
engagement,  with  an  entertainment  of  songs,  stories,  anec- 
dotes, mimicry  and  ventriloquism,  which  he  entitled  "Ma- 
thews at  Home,"  and  which  he  repeated  many  times  with 
the  most  triumphant  success.  He  took  his  benefit  on  the 
13th  of  December,  playing  Sir  David  Dunder,  and  giving 
another  monologue,  with  imitations,  entitled  u  Christmas 
at  Brighton." 

November  28th.   Mr.  Cooper  opened  an  engagement  as  Vir- 

52 


410 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


ginius,  and  on  the  30th,  played,  for  the  first  time  in  New 
York,  the  character  of  Damon,  in  which  he  evinced  extraor- 
dinary merit,  repeating  it  several  times,  and  presenting  it  for 
his  benefit  on  the  23d  of  December. 

On  the  18th  of  December,  Colman's  play  of  the  "  Law  of 
Java"  was  produced  here,  but  attracted  little  attention, 
though  cast  to  the  full  strength  of  the  company,  in  the  fol- 
lowing order : 


Emperor  . 
Agib  .  . 
Grumbeck 
Baspa  .  . 
Parbaya  . 
Ozzinga  . 


Mr. 


woodhull. 

Kent. 

Anderson. 

Richings. 

Clarke. 

Foot. 


Van  Glosen 
Hans  Gayvelt. 
Pen  goose  . 
Coja     .    .  . 
Zaide   .    .  . 
Nourjahee .  . 


Mr.  Watkinson. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Cotvell. 

"  Bancker. 
Miss  Johnson. 
Mrs.  Holm  an. 


December  26th.  Mr.  Wallack  made  his  first  appearance 
this  season  as  Capt.  Bertram,  in  "  Fraternal  Discord,"  and  his 
use  of  crutches  excited  the  deepest  feeling  of  sympathy  in 
the  audience,  which  was  turned  into  astonishment  and 
delight,  by  his  change  in  the  afterpiece  to  the  gay  and  rol- 
licking Dick  Dashall,  in  full  life  and  vigor,  with  his  fractured 
limb  retaining  no  evidence  of  his  late  disaster. 

December  28th.  Mrs.  Gilfert  made  her  first  appearance  in 
six  years,  in  her  favorite  part  of  Lady  Townly,  and  being 
afterward  combined  with  Mr.  Wallack,  their  mutual  engage- 
ment proved  highly  attractive. 

January  1st,  1823.  The  drama  of  "  Guy  Fawkes"  was  played 
for  the  first  time,  and  with  the  following  cast : 


Guy  Fawkes  . 
King  James  . 
Lord  Monteagle 
Suffolk.  .  . 
Cecil  .  .  . 
Sir  W.  Tresham 


Mr.  Clarke.  Sir  E.  Digby  .    .    .  Mr.  Richings. 

"  Watkinson.  Sir  T.  Collywobble  .     "  Cowell. 

"  Simpson.  Catesby     ....     "  Phillips. 

"  Anderson.  Lady  Alice    .    .  Miss  Johnson. 

"  Wheatlet.  Elinor   Mrs.  Battersbt. 

"  Foot.  Dame  Margaret  .    .      "  Wheatlet. 


The  latter  lady  was,  this  season,  for  the  first  time  the  sole 
representative  of  old  women,  Mrs.  Barrett  not  having  been 
re-engaged. 

January  6th.  Mr.  Wallack  made  a  great  hit  as  Benedick, 
which  he  played  for  the  first  time,  with  the  support  of  Mrs. 
Gilfert  as  Beatrice.  The  latter  took  her  benefit  on  the  13th, 
when  she  appeared  as  the  "  Jealous  Wife"  to  Mr.  Clarke's 
Mr.  Oakley ;  Mr.  Wallack  played  Sylvester  Daggerwood  and 
Walter,  and  Mr.  Gilfert  contributed  a  new  overture,  of  his 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


411 


composition,  and  the  music  of  a  new  song  executed  by  Mrs. 
Holman,  and  entitled,  "  Love  Thee,  Dearest !" 

Mr.  Wallack  took  his  benefit  on  the  15th,  repeating  Bene- 
dick and  Dick  Da  shall. 

The  comedy  called  "John  Buzby"  was  now  brought  out, 
with  the  following  cast : 

John  Buzby  ....    Mr.   Watkixson.       |     Greville     ....    Mr.  Simpson. 
Natty  Briggs.    ..."    Cowell.  Mrs.  Anderson    .    .    Mrs.  Battzrsby. 

Jingle   "    Kent.  Mrs.  Buzby    ...      "  Wheatlet. 

Anderson  "    Woodhull.  Jenny  Jingle  .    .    .    Miss  Johnson. 

Major  Aubrey    ...      "  Foot. 

It  never  attained  popularity. 

January  17th.  Mr.  Cooper  and  Mrs.  Gilfert  commenced  a 
new  engagement  in  the  "  Gamester." 

On  the  23d,  old  Mr.  Tyler  made  his  first  appearance  as  Bal- 
thazar, in  the  "  Honeymoon,"  and  on  the  25th  personated 
General  Washing-Ion,  in  the  "  Glory  of  Columbia."  His  death 
occurred  before  daybreak  of  the  26th,  from  disease  of  the 
heart,  at  the  age  of  72. 

On  the  29th,  a  benefit  was  given  to  his  widow. 

On  the  30th,  the  ever  favorite  Hilson,  after  an  absence  of 
three  years,  re- appeared  as  Tyke  and  Somno.  His  benefit 
took  place  on  the  5th  of  February,  when  he  personated  Dash- 
would,  in  "  Know  Your  Own  Mind,"  with  the  aid  of  Mrs.  Gil- 
fert as  Lady  Bell. 

February  7th.  Mr.  J.  J.  Adams  made  his  first  appearance 
as  Roll  a,  for  the  benefit  of  the  widow  of  the  late  Mr.  Prit- 
chard,  formerly  of  this  Theatre,  who  died  on  the  31st  ult., 
after  a  very  lingering  illness. 

February  10th.  Mr.  Mathews  commenced  a  new  engage- 
ment as  Baillie  Jarvie,  and  on  the  12th  introduced  a  new 
monologue  called  "  La  Diligence,"  in  which  he  personated 
seven  characters,  French  and  English.  On  the  14th,  he 
played  Twineall,  in  "Such  Things  Are,"  for  the  first  time 
here,  and  on  the  17th  took  his  benefit. 

February  19th.  A  novelty  in  the  shape  of  a  new  looking- 
glass  curtain  was  exhibited  between  the  acts. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  month,  the  Theatre  was  closed  for 
a  week,  re-opening  on  the  3d  of  March,  with  the  performance 


412 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


of  Mon crieff's  famous  burletta  of  flash,  fun  and  fancy,  en- 
titled "  Tom  and  Jerry,  or  Life  in  London,"  which  proved  to 
be  an  extraordinary  success. 

We  subjoin  its  entire  cast,  in  which  almost  every  performer 
made  a  professional  hit : 


Corinthian  Tom 
Jerry  Hawthorn 
Squire  Hawthorn 
Bob  Logic. 
Dick  Trifle 
Jemmy  Green 
O'Boozie  .  . 
Tattersall  .  . 
Tartar  .    .  , 
Tom  Crib  .  . 


Mr. 


Simpson. 

COWELL. 

Nexsen. 

Watkinson. 

Rtchings. 

Banckee. 

Anderson. 

woodhull. 

Phillips. 

Foot. 


Mace 
Regular 
Lightfoot  . 
Dusty  Bob. 
African  Sal 
Kate.  .  . 
Sue  .  .  . 
Jane . 

Mrs.  Tartar 
Miss  Lightfoot 


Mr.  Kent. 

"  Wheatlet. 

"  Tatin. 

"  Broad. 

"  Thompson. 
Mrs.  Banckee. 
Miss  Johnson. 
Mrs.  Holman. 

"  Wheatlet. 
Miss  Durano. 


March  6th.  Mr.  Keene,  the  vocalist,  re-appeared,  after  an 
absence  of  five  years,  as  Count  Belino,  greatly  improved  both 
in  his  acting  and  singing. 

Mr.  J.  J.  Adams,  who  had  played  several  tragic  characters 
with  success,  took  his  benefit  on  the  7th,  when  he  personated 
Alexander  the  Great  and  Tristam  Fickle. 

Mrs.  Grilfert's  benefit  took  place  on  the  12th,  when  she  ap- 
peared as  Hermione,  in  the  "Distrest  Mother;"  Clarke  as 
PyrrhuSy  Maywood  as  Orestes. 

On  the  13th,  Mrs.  Tatnall,  a  very  able  and  versatile  actress 
attached  to  the  Circus  company,  made  her  first  appearance 
in  this  Theatre  as  Florinda  and  Little  Pickle,  both  of  which 
she  personated  with  success,  and  had  she  appeared  without 
the  taint  of  the  Ring  being  attached  to  her,  would  probably 
have  attained  the  highest  favor  on  our  boards  ;  as  it  was,  in 
other  cities  she  ranked  among  the  most  deserving  and  favorite 
star  performers. 

She  was  a  native  of  England,  and  her  maiden  name  was 
Pritchard,  which  she  changed  in  early  life  on  marrying  a  Mr. 
Pemberton,  from  whom  she  soon  after  separated.  Her  second 
husband  was  Tatnall,  a  famous  rider,  who  esteemed  a  horse 
more  highly  than  a  wife,  and  from  him  she  procured  a  di- 
vorce. In  1828,  she  was  Mrs.  Hartwig,  and  soon  after,  we  be- 
lieve, a  widow.  She  afterward  married  a  Mr.  Hosack,  a 
member  of  a  well-known  New  York  family,  whose  name  in 
public  she  never  used,  being  called  at  that  time  Mrs.  F.  Prit- 
chard.   Her  last  husband  was  a  Mr.  Riley,  whom,  we  believe, 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


413 


she  also  survived.  This  lady  appeared  last  in  New  York  at 
the  Franklin  Theatre,  in  1836,  and  died  in  Texas,  1843. 

"  Timour  the  Tartar"  was  revived  with  great  splendor  on 
the  14th,  with  Mrs.  Tatnall  as  Zorilda,  Clarke  as  Timour, 
Tatnall  as  Keri?n,  and  Blythe,  a  very  elegant  equestrian 
from  Astley's,  London,  as  Omar,  his  first  appearance  in 
America.  Mr.  Blythe  was  afterward  proprietor  of  a  riding- 
school  in  New  York,  for  private  instruction. 

The  capital  farce,  called  the  "  Irish  Tutor,  or  New  Lights," 
was  first  played  in  America,  on  the  15th,  with  the  following 

cast : 


Terry  O'Rourke 
Til  well.    .  . 
Dr.  Flail  .  . 


Mr.  Anderson.  Charles  Mr.  Woodhull. 

11    Kent.  Rosa  Mrs.  Bancker. 

"     Watkinson.  Mary     .....      "  Wheatley. 


In  the  character  of  Terr?/  ORourke,  Anderson  fully  estab- 
lished his  claim  to  the  distinction  of  being  the  best  "  Irish- 
man" of  the  day. 

March  19th.  Mr.  Keene  took  his  benefit,  as  Young  Meadows, 
which  terminated  his  very  successful  engagement. 

March  20th.  Performances  were  for  the  benefit  of  Samuel 
B.  Judah,  author  of  the  "  Rose  of  Arragon"  and  the  "  Tale  of 
Lexington,"  when  -both  pieces  were  represented.  The  latter 
was  produced  at  the  close  of  the  previous  season,  but  we  have 
no  record  of  its  cast  at  that  time,  which  probably  varied  only 
in  the  characters  of  Havresack  and  Bothell,  from  the  one  we 
now  subjoin: 


Major  Pitt-aim 
Capt.  Ethelinde 
Havresack 
Ambuscade  . 
Fuzee  .  .  . 
Roger  .  .  . 
Geoffry     .  . 


Mr. 


RlCHINQS. 

woodholl. 
Watkinson. 

COWELL. 

Bancker. 

WllEATLEY. 

Anderson. 


Capt.  Parker 
Adam  Bothell 
Grimalkin  . 
Sampson  . 
Joscelyn 
Mary  Bothell 
Alianor  . 


Mr.  Phillips. 

"  Clarke. 

"  Kent. 

"  Nexsen. 
Miss  Dcranq. 

"  Johnson. 
Mrs.  Battersbt. 


Mrs.  Tatnall  played  Evadne  and  Zorilda  for  her  benefit  on 
the  26th. 

The  magnificent  Eastern  equestrian  spectacle  of"  ElHyder" 
was  first  produced  on  the  31st,  with  Simpson  as  El  Hyder, 
Clarke  as  Ben  Tareb,  Cowell  as  Mat  Mizen,  Mrs.  Battersby 
as  Harry  Clifton,  and  Miss  Johnson  as  the  Princess  Zada. 

Mathews  commenced  his  farewell  engagement  on  the  3d  of 
April,  as  the  Baillie,  in  "  Rob  Roy,"  with  the  farce  of  the 


414 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Review,"  in  which  he  played  both  Caleb  Quotem  and  John 
Lump,  taking  his  farewell  benefit  on  the  9th  of  May,  in  the 
characters  of  Kalendar,  in  "  Five  Miles  Off,"  Motley,  in  "  Dead 
Alive,"  and  Terry  ORourke.  He  again  appeared,  however,  on 
the  12th,  14th,  and  16th,  playing  on  the  last  date  Othello,  in 
the  closest  imitation  of  John  Kemble.  His  final  appearance 
was  on  the  19  th,  as  Goldfinch  and  Morbleau. 

On  the  21st  of  April,  the  "  Pioneers,"  dramatized  from 
Cooper's  novel,  was  performed,  with  Maywood  as  Natty 
Bumpo,  Simpson  as  Oliver  Edwards,  Cowell  as  Ben 
Pump,  and  Miss  Johnson  as  Elizabeth. 

The  dramatizer  had  his  benefit  on  the  23d. 

May  1st.  Mrs.  Stone,  late  Mrs.  Legge,  of  the  Warren  Street 
Theatre,  made  her  first  appearance  here  as  Adelgitha. 

Howard  Payne's  drama  of  "Ali.  Pacha,  or  the  Signet  Ring," 
was  first  performed  on  the  8th.  Ali  Pacha,  by  Mr.  Maywood ; 
Selim,  Mr.  Simpson  ;  Zenocles,  Mr.  Clarke  ;  Talathon,  Mr.  Foot; 
Hassan,  Mr.  Woodhull ;  Helena,  Miss  Johnson. 

Mr.  T.  Phillipps  took  his  farewell  benefit  on  the  4th  of  June, 
when  he  appeared  for  the  last  time  on  the  American  Stage  as ' 
Carlos,  in  the  "  Duenna,"  and  Sylvio,  in  "  Brother  and  Sister." 
Mr.  Cooper  now  fulfilled  another  engagement,  appearing  on 
his  benefit  night,  June  9th,  as  Don  Ordonio,  in  Coleridge's 
tragedy  of  "  Remorse,"  for  the  first  time  in  ten  years. 

Poole's  farce  of  Simpson  &  Co.  was  played,  for  the  first 
time,  on  the  12th,  with  Foot  and  Mrs.  Battersby  as  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Simpson ;  Simpson  and  Miss  Johnson  as  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Bromley  ;  but  to  gratify  a  whim  of  the  manager,  the  names  of 
the  characters  were  reversed  on  this  occasion — Bromley  being 
called  Simpson,  and  Simpson,  Bromley. 

On  the  occasion  of  Mr.  Kent's  benefit,  June  20th,  Mrs.  Kent 
made  her  first  appearance  as  Yarico,  to  her  husband's  Inkle, 
and  also  appeared  in  a  concert,  in  which  Master  Kent  took  part, 
being  his  first  appearance  on  the  stage.  Mrs.  Kent  became  a 
member  of  the  company  next  season,  and  was  afterward  a 
principal  actress  with  the  circus  corps. 

On  the  25th,  Mrs.  Battersby  was  foolish  enough  to  personate 


RECORDS   OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


415 


Macbeth  for  her  benefit ;  with  the  gentle  Miss  Johnson,  en- 
tirely out  of  her  sphere,  as  Lady  Macbeth. 

The  season  terminated  July  4th,  with  the  performance  of 
"Bunker  Hill,"  "  Tom  and  Jerry,"  &c. 

Messrs.  Price  and  Simpson  having  become  the  proprietors 
of  the  equestrian  and  dramatic  company,  formerly  managed 
by  West  from  London,  during  a  portion  of  the  year  employed 
it  in  entertainments  at  the  Broadway  Circus,  before  al- 
luded to. 

John  Blake,  who  died  in  1849,  at  the  age  of  58,  and  who 
for  twenty  years  was  treasurer  of  the  Park  Theatre,  occupied 
at  this  time  a  similar  post  with  the  Circus  concern. 

The  company  numbered  among  its  members  Dinneford, 
Roberts,  Lawson,  Reed,  Hunter  (the  first  rider  known  to 
America  who  discarded  the  use  of  a  saddle),  Tatnall,  Blythe, 
Williams,  Yeaman,  Master'  Turner,  Mrs.  Tatnall,  Mrs.  Monier, 
Mrs.  Parker,  and  Mrs.  Williams,  who  was  a  star  among  the 
equestrians. 

Mr.  James  Roberts  was  a  native  of  Scotland,  and  made  his 
debut  at  this  establishment  as  Robert  Maythorn,  becoming  after- 
ward one  of  the  greatest  favorites  known  to  our  Stage.  He 
was  very  happy  in"  a  comic  song,  and  in  such  parts  as  Billy 
Black,  Bob  Logic,  Paul  Pry,  Mawworm,  Tag,  Somno,  Worm- 
wood, Baillie  Jarvie,  Dominie  Sampson,  and  a  wide  range  of 
Scotch  characters,  has  been  rarely  equaled.  He  was  the  best 
low  comedian  at  the  Bowery  in  its  palmiest  days,  played  also 
at  the  Chatham  and  Lafayette  Theatres,  and  made  his  last  ap- 
pearance in  New  York  at  the  Richmond  Hill,  in  the  spring  of 
1832.    He  died  at  Philadelphia  the  following  year. 

Mrs.  Monier  was  admired  for  her  beauty,  and  was  not  with- 
out some  merit  as  an  actress.  This  lady  was  in  New  York  as 
lately  as  1840,  and  died  in  Jamaica,  W.  L,  not  long  after. 
Her  daughter  Virginia  must  be  well  remembered  as  a 
member  of  Wallack's  company  at  the  old  National  Theatre. 

On  the  8th  of  July,  Mr.  Cowell  was  installed  as  the  general 
manager  of  this  establishment,  where  performances  continued 
until  the  re-opening  of  the  Park. 


416 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


On  the  subsidence  of  the  yellow  fever  in  1822,  the  City 
Theatre  in  Warren  Street  again  opened  its  doors,  with  Mrs. 
Baldwin  for  its  leading  spirit.  During  the  month  of  Decem- 
ber, Mr.  Hilson  played  a  star  engagement.  George  F.  Smith, 
the  Prodigy,  and  his  sister,  also  appeared  here  in  "  Barbarossa  " 
"  Romeo  and  Juliet,"  &c. 

On  the  20th  of  January,  1823,  Woodworth's  play  called 
the  "Deed  of  Gift"  was  first  represented  in  New  York.  It 
was  played  with  success  at  Boston,  and  afterward  at  Chat- 
ham Garden.  Old  Barton  was  represented  by  a  "  gentleman," 
probably  Mr.  Walstein ;  Nathaniel  Barton  by  Mr.  Stone,  Daniel 
Briggs  by  Mr.  Biven,  Mrs.  Barton  by  Mrs.  Baldwin,  and 
Mary  Mor eland  by  Mrs.  Stone. 

Mr.  Warner  and  Mrs.  Lamb  appeared  during  the  same 
month. 

March  12th.  Mr.  Walstein  (whose  real  name  was  Wester-  , 
velt)  was  announced  as  Cockletop,  in  "  Modern  Antiques,"  and 
Jobson,  in  the  "  Devil  to  Pay."  He  was  the  son  of  a  respect- 
able dry-goods  merchant  of  this  city,  and  was  already,  or  soon 
after  became,  the  husband  of  Mrs.  Baldwin,  from  whom  he 
afterward  separated,  taking  to  himself  another  wife,  well 
known  at  Philadelphia.  He  left  New  York  about  1829,  and 
in  1836  died  at  Philadelphia. 

April  2d.  Mrs.  Baldwin  announced  that  the  business  of 
the  Theatre  thereafter  would  be  entirely  under  her  own  man-  j 
agement  and  on  her  own  responsibility,  and  engaged  as  ad-  | 
ditional  attractions  the  services  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  H.  Williams, 
Alexander  Simpson,  and  the  rope-dancer  Blanchard,  with  his 
wife,  son,  and  daughter.  Mrs.  Baldwin  closed  her  connection 
with  the  establishment,  and  took  her  farewell  benefit,  on  the 
13th  of  June,  when  she  appeared  as  Marc  Antony !  in  "  Julius 
Caesar,"  and  Roxalana,  in  the  farce  of  the  "  Sultan." 

Mr.  Barriere's  Pavilion  Theatre,  Chatham  Garden,  opened 
on  the  19th  of  May,  1823,  with  the  operetta  of  "  Rosina,"  in 
which  Mr.  Nicholls,  an  actor  of  repute  from  the  Charleston 
Theatre,  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  Belville, 
Mr.  Still  as  Captain  Belville,  Mr.  A.  Simpson  as  William,  Mrs. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


417 


1  Allen  (afterward  Mrs.  Lacombe)  as  Rosina,  and  Miss  Eliza 
1  Placide  (her  first  appearance  since  childhood)  as  Phcebe.  A 
:  concert  of  vocal  and  instrumental  music  was  also  given,  with 

Mr.  Gentil  as  leader  of  the  orchestra.    Mrs  Robertson,  Mrs. 

Brundage,  Messrs.  Stamp,  Monier,  Durang,  and  A.  Phillips, 
i  were  also  members  of  the  company,  the  latter  being  stage- 
i  manager. 

Mr.  William  Whitehall  Nicholls,  noticed  above,  was  a  native 
of  Old  England,  to  which  he  afterward  returned.  Being  a 
I  thorough  master  of  the  science  of  music,  his  services  as 
teacher  were  there  in  constant  requisition.  He  was  the  in- 
structor of  Miss  Rebecca  Isaacs,  and  many  other  musical 
celebrities.    Mr.  Nicholls  died  in  January,  1858. 

George  F.  Hyatt  here  made  his  appearance  on  the  7th  of 
;  June,  as  Solomon  Lob.     He  had  previously  appeared  as  a 
singer  of  comic  songs  at  the  Columbian  Gardens,  corner  of 
!  Broadway  and  Prince  Street.    Mr.  Hyatt  was  a  very  capital 
low  comedian,  and  became  an  established  favorite  in  this 
city;  but  his  abilities  were  finally  paralyzed  by  intemper- 
ance.    He  was  last  seen  in  New  York,  at  the  Franklin 
;  Theatre,  in  1837.  , 

July  10th.    Mr.  Keene  was  added  to  the  company;  and,  on 
Mthe  14th,  the  admired  Mrs.  Burke,  after  an  absence  of  seven 
years,  received  a  warm  welcome. 

August  18th.    Mr.  Phillips  took  his  benefit,  when  Mrs. 
Battersby  made  her  first  appearance  here  as  F/oranthe,  in  the 
"Mountaineers,"  and  Mr.  Judah,  from  the  Southern  Theatres, 
[his  first  appearance  in  New  York,  as  Bulchazin  Muley.  Mr. 
Judah  was  afterward  well  known  at  our  minor  theatres,  and 
fllast  played  here  at  the  Franklin,  in  1837.    He  was  drowned 
in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  near  Texas,  a  year  or  two  afterward. 
Mrs.  Burke's  benefit  took  place  on  the  8th  of  September, 
i  fwhen  Mr.  Burke  made  his  first  appearance  in  seven  years,  as 
r  Pietro,  in  the  "  Devil's  Bridge."     The  same  evening,  Mrs. 
Clark  (formerly  known  as  Mrs.  G.  Marshall  and  Miss  Hard- 
ng)  and  her  daughter,  Miss  P.  M.  Clark,  now  an  interest- 
ng  young  woman,  also  appeared  here  for  the  first  time. 

53 


418 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Eight  years  had  elapsed  since  they  retired  from  the  Park 
company. 

On  the  occasion  of  Mr.  Nicholls'  benefit,  Sept.  17th,  Mrs. 
Gray,  from  the  New  Orleans  Theatre,  first  appeared  in  New- 
York,  as  Rosetta,  in  "Love  in  a  Village."  She  was  the 
daughter  of  Mr.  Trazetta,  a  once  well-known  musical  char- 
acter, had  been  carefully  trained  as  a  vocalist,  and  now  gave 
much  satisfaction  in  several  operatic  parts.  The  season  ter- 
minated here  on  the  20th  of  October. 

The  Columbian  Gardens,  heretofore  noticed,  the  Richmond 
Hill  Gardens,  corner  of  Varick  and  Charlton  Streets,  and  the 
Vauxhall  Gardens  in  the  Bowery,  all  offered  musical  or  dra- 
matic entertainments  during  the  summer.  At  the  former,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Geo.  G.  Stevenson  made  their  first  appearance  in 
New  York.  They  were  afterward, valued  performers  at  the 
Chatham,  Bowery,  and  Franklin  Theatres.  They  retired  from 
the  profession  about  1837.  Messrs.  Keene,  Brennan  (a  favorite 
vocalist),  Schinotti  (a  dancer),  Hyatt,  Adamson,  Green,  Petrie, 
Simms,  Allen,  Biven,  Laidley,  West,  the  Blanchard  family, 
Mrs.  Ford,  Mrs.  Lowrey,  Mrs.  Adamson,  Miss  P.  M.  Clark,  and 
others,  took  part  in  these  entertainments. 

Messrs.  Price  and  Simpson  re-opened  the  Park  Theatre  on 
the  1st  of  September,  1823,  with  the  comedy  of  the  "  School 
of  Reform,"  and  the  afterpiece  of  the  "  Children  in  the  Wood." 
Mr.  Hilson,  who  now  rejoined  the  regular  company,  appeared 
as  Tyke  and  Walter ;  Mr.  Foot  played  Lord  Avondale ;  Mr. 
Watkinson,  Gen.  Tarragon  ;  Mr.  Simpson,  Ferment ;  Miss  John- 
son, Mrs.  Ferment,  and  Mrs.  Stevenson  (late  of  the  summer 
theatres,  who  was  engaged  as  a  substitute  for  Mrs.  Battersby) 
made  her  first  appearance  as  Mrs.  St.  Clair. 

Sept.  2d.  Mr.  Henry  Placide,  last  from  the  Charleston 
Theatre,  our  first  and  best  native  comedian,  made  his  first  ap- 
pearance on  the  Park  stage  in  the  characters  of  Zekiel  Home- 
spun and  Dr.  Dablancceur. 

Sept.  3d.  Mr.  Booth  commenced  an  engagement  as 
Richard  III. 

Sept.  5th.    Mrs.  Duff,  who  had  acquired  great  celebrity  at 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


419 


Boston  and  Philadelphia,  appeared  for  the  first  time  in  New 
York  as  Hermione,  in  the  "Distrest  Mother,"  supported  by- 
Mr.  Booth  as  Orestes.  Mrs.  Duff,  as  a  tragic  actress,  has  been 
equaled  on  the  American  Stage  only  by  Mrs.  Merry  and  Miss 
Kemble,  and  in  some  characters  has  surpassed  them  both. 
The  following  remarks  are  from  the  New  York  Mirror  of 
May  5th,  1827 : 

"Mrs.  Duff  is  decidedly  the  best  actress  in  our  country. 
*  *  *  x  There  are  few  who  are  not  able  to  appreciate 
good  playing ;  but  there  are  fewer  who  are  able  to  convey  to 
a  reader  a  distinct  idea  of  an  actor's  merits.  To  Mrs.  Duff,  in 
particular,  this  observation  applies.  In  her  style  of  acting, 
there  are  none  of  those  prominent  points — none  of  those 
strongly  marked  characteristics,  which  are  of  such  assistance 
to  the  dramatic  critic  in  his  observations  on  the  Stage.  Mrs. 
Duff  has  one  great  characteristic — one  peculiarity  that  strikes 
all  who  see  her,  and  that  is — uniformity  of  excellence.  She 
makes  no  points.  "VVe  cannot  say  of  her  as  we  used  to  say  of 
Kean:  'That  is  a  beautiful  touch.'  Her  merits  and  defects 
(though  the  latter  are  few  and  trivial)  pervade  the  whole  of 
whatever  character  she  undertakes.  From  beginning  to  end, 
you  see  before  you  only  the  character  she  is  personating. 
The  unity  of  her  conception,  the  oneness,  is  remarkable.  No 
temptation  can  induce  her  to  break  it.  If  a  scene  offer  ever 
so  much  opportunity  for  display,  and  it  be  not  authorized  by 
the  whole  design  and  tenor  of  the  part,  she  suffers  it  to  pass 
by  unembraced.  This  is  the  perfection  of  her  art.  She  seems 
to  have  a  separate  existence  during  the  continuance  of  the 
play,  and  to  have  lost  all  knowledge,  and  even  all  power  of 
seeing  the  realities  around  her.  Kean  startled  us  by  electric 
flashes — Mrs.  Barnes  occasionally  shines  out  with  great  vivid- 
ness— but  Mrs.  Duff  pours  out  one  unceasing  blaze  during  the 
whole  time  that  she  occupies  the  stage.  Not  that  there  is  a 
uniformity  of  interest  in  all  she  does,  but  a  uniformity  of 
excellence.  Drawing  an  illustration  from  Sculpture,  we  might 
properly  speak  of  her  style  as  bearing  a  resemblance  to  the 
immortal  Phidian  Goddess,  every  feature  of  which  is  true  to 


420 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


nature,  but  which  presents  a  whole  more  beautiful  than 
nature's  choicest  works.  Who  that  has  seen  Mrs.  Duff  in  the 
part  of  Jane  Shore,  for  example,  will  not  perceive  the  aptness 
of  the  remark  ?  In  every  line,  in  every  word,  she  is  true  to 
the  author,  and  departs  not  in  a  single  instance  from  his 
delineation ;  yet  the  character,  as  given  by  her,  is  one  of  far 
greater  elevation  and  dignity  than  Rowe  had  the  ability 
to  draw/' 

During  this  engagement,  Mrs.  Duff  appeared  as  Calanthe, 
Lady  Macbeth,  Tullia,  Roxana,  Imogine,  and  Mrs.  Beverly, 
supported  by  Mr.  Cooper,  who  commenced  his  engagement 
here  on  the  6th  as  Virginias.  For  her  benefit,  on  the  24th, 
she  played  Florinda,  in  the  "  Apostate,"  when  Mr.  Duff  ap- 
peared for  the  first  time  in  ten  years  as  Malec,  and  the  Three 
Singles.  Mrs.  Duff'  made  an  impression  at  this  time  that 
caused  her  to  be  universally  recognized  as  the  queen  of  tra- 
gedy; but  the  sceptre  was  finally  wrested  from  her  grasp  by 
the  powerful  hand  of  Fanny  Kemble,  whose  youth,  beauty, 
and  distinguished  patronymic,  aided  materially  in  seducing  . 
the  fickle  allegiance  of  the  public. 

Attached  to  the  Dublin  Theatre,  in  the  capacity  of  dancers, 
some  sixty  years  ago,  were  two  young  and  fascinating  Irish 
girls,  of  the  name  of  Dyke.  Their  extreme  grace  and  beauty 
attracted  general  admiration,  and  one  of  them  became  the 
first  wife  of  Thomas  Moore,  the  poet.  The  other,  Miss  Mary 
Ann  Dyke,  is  the  subject  of  our  notice,  who,  marrying  Mr. 
Duff,  accompanied  him  to  America  in  1810,  making  her  debut  ■ 
at  Boston,  in  the  character  of  Juliet,  with  indifferent  success. 
Her  style  was  then  so  tame  and  feeble  as  to  give  no  hope  of 
the  improvement  afterward  witnessed.  She  continued  play- 
ing principally  at  Philadelphia  and  Boston — till  at  the  latter 
place,  in  1817,  she  began  to  rise  rapidly  in  public  estima- 
tion— suddenly,  as  if  touched  by  a  magic  wand,  throwing  off 
the  languor  of  indifference,  and  exhibiting  in  vivid  intensity 
the  true  fire  of  genius.  After  returning  to  Philadelphia, 
where  she  played  for  a  season  with  most  brilliant  success,  she 
completed  her  triumph  by  her  appearance  in  New  York. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


421 


playing  afterward  throughout  the  Union,  and  exciting  the 
highest  enthusiasm  by  her  transcendent  excellence.  She  was 
for  a  long  time  the  main  support  of  the  Bowery  and  Chatham 
Theatres,  at  a  period  when  they  ranked  with  the  best  estab- 
lishments of  the  country.  In  the  latter  part  of  her  dramatic 
career,  after  her  husband's  death,  and  when  forced,  by  the  ne- 
cessities of  a  numerous  family,  and  the  immense  influx  of 
foreign  artists,  she  was  obliged  to  accept  engagements  at 
minor  theatres,  and  in  a  moment  of  hallucination  produced 
by  domestic  sorrow,  while  at  the  Richmond  Hill,  in  1833, 
contracted  her  extraordinary  marriage  with  Charles  Young, 
the  actor,  which  she  steadfastly  refused  to  consummate,  and 
which  was  soon  after  legally  dissolved. 

Mrs.  Duff  made  her  last  appearance  in  this  city,  in  the 
autumn  of  1835,  at  the  Franklin  Theatre,  and  we  then  saw 
her  perform  Florinda,  Adelgitha,  Lady  Randolph  and  Isabella, 
with  undiminished  excellence.  In  the  latter  part,  her  acting 
stands  out  in  distinct  and  vivid  recollection,  eclipsing  every 
other  dramatic  performance  in  our  memory.  She  soon  after 
quitted  the  stage  for  the  retirement  of  private  life,  becoming 
the  wife  of  Mr.  Sevier,  a  member  of  the  bar,  at  New  Orleans, 
where,  we  think,  she  is  still  living.  When  last  heard  from,  she 
was  an  active  and  zealous  member  of  her  church,  and  widely 
esteemed  for  her  amiable  and  benevolent  disposition.  In  her 
prime  she  possessed  beauty  of  a  most  remarkable  character ; 
a  noble  person,  elegantly  proportioned ;  a  face  full  of  soul ; 
eyes  of  melting  darkness,  winning  love  or  pity,  or  terrifying 
her  auditors  w;.th  the  lightning-flashes  of  scorn  and  indigna- 
tion ;  and  a  voice  which,  for  plaintive  tenderness  and  thrill- 
ing expression,  we  have  never  known  equaled.  Unlike  any 
other  performer,  devoid  of  stage  trick  and  conventionality, 
rising  superior  to  all  around  her,  "  we  ne'er  shall  look  upon 
her  like  again." 

^On  the  19th,  Mr.  Booth  appeared  as  Posthumus,  in  "Cymbe- 
line,"  for  his  benefit,  and  also  personated  Geoffrey  Muffincap, 
an  elderly  charity  boy,  in  the  new  farce  of  "  Amateurs  and 
Actors,"  then  first  performed,  with  Kent  as  O.  P.  Bustle, 


422 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Richings  as  David  Dulcet,  Watkinson  as  Elderberry,  Mrs. 
Wheatley  as  Mrs.  Goneril,  and  Mrs.  Bancker  as  Miss  Hardacre. 

"  The  Duel,"  long  a  favorite  farce,  was  first  brought  out  on 
the  25th,  with  Foot  as  Sir  Prior  Oldencourt,  Simpson  as  Au- 
gustus Buoyant,  Wood  hull  as  Harry  Buoyant,  Watkinson  as 
Silverhead,  Kent  as  G1  Mauley,  Mrs.  Bancker  as  Harriet,  and 
Mrs.  Wheatley  as  Mrs.  Barbottle. 

A  new  tragedy,  called  the  "  Renegade,  or  France  Restored," 
was  first  played  on  the  26th,  as  follows : 

Charles  Martel    .    .    .    Mr.  Clarke.  Leodat  Mr.  Woodhull. 

Agobar  "    Matwood.  Ezilda  Miss  Johnson. 

Alaor  "    Simpson.  i    Anatilda    ....    Mrs.  Bancker. 

Gondair  "  Foot. 

It  was  repeated  two  or  three  times,  and  its  authors,  Doctors 
Cooper  and  Grey,  had  a  benefit  on  the  3d  of  October. 

Mr.  Cooper  concluded  his  engagement  on  the  29th  of  Sep- 
tember, when  he  played  Marc  Antony  and  Petruchio,  for  his 
benefit. 

Oct.  6th.  Miss  E.  Placide  was  added  to  the  company, 
making  her  debut  as  Margaretta,  in  "  No  Song,  No  Supper." 

Oct.  10th.  Mrs.  J.  H.  Clarke,  an  amiable  and  interesting 
woman,  made  a  very  favorable  impression  as  Miss  Hardcastle 
and  Myrtillo,  being  her  first  appearance  on  the  American 
Stage,  to  which  she  was  attached  but  one  or  two  seasons. 

Oct.  13th.  Mr.  Cooper  commenced  a  re-engagement  as  Rolla, 
with  Mrs.  Tatnall's  first  appearance  this  season,  in  the  part 
of  Elvira. 

Oct.  18th.  The  tragedy  of  "Durazzo,"  written  by  James; 
Haynes,  was  first  represented  here. 

Durazzo  Mr.  Cooper.  Antonio  Mr.  Woodhull. 

King  "    Foot.  Alonzo  "  Simpson. 

Benducar  "    Matwood.  Zelinda  Miss  Johnson. 

Garcia  "    Clarkb.  I     Leonora    ....    Mrs.  Bancker. 

I 

Oct.  20th.  After  the  performance  of  "  Coriolanus,"  with 
Cooper  and  Mrs.  Tatnall,  as  Caius  Marcius  and  Volum- 
nia,  a  new  farce  was  produced,  called  "  Cent  Per  Cent,"  thus 
cast: 

Col.  Trumbull    .    .    .    Mr.  Foot.  [     Starch  Mr.  Hilson. 

Capt.  Dashmore  ..."    Simpson.  j     Mrs.  Pennyfarthing  .    Miss  E.  Placide. 

Charles  Hopeful .    .    .     "    Woodhull.  Charlotte  ....    Mrs.  Bancker. 

Pennyfartning   ..."    Watkinson.  | 

Oct.  27th.  J.  Howard  Payne's  drama,  called  the  "  Two  Galley 


CORIOLANUS 

Engraved  by  Adamo  from  a  painting  by  Bauer 
(German) 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


423 


Slaves,"  long  a  favorite  afterpiece,  was  thus  first  played 
here : 


Bonhomme 
Henry  .  . 
Maj.  Delisle 
Laroute 


Mr. 


Foot. 
Simpson. 
Woodhull. 
Kent. 


Unknown  ....  Mr.  Clarke. 

Basil  "  Placide. 

Felix   Miss  Brundaqe. 

Louisa  "  Johnson. 


Nov.  3d.  Mrs.  Stone,  who  was  now  engaged  for  the  heavy 
business,  in  lieu  of  Mrs.  Stevenson,  made  her  first  appearance 
as  Mrs.  Malfort,  in  the  "  Soldier's  Daughter." 

Nov.  5th.  Mr.  Pearrnan  achieved  a  triumphant  success  on 
his  first  appearance  in  America,  as  Count  Belino,  in  the 
"Devil's  Bridge."  Mr.  Pearrnan  was  born  at  Manchester, 
England,  in  1792,  and  had  appeared  at  the  Lyceum  Theatre, 
London,  as  a  vocalist,  as  early  as  1817.  He  was  manly  and 
handsome  in  person,  with  a  fine,  expressive  face,  and  a  species 
of  baritone  voice,  that  enabled  him  to  execute  many  tenor 
parts  with  fine  effect.  As  a  singer,  although  inferior  in 
voice  to  Phillipps,  he  possessed  in  an  unusual  degree,  taste, 
science  and  skill,  and  as  an  actor  was  far  superior  to  the 
generality  of  vocalists.  He  returned  to  England  at  the  close 
of  the  season,  but  was  again  in  America  with  his  wife  in 
1827-8-9.  He  is  reported  to  have  died  in  the  West  Indies 
soon  after. 

Nov..  12th.  Howard  Payne's  beautiful  domestic  drama  of 
'*  Clari,  the  Maid  of  Milan,"  interspersed  with  Bishop's  ex- 
quisite music,  and  containing  the  undying  song  that  has 
touched  so  many  hearts  with  its  unaffected  pathos — "  Home, 
Sweet  Home!" — was  thus  first  produced  on  the  American 
Stage : 


)uke  Vivaldi 

tolamo  .  , 

'ocow .  .  , 

ieronio  .  . 

fimpedo  .  . 

"f  icolo .  .  . 

laudio  .  . 

i  ialio .  .  . 


Mr.  Clarke. 

"  Maywood. 

"  Pearman. 

"  Watkinson. 

"  Placide. 

"  Reed. 

"  Kent. 

"  RlCHINQS. 


Nobleman  . 
Pelgrino  . 
Pelgrino's  Wi 
I.eoda   .  . 
Veppina 
Fidalma 
Clari     .  . 
Ninetta.  . 


Mr.  Woodhull. 

"  Wbeatley. 
Mrs.  Stone. 

"  Banckeb. 

"  HOLMAN. 

"  Wheatley. 
Miss  Johnson. 
"   E.  Placide. 


An  admirable  cast  throughout.  Pearman  and  Mrs.  Hol- 
aandid  full  justice  to  the  music;  Maywood  rendered  Rolamo 
ery  powerfully ;  and  the  pathos  and  artlessness  of  Miss  John- 
on,  now  in  the  full  pride  of  youthful  beauty,  made  her  per- 
"rmance  of  Clari  deeply  affecting. 


424  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

Mr.  Pearman  took  his  benefit  on  the  21st,  when  he  pre- 
sented "  Clari,"  and  a  new  farce,  called  "  I  Will  Have  a  Wife," 
thus  cast: 

Admiral  Firedrake  .    .    Mr.  Kent.  I     Emily  Mrs.  Holman. 

Capt.  Firedrake ..."    Pearman.  Isabella   44  Bancker. 

O'Leary  "    Woodhull.        |     Mrs.  Somerford   .    .      44  Clarke. 

Nov.  24th.  Mr.  Vincent  De  Camp,  a  veteran  of  the  London 
Stage,  and  brother  to  Mrs.  Charles  Kemble,  made  his  first  ap- 
pearance in  America  as  Gossamer  and  the  Three  Singles.  He 
afterward  played  Tangent,  Rover,  Twinealt,  Dick  Cypher,  Bene- 
dick, Ranger,  Vapid,  Morbleau,  &c,  but  failed  to  make  the  im- 
pression he  had  anticipated. 

Mr.  De  Camp  was  born  in  Vienna,  Austria,  about  1777,  and 
coming  to  England,  in  early  life,  with  his  father,  (an  eminent 
musician)  he  was  introduced  on  the  boards  of  Drury  Lane  as 
a  representative  of  juvenile  parts.  He  afterward  played  at 
Margate,  Edinburgh,  &c,  and  on  reaching  manhood  made  his 
second  debut  at  Drury  Lane,  as  Vapour,  in  "  My  Grandmother," 
and  was  soon  considered  a  useful  performer  of  fops,  cox- 
combs and  gay  footmen.  He  was  afterward  attached  to  the 
Haymarket,  where  he  enacted  the  first  line  of  comedy  with 
general  approbation,  and  for  a  long  time  occupied  a  very 
prominent  position  on  the  British  Stage.  He  had  deterio- 
rated on  his  appearance  here,  and  it  availed  but  little  to 
know  that  he  had  been  a  valuable  and  distinguished  come- 
dian. Mr.  De  Camp  was  subsequently  manager  or  stage- 
director  of  several  American  theatres,  and  last  played  in  New 
York  at  the  Lafayette  Theatre,  in  1828.  Mr.  Wemyss  states 
that  he  retired  from  the  Stage  and  managed  a  dairy  farm 
near  Mobile,  and  we  have  before  us  a  memorandum  noting 
his  death  in  Texas,  July  27th,  1839. 

Nov.  25th.  The  grand  drama  of  "  Undine,  or  the  Spirit  of 
the  Waters,"  was  first  played  in  America,  with  the  following 
cast,  and  with  great  success : 


Sir  Hildebrand  .        .  Mr.  Simpson. 

Seneschal  "  Wheatley. 

Walter  44  Kent. 

Kuhleborn    ....     "  Clarke. 

Gyblin  "  Reed. 


Seer 

Undine 

Bertalda 

Agatha 

Bridget 


Mr.  Woodhull. 
Miss  Johnson. 

44    E.  Flaoide. 

44  Bland. 
Mrs.  Wheatley. 


In  December,  Mr.  C6oper,  who  appears   never  to  have 


RKCORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


425 


been  more  popular,  went  through  with  another  engagement, 
terminating  with  his  benefit  on  the  29th,  as  Zanga. 

Mr.  Pearman  followed — opening  as  the  Seraskier,  in  the 
u  Siege  of  Belgrade,"  and  appearing  on  the  5th  of  January, 
1824,  as  Prince  Orlando  and  Paul,  for  the  benefit  of  Mrs. 
Holman.  About  this  time  a  grand  ball  was  given  in 
the  Theatre  for  the  benefit  of  the  Greek  patriots,  who 
were  struggling  with  Turkey  for  their  independence, 
and  during  the  time  occupied  for  preparing  the  neces- 
sary alterations,  the  company  played  at  the  Broadway 
Circus. 

Jan.  9th.  An  opera,  called  "Maid  Marian,"  was  brought 
out,  but  the  best  efforts  of  the  performers  could  not  render 
it  popular.    It  was  thus  cast: 

King  Richard         .    .    Mr.   Clarke.  j     LUtle  John     ...    Mr.  Richinqs. 

Prince  John  ....      "     Maywood.  Friar  Tuck     ..."  Hilsox. 

Fitzwalter     ....     "     Watkinson.  Friar  Peter    ...     "  Placidk. 

llontfaucon   ....     *'     Woodhcll.  Win.  Gamwell     .    .     14  Kent. 

Sir  William  ....     "     Fo«t.  Matilda  Mrs.  Holman. 

Robin  Hood  ....     "  Pearman. 

Jan.  12th.  Mr.  William  Augustus  Conway  made  his  first 
appearance  in  America  as  Hamlet.  He  was  received  with 
great  enthusiasm,  and  during  his  engagement  personated  the 
characters  of  Coriolanus,  Bertram,  Lord  Townly,  Aben  Hamet, 
(Conquest  of  Taranto)  Beverly  and  Petruchio,  with  entire  suc- 
cess. 

This  talented  but  unfortunate  man  was  born  in  London,  in 
the  year  1789,  and  educated  for  the  law;  but  imbibing  a 
passion  for  the  Stage,  he  made  his  first  appearance,  before 
attaining  the  age  of  twenty,  at  Chester,  as  Zanga,  in  the 
"  Revenge."  He  was  then  engaged  by  the  elder  Macready 
for  a  provincial  circuit,  in  which  he  gained  so  much  repute 
that,  in  1812,  he  was  secured  for  the  Dublin  Theatre,  where 
he  played  the  first  line  of  characters  with  the  famous  Miss 
O'Neill,  for  whom,  it  is  said,  he  cherished  an  ardent  but  un- 
reciprocated passion. 

On  the  4th  of  October,  1814,  he  made  his  first  appearance 
in  London,  at  Covent  Garden,  as  Alexander  the  Great,  in 
which  character  he  was  received  with  distinguished  approba- 
tion.   He  soon  played  a  variety  of  parts  in  tragedy  and  gen- 

54 


426 


RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


teel  comedy,  firmly  establishing  himself  in  the  good  opinion 
of  the  London  audience,  as  well  as  in  the  provinces,  where  he 
played  frequent  star  engagements.    In  1821,  he  was  attached 
to  the  Haymarket,  when  the  publication  of  some  malignant 
criticism,  of  a  personal  nature,  written  by  Theodore  Hook,  so 
affected  his  morbid  sensibility,  that,  although  standing  at  the 
highest  point  of  popular  favor,  he  threw  up  his  engagement, 
and  betook  himself  to  the  duties  of  a  prompter,  from  which 
position  he  was  persuaded  by  his  friends  to  visit  America, 
where  his  engagements  were  attended  with  the  most  grati- 
fying success.    But  Mr.  Conway  was  nervous  and  sensitive  to 
the  highest  degree,  keenly  alive  to  the  lightest  touch  of 
ridicule,  and,  unfortunately  for  his  own  peace  of  mind,  pos- 
sessed a  most  commanding  person,  towering  above  six  feet  in 
height.    His  horror  at  being  obliged  to  play  with  others  of 
less  size,  which  rendered  him,  as  he  imagined,  absurdly  con- 
spicuous, and  his  unfounded  apprehension  of  conspiracies  to 
keep  him  down  in  the  profession,  with  other  fancied  diffi- 
culties, so  preyed  upon  his  mind,  that  they  produced  a  settled 
melancholy,  which  finally  caused  him  to  leave  the  Stage,  and 
devote  himself  to  the  study  of  religion,  with  a  view  to  enter- 
ing the  ministry.    It  is  said  that  about  this  time,  he  de- 
livered several  beautiful  sacred  discourses  in  this  city.  Early 
in  the  spring  of  1828,  he  took  passage  from  here  for  Charles- 
ton, and  on  arriving  off  the  bar  at  the  entrance  of  the 
harbor  there,  suddenly  threw  himself  overboard,  and  so  per- 
ished.   From  various  evidences,  the  act  would  appear  to  have 
been  long  premeditated,  and  the  result  of  settled  derange- 
ment or  monomania.    His  death  was  a  source  of  sincere 
regret  to  many  devoted  and  well-tried,  but  perhaps  misun- 
derstood and  unappreciated  friends,  whom  his  habitual  re- 
serve and  secluded  habits  kept  at  a  distance.    Mr.  Conway's 
superiority  as  an  actor  was  the  result  of  a  superior  education, 
and  the  most  careful  and  elaborate  study  of  character,  and 
his  personations  evinced  all  the  high-wrought  finish  and 
artistic  elegance  of  the  Kemble  and  Macready  schools. 
Jan.  31st.    A  drama,  entitled  "Greece  and  Liberty,"  was 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


427 


produced ;  the  desperate  struggle  of  the  Greek  Revolutionists, 
at  this  time,  rendering  anything  that  contained  an  allusion 
to  the  subject  very  attractive.    It  was  thus  cast: 


Marco  Bozzarls 
llavrocadarto 
Christian  . 
Alexis  .    .  . 
Acasto  . 


Mr. 


Maywood. 

Clarke. 

Foot. 

Placide. 

Reed. 


Seraskier  . 
Kislar  Aga 
Kimbaska  • 
Matilda.  . 
Hamida 


Mr.  Woodhull. 

u  Wheatley. 

"  Bancker. 
Miss  Johnson. 
Mr9.  Bancker. 


Feb.  2d.  A  joint  engagement  was  commenced  by  Messrs. 
Cooper  and  Conway,  who,  in  friendly  rivalry,  exerted  them- 
selves to  the  utmost,  and  attracted  nightly  overflowing  audi- 
ences, composed  principally  of  the  highest  intelligence  of  the 
city.  During  this  engagement,  Mr.  Cooper  played  Pierre, 
Othello,  Lear,  King  John,  Joseph  Surface,  and  Lothario,  in  the 
"Fair  Penitent,"  with  the  aid  of  Conway  as  Jajfier,  Iago, 
Edgar,  Falconb ridge,  Charles  Surface  and  Horatio.  For  Mr. 
Cooper's  benefit  on  the  16th,  the  "  Orphan"  and  the  "  Liar" 
were  performed,  with  Mr.  Conway  as  Castalio,  and  the  benefi- 
ciary as  Chamont  and  Young  Wilding ;  while,  for  Conway's 
benefit  on  the  18th,  "Julius  Caesar"  and  the  "Review"  were 
enacted,  with  Cooper  as  Brutus,  and  Conway  as  Marc  Antony 
and  Looney.  It  was  conceded  that  on  these  occasions,  Mr. 
Cooper  surpassed  all  his  former  efforts,  and  that  this  season 
witnessed  his  crowning  point  of  excellence. 

Feb-  oth.  A  new  comedy,  called  "Pigeons  and  Crows," 
was  produced  for  the  first  time,  as  follows : 


Sir  Peter  Pigwiggen 
Cupt.  Neville .  .  . 
Muzz  .... 

Wadd  

Blondeau  .... 


Mr.  Watkinson. 

**  Simpson. 

"  Foot. 

"  Reed. 

u  Placide. 


Terry   Mr.  Kent. 

Louisa   Miss  Johnson. 

Mary   "    E.  Plactdi. 

Mrs.  Mervey  .    .    .  Mrs.  Wheatley. 


Feb.  23d.  A  drama,  by  Samuel  Woodworth,  entitled  "  La- 
fayette, or  the  Castle  of  Olmutz,"  was  first  represented,  with 
the  following  cast : 


Lafayette  . 
Lohrstein  . 
Huger  .  . 
Bribenberg 
Balmar 
Walter.  . 


Mr.  Maywood. 

"  Foot. 

"  SlMPSOW. 

M  Kent. 

"  Clarke. 

11  Placide. 


Worrasberg 
Leopold 
Ellen  . 
Rosara  . 
Annette 
Countess 


Mr.  Reed. 

"  Woodhull. 
Miss  Johnson. 
Mrs.  Clarke. 

"  Bancker. 

"  Wueatlet. 


It  was  repeated  a  few  times,  and  the  author  had  a  benefit, 
m  the  23d  of  April. 

Mr.  Woodworth  was  the  successful  author  of  several  dramas, 
)ut  one  of  which,  the  "  Forest  Rose,"  now  retains  possession 
>f  the  Stage.    He  wrote  one  or  two  unsuccessful  novels,  and 


428 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


as  a  poet,  gained  a  reputation  for  facility  of  versification  un- 
equaled  in  America.  His  fame  now  principally  rests  on  his 
song  of  "  The  Old  Oaken  Bucket."  He  was  the  original  pro- 
jector of  the  "New  York  Mirror,"  for  twenty  years  the  lead- 
ing, literary  newspaper  of  New  York.  Mr.  Woodworth  died  in 
1842,  at  the  age  of  57. 

Feb.  25th.  Mr.  J.  J.  Adams  opened  an  engagement  as 
Alexander  the  Great;  playing  Octavian  on  the  27th,  and 
Young1  Norval  on  the  28th,  after  which  the  Theatre  closed 
for  a  few  nights,  re-opening  March  8th,  with  Mr.  Pearman  as 
Jocoso,  and  Sylvio  in  "Brother  and  Sister."  His  new  parts 
were  Young  Meadows,  and  Lord  William,  in  the  "Haunted 
Tower;"  and  for  his  benefit,  on  the  22d,  he  appeared  as 
Francis  Osbaldistone,  and  produced,  for  the  first  time  in 
thirty  years,  the  burletta  of  "Midas,"  thus  cast: 

Apollo  Mr.  Pearman.  Mysis  Miss  E.  Placide. 

Jupiter  "    Richixgs.  Daphne   "  Johnson. 

Midas  "    Hilson.  Nysa  Mrs.  Holman. 

Feb.  16th.  Mr.  Adams  took  what  purported  to  be  his 
farewell  benefit,  previous  to  his  retirement  from  the 
Stage,  when  he  appeared  as  Rolla,  in  "Pizarro,"  and  de- 
livered a  farewell  address.  His  retirement  lasted  but  a 
few  years. 

Mr.  Booth  was  again  engaged,  and  appeared  on  the  24th  as 
Richard  III. 

Feb.  25th.  The  "  Avenger's  Vow,"  a  drama  by  C.  P.  Clinch, 
was  very  successfully  produced,  with  the  following  cast : 

Gonzago   Mr.  Maywood.  Paolo   Mr.  Hilson. 

Cynthio  "  Simpson.  Ildefonza  ....  Miss  Johnson. 

Lothair  "  Woodhull.  Isadora     ....  Mrs.  Holman. 

Mclchior  "  Clarke. 

April  2d.  Mr.  Booth  played  Selim,  in  the  "  Bride  of 
Abydos,"  and  Jerry  Sneak,  for  his  benefit. 

April  5th.  Cooper  and  Conway  re-appeared ;  and,  during 
their  engagement,  interchanged  characters  on  alternate 
nights,  each  appearing  as  Pierre,  Jaffier,  Othello,  Iago,  Marc 
Antony,  Brutus,  and  Macbeth.  Mr.  Conway  also  personated 
Hamlet,  Hemeya,  Coriolanus,  and  Romeo. 

April  26th.  Mr.  Maywood  announced  his  benefit  pre- 
vious to  his  return  to  Europe,  and  played  three  of  his 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


429 


best  characters  —  Sir  Pertinax,  Count  de  Croissy,  and 
Skirmish. 

May  3d.  A  comedy  called  the  "  Little  Thief,"  altered  by 
Mr.  Foot,  from  Beaumont  and  Fletcher's  "  Night  Walker,"  was 
brought  out  as  follows  : 

Tom  Lurcher.    .    .    .    Mr.  Clarke.  Alathe  Miss  Johnson. 

Jack  Wildbrain  ..."     Simpson  Maria  Mrs.  Clarke. 

Frank  Heartlove     .    .     "     Woodhull.  Margaretta.    ...      M  Stone. 

Allgripe  "    Watkinson.  Nur^e  "  Wheatlet. 

Toby  "  Hilson. 

Mr.  Pearman's  farewell  engagement  now  commenced ;  and 
on  the  10th  the  first  performance  of  the  "  Marriage  of  Figaro," 
with  Bishop's  music,  occurred — it  having  been  previously 
played  as  a  comedy,  called  the  "Follies  of  a  Day." 


Count  Almaviva.    .    .  Mr.  Simpson.  Cherubino  ....  Mrs.  Bancker, 

Figaro   '*  Pearmax.  Countess    ....  Miss  Johnson. 

Fiorello   "  Richinqs.  Susanna    ....  Mm.  Holman. 

Antonio   "  Placide.  Barbarina  ....  Miss  E.  Placide. 


May  14.  Mrs.  Holman  took  her  benefit,  previous  to  her 
proposed  retirement  from  the  profession;  and  on  the  21st 
Mr.  Pearman  also  took  his  farewell,  previous  to  returning 
to  his  native  land.  On  both  these  occasions,  the  "  Marriage 
of  Figaro"  was  performed  with  great  success. 

May  28th.  Mr.  Booth  commenced  a  new  engagement  with 
his  masterpiece,  Sir  Giles  Overreach. 

May  31st.  For  Mr.  Simpson's  benefit,  the  Rev.  George 
Croly's  comedy,  entitled  "  Pride  Must  Have  a  Fall,"  was  pro- 
duced, but  attained  slight  popularity.    We  give  its  cast: 

Cornet  Carmine  .    .    .    Mr.  Simpson.  Major  O'Shannon  Mr.  Woonnun.. 

Count  Ventoso    ..."  Kent.  Countess  Ventoso    .  Mrs.  Wueatlet. 

Lorenzo  "  Clarke.  Leonora     ....      "  Banckir. 

Torrento  ...        .     "  Hilson.  Victoria     ....      "  Holman. 

Spado  "  Placide. 

June  4th.  Lunn's  capital  farce,  called  "  Fish  Out  of  Water," 
was  thus  first  played  here  : 

Sam  Savory  ....    Mr.  Hilson.  Steward     ....    Mr.  Placide. 

Sir  Geo.  C-urtly.    .    .     "    Foot.  John  "  "Wheatlet. 

Aid.  Gayfair  ....     "    Kent.  Ellen  Mrs.  Bancker. 

Charles  "    Simpson.  Lucy  Miss  E.  Placide. 

June  7th.  Mrs.  Waring,  from  England,  appeared  as  Elvira, 
in  "  Pizarro,"  and  Flora,  in  the  "  Midnight  Hour."  We  have 
no  further  knowledge  of  her,  save  the  statement  of  Mr. 
Wemyss,  that  she  returned  to  England  and  died  there. 

June  9th.  Mr.  Booth  played  Pescara,  in  the  "  Apostate," 
for  his  benefit,  assisted  by  Mr.  Conway,  as  Hemeya ;  and  in  the 


430 


RECORDS  OP  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


afterpiece  of  "High  Life  Below  Stairs,"  Mr.  Thayer  made  his 
first  appearance  in  New  York  as  My  Lord  Duke's  Servant 

Mr.  Edward  J.  Thayer  was,  at  one  time,  well  known  in  New 
York,  but,  for  the  last  thirty  years,  has  been  principally  at- 
tached to  the  Philadelphia  Theatres,  where  he  is  a  standard 
favorite.  He  is  a  native  of  Bostoo,  Mass.,  and  made  his  first 
dramatic  attempt  there,  as  a  member  of  the  Philo-dramatic 
Society,  in  1820,  in  the  character  of  Young  Norval ;  and,  in 
1821,  appeared  at  the  Federal  Street  Theatre  as  Tancred,  in 
"  Tancred  and  Sigismunda,"  with  success.  He  was  a  member 
of  the  Chatham  Garden  Company  in  its  best  days,  and 
achieved  a  brilliant  reputation  there,  as  the  successor  of 
George  Barrett,  in  light  comedy ;  indeed,  we  doubt  whether, 
as  an  actor  simply,  in  that  line,  he  has  ever  been  surpassed 
amoogst  us,  but,  being  rather  under  size,  he  lacked  the  ad- 
vantage of  a  dashing  exterior ;  and,  after  a  few  years,  a  ten- 
dency toward  corpulence,  and  a  rather  deeply  lined  face, 
materially  marred  the  effect  of  his  personations.  About  1830, 
he  married  Mrs.  Palmer  Fisher,  the  mother  of  Miss  Alexina 
Fisher,  the  latter  of  whom  he  introduced  to  the  public  as  a 
juvenile  star,  with  great  success.  Mr.  Thayer  last  appeared 
in  New  York  as  the  representative  of  humorous  old  men,  at 
Burton's  Theatre,  in  1848,  and  has  since  resided  in  Phila- 
delphia, in  the  enjoyment  of  competence,  actively  pursuing 
the  duties  of  his  profession,  until  his  retirement  in  1863. 

Mr.  Clason  made  his  first  appearance  as  Hamlet,  on  the  oc- 
casion of  Mr.  Foot's  benefit,  June  18th ;  he  also  played  Jaffier 
for  Mr.  Woodhull,  on  the  22d,  and  Othello  for  Mr.  Reed,  on 
the  28th. 

Isaac  Starr  Clason,  a  member  of  a  distinguished  family  of 
New  York,  will  be  better  remembered,  probably,  as  a  poet 
than  as  actor.  With  a  highly  cultivated  mind,  a  refined  lite- 
rary taste,  and  many  of  the  most  important  requirements  of 
excellence,  his  habits  of  dissipation  were  such  as  to  destroy 
all  the  promise  of  his  early  years,  and  to  hurry  him  through 
a  career  of  shame  and  wretchedness  to  a  suicide's  grave.  He 
died  in  London,  in  1834,  by  inhaling  the  fumes  of  charcoal, 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE 


431 


in  company  with  his  mistress.  Mr.  Clason's  name  will  be 
found  in  our  Records  the  next  two  seasons. 

Mrs.  Burke  also  appeared  here,  for  the  first  time  in  nine 
years,  for  Mr.  Woodhull's  benefit,  her  vocal  abilities  having 
improved,  rather  than  deteriorated,  during  that  period. 

Mr.  Placide  took  his  first  benefit  in  New  York  on  the  22d, 
when  he  appeared  as  Mrs.  Malaprop  (!)  in  the  "  Rivals." 

Jane  30th.  For  Mr.  Richings'  benefit,  Mr.  Roberts  made 
his  first  appearance  on  the  Park  stage,  in  a  new  drama,  called 
|  the  "Fortunes  of  Nigel,"  then  first  acted  as  follows  : 

!    King  Junes  ....    Mr.  Roberts.               Christie   Mr.  Woodhull. 

Lord  Nigel    ....  Simpson.  Trapbois    ....  "  Watkinson. 

j    Lord  Dalgarno   ..."  Clarke.  Lady  Hermione  .    .  Miss  Johnson. 

J    Ramsay  44  Placide.  Mrs.  Christie  ...  44    E.  Placide. 

i    Buckingham  ....     44  Richinqs.  |     Martha  Trapbois  .    .  Mrs.  Stone. 

Monday,  July  5th,  was  the  last  of  the  season,  when  the 
drama  of  "  Washington,"  and  an  equestrian  spectacle  called 
I  "Alexander  the  Great,"  introducing  Mrs.  Tatnall  and  the 
Circus  troupe,  were  the  entertainments. 

The  Broadway  Circus  was  open,  very  successfully,  during 
the  summer  of  1824,  and  "  Tom  and  Jerry"  had  a  long  run 
there.  Besides  the  corps  of  equestrians,  rope-dancers,  &c, 
Mrs.  Tatnall,  Mr.  Roberts,  and  Mr.  Cowell  were  the  principal 
attractions. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


Park  Theatre,  1824-5— Broadway  Circus— Chatham  Garden  Theatre. 

H  E  Park  Theatre  having  been  again  wholly  re- 
painted and  tastefully  embellished,  was  re-opened 
to  the  public  on  the  30th  of  August,  1824.  The 
new  drop-curtain,  painted  by  Mr.  Evers,  and  representing  the 
Park,  City  Hall,  &c,  was  very  effectively  executed,  and  very 
generally  admired. 

The  plays  were  the  "  Poor  Gentleman"  and  "  Ella  Rosen- 
berg," in  which  Messrs.  Watkinson,  Placide,  Foot,  Simpson, 
Richings,  Kent,  Clarke,  Bancker,  Woodhull  and  Nexsen,  Mrs. 
Wheatley,  Miss  Johnson  and  Mrs.  Bancker  appeared  ;  and 
Mr.  Schinotti  danced  a  hornpipe.  Mr.  Maywood,  Mrs.  Hol- 
man  and  Mrs.  Stone  were  not  among  the  company  this  sea- 
son. Mrs.  Kent  was  engaged,  and  made  her  first  appearance 
on  the  31st,  as  Elvira,  in  "Pizarro." 

The  first  novelty  of  the  season  was  MoncriefT's  equestrian 
drama  of  the  "  Cataract  of  the  Ganges,"  which  brought  Mr. 
Blythe  and  his  horses  into  requisition,  and  being  got  up  with 
unusual  care  and  splendor,  had  a  long  and  profitable  run.  It 
was  thus  cast : 

Ackbar  Mr.  Richings.  Ambassador   .    .    .    Mr.  Nexsen. 

Jam  Saheb    ....     "    Foot.  Mordaunt  ....     "  Clarke. 

Mokarra  "    Simpson.  Jack  Robinson    .    .     "  Hilson. 

Mokagee  "    Placide.  Princess  Dessa    .    .    Miss  Brundage. 

Iran  11    Woodudll.  Zamine  "  Johnson. 

Omar  "    Blytbe.  Ubra  Mrs.  Bancker. 

Brahmin  «•    Bancker.  Matali  "  Wheatley. 

Sept.  2d.  Mr.  Barnes  made  his  first  appearance  since  his 
return  from  Europe,  in  the  characters  of  Sir  Anthony  Abso- 
lute and  Darby,  and  was  received  with  acclamation.    His  ac- 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


433 


complished  wife  also  re-appeared  on  the  6th,  in  her  favorite 
character  of  Isabella,  receiving  the  same  hearty  and  enthusi- 
astic welcome.  From  henceforth  Mrs.  Barnes  was  recognized 
as  a  star  of  the  first  magnitude. 

Sept.  7th.  Mr.  Stanley,  from  Drury  Lane,  made  his  first 
appearance  in  America  as  Rover.  Mr.  Stanley  was  attached 
to  the  company  for  two  or  three  seasons,  and  became  rather  a 
favorite  in  light  comedy. 

Sept.  15th.  Mr.  Lee,  another  recruit  from  London,  com- 
menced his  engagement  in  the  character  of  Shylock.  On  the 
18th,  he  appeared  as  tfir  Edward  Mortimer.  These  charac- 
ters were  beyond  his  grasp,  but  being  a  sensible  and  judicious 
actor,  he  became  a  valuable  member  of  the  company,  and  in 
second  tragedy  parts,  and  in  the  more  serious  characters  of 
genteel  comedy,  gave  great  satisfaction.  He  left  the  Theatre 
in  1827,  and  we  have  no  further  knowledge  of  him. 

A  still  more  important  personage  appeared  on  the  17th,  as 
Lady  Teazle.  This  was  Miss  Lydia  Kelly,  who,  as  the  dashing 
representative  of  the  fashionable  and  high-flown  heroines  of 
comedy,  maintained  for  several  seasons  the  highest  position 
in  the  favor  of  the  public.  Her  first  list  of  characters  in- 
cluded Beatrice-,  Helen  Worrett,  Lady  Elizabeth  Freelove,  Flo- 
retta,  ("  Cabinet")  Letitia  Hardy,  Rosina,  Lilla,  ("  Siege  of  Bel- 
grade") Violante,  Mrs.  Oakley,  and  Maria,  in  "Of  Age  To- 
morrow." 

Miss  Kelly  was  born  in  London,  June  2d,  1795.  She  was  a 
niece  of  the  celebrated  Michael  Kelly,  professor  of  music.  One 
of  her  sisters  svas  Miss  F.  M.  Kelly,  the  famous  London  act- 
ress ;  and  another,  a  half-sister,  the  wife  of  the  elder  Ma- 
thews. At  the  age  of  thirteen,  she  first  attempted  the  Stage 
at  Glasgow,  as  Louisa,  in  the  "  Deserter,"  and  two  years  after 
joined  the  Drury  Lane  company,  then  performing  at  the  Ly- 
ceum, where  she  first  appeared  as  Rosina,  October  11th,  1810, 
her  engagement  lasting  for  three  years.  She  afterward  played 
at  Edinburgh  and  various  provincial  theatres,  as  well  as  at 
Drury  Lane,  with  success.  Miss  Kelly  was  rather  masculine 
in  appearance,  but  the  richness  and  elegance  of  her  costume 

55 


434 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


set  her  off  to  great  advantage  on  the  Stage.  Her  performances 
were  somewhat  lacking  in  delicacy  and  refinement,  and  in 
that  nice  discrimination  of  light  and  shade  pervading  every 
well-drawn  character — perhaps  by  some  they  would  be  de- 
scribed as  coarse,  but  they  were  nevertheless  effective  and 
forcible,  and  her  never-failing  animal  spirits,  good  humor  and 
vivacity  completely  overbalanced  her  failings,  and  always 
carried  her  through  with  applause.  As  a  singer,  she  was  at 
first  regarded  with  great  favor,  but  she  was  soon  eclipsed  by 
Mrs.  Knight,  Madame  Feron,  Mrs.  Austin,  Miss  George,  and 
others,  whose  warbling  abilities  were  of  a  much  higher  order. 
Miss  Kelly  took  her  farewell  benefit  at  the  Park  Theatre,  May 
20th,  1831,  in  her  favorite  character  of  Beatrice,  in  which,  at 
the  time,  she  was  thought  to  be  unapproachable.  She  also 
delivered  a  farewell  address,  written  by  Mr.  Stone.  Her  final 
appearance  in  America  occurred  on  the  26th  of  July  in  that 
year,  when  she  personated  the  Widow  Cheerly,  for  the  benefit 
of  the  unfortunate  Mrs.  Gilfert.  She  soon  after  returned  to 
Europe,  after  an  American  career  of  unprecedented  brilliancy 
and  success,  and  married  a  French  Baron,  from  whom  she  re- 
treated when  she  found  he  had  taken  her  for  what  her  talents 
would  command.  We  understand  she  still  lives  in  comfort- 
able independence. 

Sept.  18th.  Mrs.  Barnes  took  her  benefit,  when  she  ap- 
peared as  Imogen,  in  "Cymbeline;"  and  Colin,  in  "Nature 
and  Philosophy." 

Sept.  21st.  Mrs.  De  Luce — wife  of  the  orchestra-leader — 
made  her  first  appearance  on  the  Stage  as  Lucy  Bertram,  with 
tolerable  success.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Major  Hollins- 
head,  of  the  American  army,  and,  besides  possessing  great 
beauty  of  countenance,  was  a  very  pleasing  ballad  singer. 
Mrs.  De  Luce  continued  on  the  Stage  a  year  or  two,  and  after 
her  retirement  was  long  a  member  of  the  choir  at  St.  Paul's, 
and  a  favorite  singer  at  public  concerts.  She  died  in  New 
York,  April  18th,  1851,  aged  52  years.  One  of  her  sons  is  a 
well-known  musician,  and  a  daughter  is  the  wife  of  the 
comedian  Holland. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


435 


Mr.  Cooper  commenced  an  engagement  as  Macbeth  on  the 
1st  October — taking  his  benefit  on  the  13th,  as  Damon  and 
Young  Wilding — still  holding  his  own  in  public  estimation. 

Oct.  2d.  A  farce  called  "  Cherry  Bounce"  was  produced,  with 
Barnes  as  Gregory,  Kent  as  Oldrenls,  and  Mrs.  Wheatley  as 
Mrs.  Homespun. 

Oct.  14th.  Lunn's  capital  farce  of  "  Family  Jars"  was  pro- 
duced with  great  applause,  and  continues  to  this  day  in  high 
favor.    It  was  thus  cast : 

Porcelain  Mr.  Kent.  i     Delph  Mr.  Barnes. 

Benedict   "    Richings.  Diggory         ...      M  Placide. 

Emily  Mrs.  De  Luce.  Liddy  Lorrigan   .    .    Mrs.  Wheatlet. 

Barnes  made  one  of  his  greatest  hits  as  old  Delph,  and  no 
successor  in  the  part  has  ever  equaled  him. 

Payne's  petite  comedy  of  "  Charles  the  Second"  was  first 
played  here  on  the  25th,  with  the  following  cast  : 

Charles     .        ...    Mr.  Simpson.  Edward  Mr.  Placide. 

Rochester  "     Stanley.  Lady  Clara     .    .    .    Mrs.  Clarke. 

Capt.  Copp    ....     "     Hilson.  MaryCopp.    .    .    .    Miss  Johnson. 

Major  Stevens,  the  well-known  dwarf,  thirty-seven  inches 
high,  long  a  resident  of  this  city,  made  his  first  appearance 
on  the  Stage,  November  12th,  as  Tom  Thumb.  He  repeated 
the  character  several  times  with  applause,  and  took  his 
benefit  on  the  24th,  when  he  also  appeared  as  Goliah,  in 
the  ".Young  Quaker."'  This  little  fellow  possessed  all  the 
lineaments  of  a  man,  a  neat  and  well-turned  figure,  and 
an  intelligent  countenance.  He  played  at  most  of  our  prin- 
cipal theatres,  and  in  1837,  when  "  Gulliver  in  Lilliput"  was 
produced  at  the  old  National  Theatre,  (for  the  purpose  of 
introducing  the  Kentucky  Giant,  Porter,  as  Gulliver)  made 
quite  a  hit  as  Lord  Flimnap,  the  Lilliputian. 

Nov.  15th.  Miss  Kelly  commenced  her  second  engagement 
as  Floretta,  in  the  "Cabinet." 

Nov.  18th.  Mr.  W.  Burroughs  made  his  first  appearance  in 
America  as  Romeo,  Mrs.  Barnes  being  re-engaged  to  support 
him  as  Juliet.  Mr.  Burroughs  was  from  the  Surrey  Theatre, 
where  he  enjoyed  the  repute  of  a  good  melo-dramatic  actor, 
and  as  such  would  have  proved  a  valuable  acquisition  to  any 
American  stock  company  ;  but  as  a  tragic  star,  he  shed  a 
feeble  radiance  in  comparison  with  Kean,  Cooper,  Booth,  &c. 


436 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


After  traveling  through  the  Union,  he  was  afterward  con- 
nected with  the  management  of  the  Lafayette  Theatre  in  this 
city,  where,  in  his  proper  line  of  business,  he  greatly  increased 
his  popularity.    He  subsequently  returned  to  Europe. 

Nov.  22d.  Mr.  Jervis,  a  pantomimist,  &c,  made  his  first  ap- 
pearance in  America  as  Kalig,  in  the  "  Blind  Boy."  He  had 
been  in  the  London  minor  theatres,  and  was  employed  in 
various  American  cities  as  prompter  and  machinist,  as  well 
as  actor.    He  died  in  Philadelphia,  in  1851. 

Nov.  23d.  The  amusing  comedy  of  "  Sweethearts  and  Wives" 
was  first  played  in  New  York,  with  triumphant  success,  thus 
cast: 


Admiral  Franklin   .    .  Mr.  Foot.  Curtis   Mr.  Reed. 

Charles  Franklin    .    .  M  Simpson.  Eugenia    .        .    .  Miss  Kelly. 

Sandford   "  Lee.  Laura   "  Johnson. 

Billy  Lackaday  ...  "  Hilson.  Mrs.  Bell   ....  Mrs.  Wbeatley. 


Hilson  gave  a  most  ludicrous  effect  to  the  burlesque  senti- 
mentalities of  poor  Billy  Lackaday,  and  with  the  able  support 
of  Miss  Kelly  and  the  entire  dramatis  personce,  the  piece  had 
quite  a  run. 

Mr.  Barnes  afterward  made  in  Billy  Lackaday  one  of  his 
happiest  assumptions,  and  Burton  frequently  played  the  part 
with  great  applause. 

The  "  Floating  Beacon,"  since  a  favorite  melo-drama  at  the 
minor  theatres,  was  first  played  on  the  25th,  with  Hilson 
as  Jack  Junk,  Clarke  as  Angerstoff,  Lee  as  Frederick,  Mrs. 
Clarke  as  Mariette,  and  Mrs.  Bancker  as  Christine. 

Nov.  27th.  A  drama,  compiled  from  Scott's  beautiful  novel 
of  "  Kenilworth,"  was  enacted,  with  the  annexed  cast : 


Leicester   Mr.  Burroughs.  Anthony  Foster  .  .  Mr.  Jervis. 

Surrey   *'  Woodhull.  Giles  Gosling  .    .  .     "  Foot. 

Tressillian     ....  "  Lee.  Queen  Elizabeth  .  .  Miss  Johnson. 

Varney   "  Stanley.  Amy  Robsart  .    .  .  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Lambourne   ....  "  Clarke. 


On  the  8th  of  December,  Mr.  Burroughs  took  his  benefit, 
when  he  presented,  for  the  first  time,  a  drama  called  the 
"Devoted  Son,"  wherein  he  appeared  as  Julio,  and  Clarke 
as  Stephano,  Jervis  as  Uberti,  Placide  as  Pedro,  and  Mrs. 
Barnes  as  Maria. 

Dec.  10th.  Mr.  Cooper  commenced  his  second  engagement 
as  Damon;  and  on  the  15th,  Mr.  Barnes  took  his  benefit, 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


437 


reviving,  lor  the  first  time  in  twenty  years,  Murphy's  comedy 
entitled  the  "Way  to  Keep  Him,"  with  the  following  cast : 


Sir  Bashful  Constant 
Sir  Brilliant  Fashion 
Lovemore  .... 
William  .... 


Mr.  Barnes. 

u  Simpson. 

"  Stanley. 

"  Placide. 


Sideboard  . 
Widow  Belmore 
Lady  Constant 
Mrs.  Lovemore 


Mr.   

Miss  Kelly. 
u  Johnson. 
Mrs.  Barnes. 


He  also  produced,  for  the  first  time,  a  drama  entitled  the 
"Two  Prisoners  of  Lyons,"  the  original  version  of  the  play 
since  so  very  popular  under  the  title  of  "  Robert  Macaire."  It 
was  cast  as  follows : 

...  Mr. 


Dumont 
Charles 
Raymond 
Bertrand 


Foor. 
Woodhull. 
Clarke. 
Lee. 


Peter    .  . 
Louisa  . 
Clementine 


Mr.  Barnes. 
Mrs.  Barnes. 
"  Bancker. 


Dec  16th.  "Alasco,"  a  tragedy  by  J.  P.  Shee,  was  first 
played,  as  follows : 


Alaico   Mr.  Cooper.  Jerome  . 

Hohendahl    ....     14  Woodhull.  Malinski 

Walaingham  ....     *'  Clarke.  Rienski 

Conrad  "  Lee.  Amantha 


Mr.  Foot. 
"  Reed. 

"  RlCHINQS. 

Mrs.  Barnes. 


It  was  repeated  on  the  18th,  and  has  never  since  been  heard 
of.  Mr.  Cooper  took  his  benefit  on  the  20th,  appearing  as 
Duke  Aranza  and  Young  Wilding,  with  the  volunteered  aid 
of  Miss  Kelly  as  Juliana.  In  return,  he  personated  Jaffier  for 
her  benefit  on  the  22d,  the  lady  appearing  as  Belvidera,  and 
Nell,  in  the  "Devil .to  Pay." 

Jan.  1st,  1825.  The  drama  of  "  Frankenstein"  was  played  for 
the  first  time  in  America,  with  the  annexed  cast : 


Frankenstein 
Cherval 
Fritz   .    .  . 


Mr.  Simpson. 
M  Lee. 
"  Placide. 


Demon  . 
Elizabeth 
Agatha  . 


Mr.  Jervis. 
Mrs.  Clarke. 
"  Bancker. 


The  popular  farce  of  the  "  Secret"  was  first  played  on  the 
10th,  with  Miss  Kelly  as  Cecile,  Lee  as  Dupuis,  Woodhull  as 
Valare,  and  Placide  as  Thomas,  being  one  of  the  first  im- 
portant original  parts  in  which  he  appeared,  and  in  which  he 
gained  very  great  applause. 

The  same  evening  was  produced,  with  great  splendor, 
the  Eastern  fairy  melo-drama  of  "  Cherry  and  Fair  Star,  or 
the  Children  of  Cyprus,"  a  very  pleasing  holiday  entertain- 
ment, and  still  popular  with  the  juveniles.    It  was  thus  cast: 


Hastanbad 

Sanguiobeck 
Topac  .  . 
Oiaffir  .  . 
Sigismond 


Mr. 


Foot. 

Simpson. 

Jervis. 

Woodhull. 

Wheatlet. 


Captain 
Cherry  . 
Fair  Star 
Aviaryana 
Papilla  . 


Mr.  Richinqs. 
Miss  Kelly. 

"  Johnson. 
Mrs.  De  Lcce. 

"  Bancker. 


Miss  Kelly's  third  benefit  occurred  on  the  26th,  when  she 


438 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


appeared  as  Lady  Bell,  in  "  Know  Your  Own  Mind,"  and  for 
the  ninth  time  as  Prince  Cherry. 

Jan.  27th.  Planche's  drama,  altered  from  Rowley,  entitled 
"  A  Woman  Never  Vext,"  was  first  played,  with  the  following 

cast  : 

Foster  Mr.  Clarke.  King  Henry  VI.  .    .    Mr.  Richings. 

Stephen  Foster  ..."    Lee.  Clown  "  Placide. 

Robert  Foster     ...     "     Woodhull.  Innocent  Lambkin         "  Watkinson. 

Walter  Brown    .    .         "    Foot.  Agnes  "Welsted    .    .    Miss  Johnson. 

This  excellent  comedy  was  repeated  a  few  times,  and  has 
since  slept  in  unmerited  oblivion. 

On  the  29th,  Mr.  Burroughs  commenced  a  new  engage- 
ment as  Octavian  and  Sponge. 

Feb.  1st.  The  melo-drama  of  the  "  Ostler  and  the  Robber" 
was  brought  out  as  follows : 


Mqs.  Romano.    .    .    .  Mr.  Foot.  Zyrtillo     ....  Mr.  Placide. 

Ozzrand  "  Burroughs.  Louisa  ....  Miss  Johnson. 

Clauson  "  Clarke.  Emma   Mrs.  Bancker. 

Dyrkille  "  Jervis. 


Mr.  Burroughs  terminated  his  engagement  with  a  benefit 
on  the  11th,  when  he  appeared  as  Jerry  Hawthorn  and  Ozz- 
rand. 

Feb.  25th.  Mr.  Keene  made  his  first  appearance  here  in 
several  years  as  Henry  Bertram,  the  commencement  of  a  long 
and  brilliant  engagement. 

March  2d.  An  English  version  of  Weber's  opera  of  "  Der 
Freyschutz"  was  first  given  in  America,  and  with  what  was 
then  considered  an  excellent  cast,  and  its  fine  scenic  appoint- 
ments, had  a  long  and  successful  run.    It  was  thus  cast : 


Baron  Ottocar    .    .    .  Mr.  Lee.                      Hans   Mr.  Richings. 

Conrad   "  Woodhull.  Hermit     ....  "  Foot. 

Caspar     ....  "  Clarke.  Matthew  ....  u  Bancker. 

Wilhelm   "  Keene.  Wild  Huntsman  .    .  "  Reed. 

Killian   "  Hilson.  Bertha      ....  Miss  Kelly. 

Christopher  ...  "  Placide.                Linda   Mrs.  De  Luce. 

Herman   "  Kent.  Marian     ....  "  Bancker- 


March  17th.  A  young  lady  from  the  Manchester  Theatre 
made  her  first  appearance  as  Sophia,  in  the  "  Road  to  Ruin," 
and  Myrtillo,  in  the  "Broken  Sword."  On  the  22d,  she  ap- 
peared as  Marianne,  in  the  "Dramatist,"  and  Moggy  McGil- 
pin,  being  announced  as  Miss  Parr.  This  lady  was  a  native  of 
Wales,  and  as  a  dancer  and  comic  actress  gave  general  satis- 
faction. She  was  afterward  known  as  Mrs.  Smith,  and  died 
several  years  since  at  Natchez. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


439 


March  18th.  The  farce  of  the  "  Young  Widow"  was  first 
played  here,  with  Simpson  as  Mandeville,  Hilson  as  Splash, 
Miss  Kelly  as  Aurelia,  and  Mrs.  Wheatley  as  Lucy. 

Miss  Kelly's  fourth  benefit  came  off  on  the  13th  of  April, 
when  she  personated  Bertha,  in  "Der  Freyschutz,"  and  the 
charming  Prince  Cherry. 

April  14th.  Mr.  Cooper  was  again  brought  forward  as  Ptr- 
ginius;  and  on  the  18th,  Mrs.  Barnes  commenced  an  engage- 
ment as  Imogine  to  his  Bertram. 

April  23d.  "  Caius  Gracchus,"  a  play  by  Sheridan  Knowles, 
was  first  presented  on  this  stage,  cast  as  follows : 

Caius  Gracchus  .    .    .  Mr.  Cooper.  Marcus  ....  Mr.  Placide. 

Licinius   "  Lee.  Cornelia  ....  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Vettius   "  Stanley.  Licinia  ....  Miss  Johnson. 

Titus   "  Clarke. 

Though  generally  well  played,  it  failed  to  attain  the  popu- 
larity of  most  of  its  author's  productions. 

April  27th.  A  drama  called  "Self-Sacrifice"  was  first 
played,  with  the  following  distribution  of  parts : 

Count  Valmore  .    .    .    Mr.  Richings.  Jean  Jacques      .    .  Mr.  Hilson. 

Marquir  Leone  ..."  Woodbull.  Schultz     ....     "  Jervis. 

Schwitzer     ....     "  Clarke.  Ida   Miss  Johnson. 

Crank  Cuffin     ..."  Watkinson.  Lissette     ....  Mrs.  De  Ldce. 

Mr.  Cooper  took  his  benefit  on  the  25th,  in  the  characters 
of  Charles  Surface  and  Petruchio,  and  commenced  another  en- 
gagement on  the  9th  of  May,  as  Damon. 

Mrs.  Barnes  announced  her  benefit  on  the  11th  of  May, 
when  she  appeared  in  the  very  dissimilar  characters  of  Eu- 
phrasia, Lady  Contest,  and  Miss  Kelly's  favorite  one  of  Cherry. 

Mr.  George  Barrett  was  next  engaged,  and  made  his  bow  in 
the  character  of  Gossamer,  on  the  30th. 

June  1st.    The  benefit  of  Mr.  Barnes  came  off,  when  was 
played,  for  the  first  time  in  twenty  years,  BickerstafT's  famous 
comedy  of  the  "  Hypocrite."    This  play,  though  possessing 
eat  merit,  is  liable  to  the  objections  that  have  been  urged 
inst  the  "  Serious  Family,"  and  other  dramas  of  the  same  ' 
lass,  wherein  the  unthinking  are  apt  to  overlook  the  true 
bject  and  aim  of  the  satirist — the  dissembling  professor  and 
is  deceitful  pretensions — confounding  them  with  pure  reli- 
'on  and  its  honest  disciples,  and  including  all  as  the  sub- 
ects  of  general  ridicule  and  condemnation.    The  "Hypo- 


440 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


crite,"  on  this  occasion,  was  played  in  a  masterly  manner, 

as  the  following  names  will  indicate  : 

Mawworm     ....    Mr.  Barnes.  Seyward   ....  Mr.  Lee. 

Dr.  Cantwell  ....     "    Foot.  Charlotte  ....  Mrs.  Barnes. 

Sir  J.  Lambert  ..."     Woodhull.  Lady  Lambert    .    .     "  Wheatlet. 

Col.  Lambert     ..."     Stanlet.  Young  Lady  L.  .    .  Miss  Johnson. 

Darnley  "     Clarke.  Betty  "  Bruxdage. 

The  Mawworm  of  Mr.  Barnes  was  as  perfect  in  its  way,  and 
as  popular  at  the  time,  as  Mr.  Burton's  Aminidab  Sleek  proved 
to  be  at  a  later  period. 

Mr.  G.  Barrett's  benefit  took  place  on  the  8th,  when  he  pre- 
sented the  "  Wonder,"  a  "  Race  for  a  Dinner,"  and  "  Simpson 
&  Co.,"  in  which  he  appeared  as  Don  Felix,  Sponge,  and 
Bromley,  with  the  aid  of  Miss  Kelly. 

June  13th.  For  Mr.  Clarke's  benefit  was  presented  a  new 
tragedy,  called  "  Phelles,  King  of  Tyre,"  thus  cast : 

Phelles  Mr.  Clarke.  .Barca  Mr.  Woodhttll. 

Piram  "    Lee.  Balator     ....     "  Stanley. 

Amarbal  "    Foot.  Zelny  Miss  Johnson. 

It  was  played  for  the  third  time,  and  benefit  of  the  author, 
on  the  28th,  and  never  heard  of  more. 

Mr.  Cowell  appeared  for  the  first  time  this  season  for  Mr. 
Clarke,  and  sung  several  comic  ditties. 

For  Mr.  WoodhulFs  benefit,  June  27th,  Master  and  Miss 
Twibill  first  appeared  on  the  Park  Stage,  and  gave  several  of 
their  most  admired  songs;  and  Mrs.  Godey,  formerly  Miss 
Juliet  Durang,  executed  a  pas  seul,  being  her  first  appearance 
this  season. 

For  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  De  Luce,  July  1st,  Mr.  Blake,  from 
the  Chatham  Garden,  delivered  a  Masonic  Monologue,  his 
first  appearance  at  the  Park  Theatre. 

The  season  terminated  on  the  5th  of  July,  with  a  benefit  for 
the  widow  of  the  late  Mr.  Robbins,  who,  for  thirty-three  years, 
had  been  the  scene-painter  of  the  establishment. 

In  May,  Messrs.  Price  and  Simpson's  traveling  dramatic 
and  equestrian  company,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Cowell, 
re-opened  the  Broadway  Circus,  and  continued  performing 
there  for  many  weeks.  The  dramatic  roll  included  the  names 
of  Gale,  Henry  and  "William  Isherwood,  Jones,  Moreland,  Meer, 
Blakely,  Mrs.  Pelby,  Mrs.  Jones,  Mrs.  Rowe,  Mrs.  Thompson, 
and  others. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


441 


In  point  of  merit  next  to  Cowell,  Mrs.  Rosalie  Pelby,  wife 
of  the  tragedian  of  that  name,  probably  stood  the  highest. 
This  lady,  who  was  eminent  for  beauty,  was  born  at  Kinder- 
hook,  March  17th,  1791,  and  first  appeared  on  the  Stage  at 
Boston,  as  Mrs.  Mortimer,  in  "  Laugh  When  You  Can,"  in  the 
year  1813.  We  are  not  aware  of  the  date  when  she  joined  the 
Circus  company,  but  she  soon  became  a  great  favorite  with 
its  audience.  She  played  at  the  Lafayette  Amphitheatre, 
1825-6  ;  also  at  the  Park,  Bowery,  and  Old  Chatham  Theatres, 
at  intervals,  from  that  period  until  1831.  She  afterward  re- 
sided principally  at  Boston,  where,  under  her  husband's  man- 
agement, she  became  one  of  the  principal  attractions  of  the 
National  Theatre.  Her  last  appearance  in  New  York  was  at 
the  New  Chatham  Theatre,  in  the  character  of  Alicia,  June 
29th,  1841.  After  her  husband's  death,  she  gave  up  the  di- 
rection of  the  Boston  establishment,  and  visited  California 
with  her  daughter  Julia,  where  she  played  for  a  period  with 
considerable  success.  While  on  her  voyage  homeward,  on 
board  the  steamer  Northern  Light,  near  San  Juan  del  Sud, 
in  June,  1855,  she  was  seized  with  her  last  illness,  and 
made  her  exit  from  the  stage  of  life,  in  the  64th  year  of 
her  age. 

Mr.  George  Gale  was  also  a  leading  member  of  the  com- 
pany, and  afterward  became  famous  as  the  original  repre- 
sentative of  Mazeppa,  at  the  Bowery  Theatre,  in  1833.  He 
was  born  near  London  in  1800,  first  appeared  at  the  Coburg 
Theatre  in  1818,  and  made  his  last  appearance  in  New  York 
at  the  Bowery,  October,  1834.  He  afterward  returned  to  Eu- 
rope, and  was  killed  by  a  fall  from  a  balloon,  with  which 
he  was  presumptuously  making  an  ascension  on  horse- 
back, in  1851. 

Four  of  his  daughters — Hannah,  Cecelia,  Ruth,  and  Adeona, 
all  youthful  and  favorite  dancers — met  with  a  terrible  death 
at  Philadelphia,  September,  1861,  from  the  clothing  of  one 
taking  fire  in  the  dressing-room  of  the  Continental  Theatre. 
:The  flames  not  only  communicated  to  the  dresses  of  the  sis- 
ters, but  of  several  other  companions,  and,  in  the  course  of  a 

56 


442 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


few  days,  nine  unfortunate  girls  perished  from  the  effects  of 
their  burns. 

Henry  and  William  Isherwood  were  New  Yorkers  by  birth, 
the  sons  of  Mrs.  Fenno  Knight,  once  a  well-known  confec- 
tioner. Her  first  husband,  Isherwood,  was  one  of  the  earliest 
practitioners  of  the  art  in  New  York,  having  a  shop  in  Wil- 
liam Street,  before  the  close  of  the  last  century.  Henry  is 
the  present  admirable  scene-painter  at  Wallack's,  having  long 
since  abandoned  the  actor's  profession  for  that  in  which  he 
has  achieved  a  much  higher  repute  than  he  was  ever  likely  to 
attain  upon  the  boards. 

William  Isherwood  continued  on  the  stage  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  on  the  17th  of  August,  1841.  He  was  never 
eminent  as  an  actor,  although  attached  for  several  seasons  to 
the  Park  company,  in  1836-7,  &c.  He  married  Miss  Fanny 
Clarke,  eldest  daughter  of  John  H.  Clarke,  of  the  Park,  whom 
he  left  a  widow  at  an  early  age. 

Mrs.  Rowe  was  a  native  of  New  J ersey,  but  little  known  in 
New  York. 

Mrs.  Julia  Jones,  a  native  of  New  York,  and  wife  of  Wil- 
liam Jones,  comedian,  became  an  excellent  actress  of  old 
women,  highly  esteemed  at  Philadelphia.  She  played  at 
various  theatres  in  this  city,  and  finally  died  at  Phila- 
delphia, Oct.  15th,  1847,  aged  51. 

Mr.  Meer  was  a  low  comedian,  and  is  last  remembered  in 
New  York,  at  the  Richmond  Hill,  in  1834. 

Thomas  H.  Blakely  had  been  employed  as  a  lad  with  the 
Park  company,  as  early  as  1822.  For  several  years  he  gave 
no  indications  of  ability,  but  about  1829,  when  again  at- 
tached to  the  Park,  his  enactments  of  old  men  began  to  at- 
tract attention.  In  the  second  grade  of  that  line  of  business 
— a  class  of  plain,  blunt,  sensible,  every-day  old  men,  not  too 
sentimentally  serious  nor  too  broadly  humorous — such  as 
Sulky,  in  the  "Road  to  Ruin;"  Porcelain,  in  "Family  Jars;" 
Humphrey  Dobbin,  in  "  Poor  Gentleman ;"  Rowley,  in  the 
"School  for  Scandal,"  &c,  he  surpassed  all  whom  we  have 
seeu  attempt  it;  and  we  pronounce  him  the  best  actor  in 


RKCORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


443 


that  peculiar  line  ever  known  on  the  New  York  Stage.  Mr. 
Blakely  was  also  very  happy  in  a  comic  song,  and  was  one  of 
the  first  successful  singers  of  negro  extravaganzas.  He  re- 
tired from  the  profession  about  1840,  and  has  since  kept  a 
public-house  on  the  outskirts  of  the  city.  He  has  occasion- 
ally re-appeared  for  a  benefit,  and  is  still  living. 

The  summer  entertainments  at  Chatham  Garden  having 
proved  for  two  seasons  eminently  successful,  Mr.  Barriere,  the 
proprietor,  determined  on  the  erection  of  a  permanent  theatre 
there,  which,  being  completed,  and  fitted  up  with  great  neat- 
ness, taste  and  convenience,  was  first  opened  to  the  public  on 
the  evening  of  May  17th,  1824. 

The  company  engaged  here  had  never  been  surpassed  in 
merit  in  a  New  York  theatre,  and  consisted  of  Messrs.  Kilner, 
(stage-manager)  Henry  Wailack,  George  Barrett,  Spiller,  Alex. 
Simpson,  Thos.  Burke,  W.  Robertson,  Moreland,  Stone,  Somer- 
ville,  Allen,  Anderson,  Williamson,  J.  Jefferson,  Jr.,  C.  Durang, 
Collins,  Olliff,  &c,  with  Mesdames  Entwistle,  Henry,  Waring, 
Burke,  Wal stein,  (formerly  Baldwin)  C.  Durang,  H.  Wai- 
lack, Kilner,  Allen  and  Spiller,  Miss  P.  M.  Clarke,  Miss 
Olliff,  &c. 

The. opening  address  was  spoken  by  Mrs.  Entwistle,  whose 
peculiar  merit  in  such  affairs  was  universally  acknowledged. 
Next  followed  Cherry's  comedy  of  the  "  Soldier's  Daughter," 
with  the  following  admirable  cast: 


Got.  Hesirtall     .    .    .  Mr.  Kilner.  Simon  Mr.  So.merville. 

Frank  Heartall  ...  "     G.  Barrett.  Widow  Cheerly   .    .    Mrs.  Entwistle. 

Malfort,  Sr   "    Allen.  Mrs.  Malfort  ..."  Dcranq. 

Malfort,  Jr   "     Moreland.  Julia  Mis<  Olliff. 

Woodley   "J.  Jefferson.  Mrs.  Fidget  Mrs.  Walstein. 

Ferrett   44    Stone.  Susan  "  Allen. 

Tim.  Quaiut  ....  "A.  Simpson. 

The  entertainments  concluded  with  the  farce  of  "  Raising 
the  Wind." 

Jeremy  Diddler  .  Mr.   G.Barrett.  Sain  Mr.  A.Simpson. 

IPlainway      ....  "     Stone.  Miss  Durable  .    .    .    Mrs.  Walstein. 

[Fainwould    ....  "    J.Jefferson.  Peggy  *•  Dueanq. 


Most  of  the  above  artists  were  already  favorably  known  to 
the  public.  Mr.  G.  Barrett  had  made  an  agreeable  impression 
ion  the  Park  boards,  and  now  re-appeared,  greatly  improved  in 
:iase  and  elegance  of  manner,  which,  combined  with  his  great 
spirit  and  vivacity  and  clear  conception  of  his  author,  soon 


444 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


caused  him  to  be  recognized  as  the  best  light  comedian  of 
the  day. 

Fifteen  years  had  not  in  the  least  marred  the  merit  of  Mrs. 
Entwistle,  (the  once  fascinating  Mrs.  Mason,  of  the  Park)  and 
though  they  may  not  have  added  graces  to  her  person,  had 
given  a  superior  refinement  and  polish  to  her  performance  of 
high  comedy. 

Mr.  Somerville  was  a  new-comer,  who  proved  to  be  a  very 
useful  general  actor,  and  at  one  time  attracted  considerable 
attention  in  Scottish  characters. 

Mr.  Joseph  Jefferson,  Jr.,  son  of  the  eminent  comedian,  was 
also  new  to  our  stage,  and  gave  promise  of  an  excellence  that 
he  never  attained.  He  assumed  various  lines  of  comedy  at 
different  times,  and  though  admirably  costumed  and  skillfully 
made  up,  appearing  at  times  the  living  portrait  of  his  father, 
failed  to  rise  above  mediocrity  in  his  performances.  In  July, 
1826,  he  married  Mrs.  Burke,  the  vocalist,  by  whom  he  had 
several  children,  one  of  whom,  Joseph  Jefferson  the  third,  is 
classed  among  the  most  favorite  comedians  of  the  present  day. 
A  daughter,  Miss  Cornelia  Jefferson,  has  also  played  with  suc- 
cess. Mr.  Jefferson  was  connected  with  the  Franklin  Theatre 
and  Niblo's  Garden  in  1835-6-7,  &c,  and  died  at  Mobile,  of 
yellow  fever,  Nov.  24th,  1842. 

May  18th.  Mrs.  Anne  Jane  Henry  made  a  triumphant 
debut  here  as  Letitia  Hardy.  This  beautiful  and  accomplished 
woman  was  born  in  Philadelphia  in  1801.  Her  real  name  was 
Henry  by  birthright,  but  her  mother  marrying  Mr.  Stockwell, 
once  the  child  actor  at  John  Street  and  the  Park,  she  was,  by 
the  latter  name,  in  1813,  first  introduced  to  the  Stage  as  a 
dancer,  at  the  Federal  Street  Theatre,  Boston.  On  the  death 
of  Mrs.  Stockwell,  our  orphan  heroine  found  a  home  and  pro- 
tection with  Mrs.  Barnes,  a  favorite  actress  of  old  women  at 
Boston,  noted  for  her  kindness  and  benevolence.  On  the  22d 
of  March,  1817,  she  married  W.  C.  Drummond,  the  actor  and 
dancer,  by  whom  she  had  two  daughters.  From  him  she  pro- 
cured a  divorce,  on  the  ground  of  ill-treatment,  and  resumed 
her  maiden  name  of  Henry,  by  which  she  made  her  first  ap- 


JOSEPH   JEFFERSON    (FATHER   OF  JOSEPH  JEFFERSON). 


RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


445 


pearance  in  New  York.    Her  extraordinary  charms  of  mind 
and  person  attracted  universal  admiration  here,  and  she  finally 
made  a  happy  man  of  George  Barrett,  by  giving  him  her  hand 
in  marriage,  on  the  24th  of  June,  1825.    For  several  years  no- 
thing could  exceed  the  felicity  of  this  union.    Personally  and 
professionally  popular,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  Barrett  were  re- 
ceived with  enthusiasm  wherever  they  appeared,  and  in  the 
lines  of  gay,  graceful  and  refined  comedy,  and  the  gentler 
grades  of  tragedy,  the  lady  has  been  seldom  equaled.  But 
at  length  this  happy  and  brilliant  union  was  disturbed ;  this 
fascinating  being,  whom  Fanny  Kemble  pronounced  "a  fault- 
less piece  of  mortality  in  outward  loveliness,"  had,  by  some 
unhappy  weakness,  acquired  an  insane  craving  for  stimulants, 
which  she  swallowed  without  judgment  or  reflection,  and 
through  their  influence  was  -reduced,  at  times,  to  the  lowest 
stage  of  degradation,  and  placed  in  such  positions  that  even 
her  honor  was  called  in  question ;  so  that,  in  1840,  Mr.  Barrett 
procured  a  divorce  from  her  on  the  ground  of  infidelity. 
Subsequent  events,  it  has  been  said,  proved  her  guiltless  of 
the  charge,  but  the  separation  was  final.    Mrs.  Barrett  had 
many  warm  and  distinguished  friends,  who  bestowed  the 
greatest  kindness  upon  her  after  this  unhappy  epoch  of  her 
life,  and  their  unremitting  efforts  soothed  in  a  degree  the 
bitter  mortification  and  chagrin  attendant  upon  it.  Through 
their  influence,  she  was  restored  to  the  stage  and  to  society ; 
and  in  Boston,  where  she  afterward  principally  played,  she 
renewed  the  triumphs  of  her  earlier  years,  and  commanded 
the  admiration  of  all  by  her  miraculously  preserved  beauty, 
which,  even  at  the  age  of  fifty,  seemed  as  fresh  and  charming 
as  in  her  girlhood.    Mrs.  Barrett's  last  appearance  in  New 
York  was  at  the  Broadway  Theatre  in  January,  1850,  but 
she  was  then  laboring  under  indisposition  which  materially 
marred  the  effect  of  her  personations.    Her  last  appearance 
on  the  stage  was  at  the  Howard  Atheneum,  Boston,  Decem- 
ber 14th,  1853,  in  the  character  of  Cora.    Her  health  had 
been  failing  for  several  weeks,  and  she  was  unable  to  take 
her  benefit  announced  for  the  next  evening.   Sinking  rapidly 


446 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


away,  she  expired  on  the  22d  of  that  month,  aged  52  years. 
Her  remains  repose  in  the  cemetery  of  Mount  Auburn.  Her 
daughter  by  Mr.  Barrett  is  the  beautiful  Mrs.  Philip  Warren, 
formerly  of  the  Broadway  Theatre. 

May  19th.  Mrs.  Waring,  formerly  Miss  Caroline  Placide, 
now  a  young  and  blooming  widow,  made  her  first  appearance 
in  ten  years  as  Miss  Dorillon  and  Marian  Ramsay,  rivaling 
Mrs.  Henry  in  beauty,  merit  and  success. 

May  24th.  Mrs.  Burke  made  her  first  appearance  as  Mar- 
garetta,  still  charming  the  audience  with  her  fine  vocalism. 
The  same  evening,  Miss  P.  M.  Clarke  made  her  debut  here  as 
Clara,  in  "Matrimony,"  and  gave  promise  of  future  excel- 
lence. 

May  25th.  The  comedy  of  "  Town  and  Country'  was  per- 
formed, in  which  Mrs.  Henry  Wallack  made  her  first  appear- 
ance in  New  York  as  an  actress,  with  marked  success.  She 
had  previously  appeared  here  only  as  a  dancer. 

Mr.  H.  Wallack  also  appeared,  for  the  first  time  this  season, 
as  Reuben  Glenroy,  and  Mr.  Burke  as  Hawbuck. 

June  9th.  The  versatile  Spiller  made  his  first  bow  here, 
as  Doctor  Pangloss  and  Risk. 

Keene,  the  vocalist,  commenced  an  engagement  on  the  14th 
as  Henry  Bertram,  and  continued  to  enjoy  a  large  share  of 
public  favor. 

George  G.  Stevenson  took  his  place  in  the  ranks  on  the 
24th,  as  Baron  Longueville,  in  the  "Foundling  of  the  Forest." 

Mrs.  Drake,  formerly  Miss  Denny  of  the  Park,  made  her 
first  appearance* in  New  York,  after  three  years'  absence,  on 
the  25th,  as  Imogine,  following  it  with  a  variety  of  popular 
characters. 

Monday,  July  oth,  was  celebrated  as  the  anniversary  of  our 
Independence,  with  the  performance  of  the  "  Point  of  Honor" 
and  the  farce  of  the  "Purse,"  in  which  Miss  Russell  (now 
Mrs.  Geo.  P.  Farren)  made  her  first  appearance  on  the  stage, 
as  the  Page.  She  evinced,  even  at  that  early  period  of  her 
life,  considerable  talent,, which  was  cultivated  with  so  much 
success,  that,  a  few  years  later,  she  was  engaged  at  the  Park, 


W.    K.  BI-AKK. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


447 


where  she  made  her  debut  with  much  applause,  on  the  11th 
of  September,  1828,  as  Young  Norval  and  Little  Pickle.  Alter 
occasional  performances  in  New  York  until  1832,  she  went  to 
New  Orleans  with  her  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Richard  Russell, 
and  on  reaching  womanhood,  became  one  of  the  principal 
attractions  of  the  Southern  and  Western  theatres,  where  she 
ranked  with  the  first  artists  of  the  day.  After  an  absence  of 
sixteen  years,  Mrs.  Farren  commenced  an  engagement  at  the 
Broadway  Theatre,  as  Mrs.  Beverly,  January  17th,  1848,  a 
most  unfavorable  season  for  the  appearance  of  a  stranger,  as 
she  had  then  become.  She  has  since  played  at  Niblo's  Gar- 
den and  Wallack's  Theatre,  and  is  fully  capable  of  sustaining 
the  leading  heavy  business  in  a  first-class  theatre. 

On  the  8th,  Mr.  Pemberton  made  his  first  appearance  in 
New  York,  as  Bertram,  supported  by  Mrs.  Drake  as  Imogine. 
This  gentleman  went  through  with  a  variety  of  characters, 
both  serious  and  comic,  but  failed  to  render  himself  popular 
or  attractive,  and  never  after  appeared  in  New  York. 

On  the  12th,  Mr.  William  R.  Blake  made  his  entree  on  the 
New  York  Stage  as  Frederick,  in  the  "  Poor  Gentleman,"  and 
the  Three  Singles,  in  "  Three  and  the  Deuce."  At  this  time, 
Mr.  Blake,  a  native  of  Nova  Scotia,  was  a  good-looking  young 
man,  displaying  great  ease  and  vivacity  of  manner,  and  a 
handsome,  well-turned  figure,  that  gave  little  indication  of 
the  immense  rotundity  which,  independent  of  other  causes, 
ultimately  placed  him  among  the  greatest  of  modern  come- 
dians. But  Mr.  Blake's  merit  was  not  confined  to  his  personal 
appearance;  he  possessed  abilities  for  the  representation  of 
light  comedy  and  juvenile  tragedy  that  entitled  him  to  rank 
with  the  best  performers  in  those  lines;  and  he  continued 
playing  them  with  success,  until  his  increasing  corpulence 
warned  him  that  his  appearance  was  illy  suited  to  the  dash- 
ing coxcomb,  silly  fop,  or  sighing  lover ;  and  giving  his  atten- 
tion to  the  peculiarities  of  age,  he  succeeded  in  achieving  a 
repute  as  the  representative  of  old  men,  both  serious  and  comic, 
second  to  none  known  to  the  American  Stage.  In  certain 
characters  he  surpassed  all  who  had  attempted  them.  His 


448 


RECORDS  OP  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Jesse  Rural,  Geoffrey  Dale,  Hardcastle,  Old  Dornton,  Admiral 
Kingston,  Sir  Peter  Teazle,  Sir  Willoughby  Worrett,  Sir  Anthony 
Absolute,  Governor  Heartall,  &c.,  were  examples  of  perfection. 
Mr.  Blake  married  Mrs.  Waring,  August  26th,  1826.  He  ex- 
perienced the  usual  vicissitudes  of  an  actor's  lot — at  one  time 
enjoying  the  greatest  popularity,  and  at  another  visited  with 
undeserved  neglect.  He  was  at  different  periods  connected 
with  the  management  of  several  theatrical  establishments : 
of  the  Tremont  at  Boston,  1827 — of  Walnut  Street,  Philadel- 
phia, 1829 — and,  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  Willard,  first  opened 
the  Olympic  Theatre,  in  New  York,  1837.  After  traveling  as 
a  star  in  England  and  America,  he  took  up  his  residence  in 
Philadelphia,  as  stage-manager  of  the  Walnut  Street  Theatre, 
under  Mr.  Marshall,  where  his  skill  and  judgment  placed  that 
establishment  in  a  highly  favorable  position.  In  1848,  he 
was  transferred  to  the  same  situation  at  the  Broadway  Thea- 
tre in  this  city.  He  was  afterward  in  the  stock  companies  of 
Burton's,  Wallack's  and  Laura  Keene's  establishments,  enjoy- 
ing as  an  artist  the  very  highest  consideration,  and  receiving, 
as  we  have  heard,  the  heaviest  salary  of  any  actor  on  the 
stock  list.  While  on  a  professional  visit  to  Boston,  with 
Laura  Keene's  company,  a  severe  attack  of  bilious  colic  ter- 
minated his  existence  on  the  22d  of  April,  1863,  at  the  age 
of  58  years.  His  remains  were  brought  to  New  York,  and  his 
funeral  services  held  in  the  Episcopal  Church  of  St.  John  the 
Evangelist,  on  the  26th  of  that  month.  In  the  line  of  "  old 
men,"  we  doubt  if  he  has  ever  been  excelled  on  the  New 
York  boards. 

On  the  16th,  for  Mr.  W.  Robertson's  benefit,  Mr.  Alexander 
Drake  first  appeared  in  New  York  as  Lingo.  He  played  but 
seldom  in  this  city.  At  the  West,  he  for  several  years  ranked 
among  its  very  best  comedians,  and  shared  with  his  accom- 
plished wife  the  highest  favor.  He  had  first  appeared  on  the 
stage,  when  a  boy,  at  Boston,  January  3d,  1811,  as  the  Prince 
of  Wales,  in  "Richard  III."  He  died,  we  think,  about  the  year 
1830. 

On  the  20th,  Richard  Ferdinand  Durang,  from  the  Phila- 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


449 


delphia  Theatre,  first  appeared  in  New  York,  as  Abcellino,  Syl- 
vester Daggerwood,  and  Tristam  Fickle.  Without  possessing 
extraordinary  merit,  he  was  a  useful  performer  in  almost 
every  line — a  good  swordsman  and  dancer — excelling  princi- 
pally in  melo-dramatic  and  French  characters.  He  was  born 
at  Hartford,  A.  D.  1796,  married  Miss  Susan  Plane,  of  New 
York,  and  died  in  this  city  of  consumption  in  1831. 

The  veteran  comedian  of  Philadelphia,  the  ever  favorite 
Jefferson,  commenced  his  last  engagement  in  New  York  on 
the  22d,  as  Solus  and  Fixture,  followed  by  a  succession  of  his 
inimitable  comic  delineations. 

On  the  23d,  the  "  Apostate"  was  performed,  with  Mrs. 
Drake  as  Florinda,  H.  Wallack  as  Pescara,  Pemberton  as 
Hemeya,  and  Mr.  Hughes  as  Malec,  his  first  appearance  on  the 
New  York  boards.  This  gentleman  was  a  valuable  serious 
actor.  He  had  appeared  at  Boston  as  early  as  1813,  and  was 
also  well  known  to  the  Philadelphia  Stage.  He  died,  we  think, 
in  1825. 

Mrs.  Drake's  benefit  occurred  on  the  27th,  when  she  per- 
sonated Juliet,  and  her  husband  appeared  as  Doctor  Rosy,  in 
the  farce  of  "  Saint  Patrick's  Day." 

On  the  28th,  Mr.  Pemberton  took  his  benefit  in  the  character 
of  VirginiuSj  Mr.  Blake  appearing  for  the  second  time  as 
Icilius,  and  the  beautiful  Miss  Tilden  making  her  metro- 
politan debut  as  Virginia.  This  very  interesting  young  lady 
had  made  a  successful  appearance  in  the  same  character  at 
Philadelphia  in  the  spring  of  1822.  She  afterward  became 
Mrs.  Bernard,  and  was  at  the  Bowery  Theatre  in  1827. 

Mr.  Jefferson  terminated  his  engagement  and  took  his 
benefit  on  the  5th  of  August,  when  he  played  Sir  Benjamin 
Dove,  in  Cumberland's  comedy  of  the  "  Brothers,"  and  Sancho 
in  the  farce  of  "  Lovers'  Quarrels" — being  his  final  appearance 
in  New  York. 

On  the  9th,  Mr.  Finn  made  his  first  appearance  in  several 
years  as  Hamlet. 

On  the  10th,  Shakspeare's  comedy  of  "  Twelfth  Night"  was 
played  for  the  first  time  in  twenty  years,  with  a  cast  which, 

57 


450 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


as  a  whole,  has  never  been  surpassed  on  the  New  York 
Stage : 


Orsino      .  . 
Aguecheek  . 
Sir  Toby  Belch 
Malvolio  . 
Clown  .    .  . 
Fabian     .  . 


Mr.  Hcghes. 

"  Finn. 

"  KlLNER. 

"  H.  Wallace. 

"  Spillee. 


Valentine 
Antonio 
Sebastien 
Viola 
Olivia  . 


Mr.  Dueang. 

"  SOMERVILLE. 

Mrs.  H.  Wallace. 
"  Henry. 
"  Entwistle. 
"  Ddranq. 


"    Moeeland.        I  Maria 

Mr.  Finn  continued  playing,  both  in  tragedy  and  comedy, 
until  the  26th,  when  he  took  his  benefit  in  the  characters  of 
Bob  Logic,  in  "  Tom  and  Jerry,"  and  Joey,  in  "  Modern  An- 
tiques." After  this  engagement,  his  own  judgment  decided 
that  comedy  was  his  forte,  and  he  seldom  again  appeared  in  a 
serious  part. 

On  the  12th,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Duff  had  commenced  an  engage- 
ment and  met  with  a  most  brilliant  reception — the  lady  ap- 
pearing as  Belvidera,  the  gentleman  as  Jaffier  and  the  Three 
Singles.  Mrs.  Duff  also  enacted  Mrs.  Haller,  Mrs.  Beverly, 
Madame  Clermont,  Jane  Shore,  and,  for  their  joint  benefit  on  the 
24th,  Juliet,  supported  by  Mr.  Duff  as  Romeo,  who  also  person- 
ated Petruchio  in  the  afterpiece,  with  Mrs.  Waring  as  Catharine. 

The  superiority  of  Mrs.  Duff's  performances  was  again  ac- 
knowledged, and  general  regret  expressed  at  the  brevity  of 
her  engagement. 

On  the  25th,  Mrs.  Hughes  (who  as  Mrs.  Young  had  ap- 
peared at  the  Park  in  1812)  made  her  first  appearance  since 
that  period  as  the  Widow  Cheerly.  She  also  personated  Lady 
Teazle,  Miss  Hardcastle,  and  Madame  Clermont.  This  lady 
possessed  a  fine  personal  appearance  in  her  earlier  years,  and 
was  endowed  with  great  natural  abilities,  which  had  been  im- 
proved by  diligent  cultivation.  In  tragedy  she  was  very 
generally  admired,  and  appeared  therein  to  far  greater  ad- 
vantage than  in  comedy,  where  she  lacked  ease  and  vivacity, 
and  in  her  efforts  to  render  a  point  telling  frequently  fell  into 
a  very  stiff  and  artificial  style.  For  several  years  she  was 
constantly  before  the  public  at  Burton's,  in  the  line  of  old 
women,  and  in  two  characters  played  by  her  at  that  establish- 
ment— Mrs.  Skewton,  in  "  Dombey  and  Son,"  and  Lady  Sowerby 
Creamly,  in  the  "  Serious  Family" — has  been  unsurpassed  by 
any  who  have  attempted  them. 


RECORDS  OK  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


451 


Mrs.  Darley,  the  old  Park  favorite,  after  an  absence  of  six 
years,  re-appeared  on  the  31st  of  August,  as  Helen  Worrett, 
her  face  and  figure  giving  little  indication  of  the  lapse  of  time- 
During  her  engagement,  she  personated  Charlotte  Rusporl, 
Marian  Ramsay,  Ophelia,  Lady  Elizabeth  Freelove,  Miss  Do- 
rillon  ;  and  for  her  benefit,  on  the  25th  of  September,  Albina 
Mandeville,  and  Virginia,  in  the  operetta  of  "  Paul  and  Vir- 
ginia," with  the  aid  of  Mrs.  Burke  as  Paul.  This  was  the  last 
appearance  in  New  York  of  this  excellent  and  accomplished 
actress. 

On  the  6th,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  Fisher  and  daughters 
were  added  to  the  company.  Mr.  Fisher,  whom  we  have  be- 
fore noticed  as  a  member  of  the  Commonwealth  Theatre  in 
1812,  appeared  as  Sir  William  Dorillon,  and  his  wife  as  Lady 
Mary  Raffle,  in  the  comedy  of  "  Wives  as  They  Were."  Mrs. 
Fisher,  though  a  native  of  England,  made  her  first  appearance 
on  the  stage  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  in  1820,  and  afterward  played 
with  her  husband  in  various  Western  cities.  After  his  death, 
she  again  entered  the  matrimonial  estate  with  Mr.  E.  J. 
Thayer,  and,  as  Mrs.  Thayer,  acquired  a  reputation  as  an  act- 
ress of  chambermaids  and  comic  old  women  scarcely  equaled 
in  the  country.  For  the  last  five  and  thirty  years  she  has 
played  principally  in  Philadelphia.  We  last  remember  her 
in  New  York,  at  the  Winter  Garden,  in  the  summer  of  1861. 
In  the  afterpiece  of  the  "  Hunter  of  the  Alps,"  in  which  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Fisher  appeared  as  Rosalvi  and  Helena,  their  little 
girls,  Oceana  and  Alexina,  first  appeared  in  New  York  as 
Julio  and  Flurio.  Although  both  very  young,  they  had  al- 
ready trod  the  boards  of  the  Western  theatres,  and  gave  indi- 
cations of  ability  which,  in  the  case  of  Alexina,  (like  that  of 
her  kinswoman,  the  marvelous  Clara  Fisher)  was  most  pre- 
cociously developed  into  real  excellence. 

In  June,  1831,  at  the  age  of  ten,  Miss  Alexina  Fisher  made 
a  very  successful  debut  at  the  Park  Theatre,  and  for  several 
years  enjoyed  great  celebrity  throughout  the  Union  as  a  ju- 
venile star.  Unlike  most  prodigies,  her  talents  continued  to 
be  developed  with  her  years,  and  as  a  general  leading  actress, 


452 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


we  do  not  now  know  her  superior.  Since  the  age  of  fifteen, 
she  has  occupied  a  very  prominent  position  on  the  Phila- 
delphia Stage,  where  she  long  divided  the  applauses  of  the 
audience  with  her  mother.  In  May,  1851,  she  married  Mr. 
Baker,  of  Philadelphia,  and  soon  after  visited  California, 
where  she  largely  increased  her  fame  and  fortune.  In  1850, 
she  played  several  weeks  at  the  Broadway  Theatre  with  great 
success,  and  in  1855  fulfilled  an  engagement  at  Burton's, 
where  her  efforts  were  horribly  cramped  in  the  trashy  drama, 
entitled  "Janet  Pride." 

She  last  appeared  in  New  York  in  the  fall  of  1862,  sup- 
porting Edwin  Booth  at  the  Winter  Garden,  in  the  characters 
of  Ophelia,  Desdemona  and  Emelia,  each  of  which  she  repeated 
several  times,  and  exchanging  the  two  latter  on  different 
evenings  with  Mrs.  F.  B.  Conway.  Mrs.  Baker,  is  still  in  the 
prime  of  womanhood,  and  apparently  with  sufficient  health 
and  spirits  to  render  her  an  ornament  to  the  profession  for 
thirty  years  longer.  Her  sister,  after  playing  as  a  child,  dis- 
appeared from  the  boards,  and  of  her  we  have  no  further 
knowledge. 

Sept.  11th.  The  Nation's  Guest,  as  he  was  called — the  ven- 
erable and  patriotic  Lafayette — visited  the  establishment  to 
witness  the  opera  of  the  "  Devil's  Bridge,"  supported  princi- 
pally by  Keene  and  Mrs.  Burke.  Several  patriotic  songs  were 
given  on  the  occasion,  in  which  Mr.  Williamson,  of  whom  we 
have  not  heretofore  spoken,  gave  great  satisfaction.  Though 
inferior  to  Keene,  he  was  nevertheless  a  favorite  vocalist,  and 
was  at  one  time  well  known  here. 

On  the  20th,  Mr.  Francis  Courtney  Wemyss,  from  Phila- 
delphia, made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York,  as  Marplot, 
in  the  u  Busy  Body,"  with  entire  success.  This  gentleman's 
history  is  well  known,  as  he  has  recorded  his  parentage,  birth, 
education,  and  incidents  of  his  long  professional  career  in  a 
work  published  a  few  years  since,  entitled  "  Twenty-six  Years 
of  the  Life  of  an  Actor  and  Manager."  Descended  from  a 
highly  respectable  family,  his  father  being  an  officer  in  the 
British  navy,  and  his  mother  formerly  a  Miss  Courtney,  of 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


453 


Boston,  Mass.,  he  was  born  in  London,  May  13th,  1797.  Pos- 
sessing a  roving,  volatile  disposition,  and  spurning  the  con- 
trol of  friends,  after  engaging  in  mercantile  pursuits  for 
a  while,  he  determined  on  trying  his  fortune  with  the  players, 
and  made  his  first  appearance  on  the  Stage  at  Montrose,  Scot- 
i  land,  in  1814,  as  Young-  Nerval, 

Through  many  vicissitudes,  he  finally  worked  his  way  to 
i  the  Adelphi,  London,  where,  in  1820,  he  first  appeared  as 
!  Sponge.    In  America,  he  first  played  at  the  Chestnut  Street 
'  Theatre,  Philadelphia,  as  Vapid,  December  11th,  1822,  and 
was  soon  recognized  there  as  a  very  admirable  light  come- 
i  dian.    He  was  long  connected  with  the  management  of  the 
Philadelphia,  Baltimore  and  Pittsburgh  Theatres ;  was  at  one 
time  engaged  in  the  lottery  business,  and  at  another  pro- 
jected the  publication  of  a  very  beautiful  edition  of  plays,  of 
which  several  numbers  appeared,  embellished  with  elegant 
steel  portraits  of  the  most  eminent  performers  of  the  day. 

For  the  last  thirteen  years  of  his  life  he  was  a  resident  of 
flew  York,  and  principally  in  service  of  either  the  Bowery  or 
National  Theatre  as  stage-manager  or  treasurer.  He  fell  off 
greatly  as  an  actor  in  his  later  years,  and  in  the  line  of  sec- 
ondary old  men,  to  which  he  finally  descended,  his  standing 
scarcely  reached  mediocrity.  As  a  man,  he  appears  to  have 
>een  governed  by  the  strictest  honor  and  integrity,  and  his 
services,  as  Secretary  of  the  American  Dramatic  Fund  Asso- 
ciation, were  of  great  importance  to  that  institution,  and  were 
duly  appreciated  by  his  professional  brethren.  From  an  en- 
graved portrait  of  Mr.  Wemyss,  we  infer  that  he  was  once  a 
remarkably  handsome  man,  and  we  know  that  at  one  time  his 
reputation  as  a  genteel  and  light  comedian  was  scarcely  sur- 
)assed  by  any  artist  in  the  country.  He  died  in  New  York 
suddenly,  of  apoplexy  of  the  heart,  January  5th,  1859,  in  the 
62d  year  of  his  age. 
Sept.  23d.  Mr.  Blake  commenced  his  first  regular  engage- 
\  Iment  in  this  city  as  Harry  Thunder,  in  "  Wild  Oats." 

Mr.  Roberts,  who  had  been  lately  added  to  the  company, 
ilso  appeared  as  Sir   George  Thunder,  and  was  soon  ac- 


454 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


knowledged  to  be  one  of  the  principal  attractions  of  the 
place. 

Oct.  4th.  Sheridan's  play  of  "  Pizarro"  was  first  acted  here, 
and  was  got  up  with  such  excellence  in  scenery,  costume,  and 
performance,  that  it  met  with  brilliant  success.  It  was  thus 
cast: 


Rolla  . 
Pizarro 
Alonzo 
Ataliba 
Orozembo 


Mr.  H.  Wallace. 

"  Hughes. 

"  Blake. 

"  Stevenson. 

"  Roberts. 


Las  Casas  . 
Sentinel 
High  Priest 
Cora     .  . 
Elvira  . 


Mr.  Fisher. 
"    A.  Simpson. 

"  MORELAND. 

Mrs.  Hughes. 
"  Entwistle. 


Oct.  11th.  Mr.  Pelby  commenced  an  engagement  as  Rolla, 
but  proved  a  poor  substitute  for  Mr.  Wallack. 

Oct.  14th.  Mr.  Thayer  appeared  here,  for  the  first  time,  as 
Young"  Rapid  and  Wildlove. 

Oct.  18th.  Poole's  comedy  of  "Married  and  Single"  was 
played  for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  Roberts  making  a 
great  hit  as  Beau  Shatterly.    The  other  characters  were : 

Bickerton     ....    Mr.   Hughes.  Mrs.  Bickerton    .    .    Mrs.  Entwistle. 

Scamper  "A.  Simpson.  Mrs.  Shatterly    .    .     "  Walstein. 

Melford  "    Blake.  |     Fanny  "  Stevenson. 

Oct.  25th.  Mr.  F.  Brown,  formerly  of  Boston,  and  the  Park 
Theatre,  appeared  here  as  Richard  III. 

Nov.  4th.  Mr.  John  A.  Stone  took  his  benefit,  when  his 
own  play,  entitled  "  Restoration,  or  the  Diamond  Cross,"  was 
first  acted,  with  the  following  cast : 

Leon  Mr.  Thater.  Garcia  Mr.  Roberts. 

Laroque  "     Hughes.  Dorinda    ....    Mrs.  Hughes. 

Diego  "     Stone.  Hypolita   ....     "  Stone. 

Lope  "A.  Simpson.  (Her  first  appearance.) 

Nov.  9th.  Mr.  Walstein,  who  had  played  a  few  nights  at 
the  Warren  Street  Theatre,  was  brought  out  as  Farmer  Ash- 
field.    He  was  never  a  favorite  in  New  York. 

Nov.  10th.  Mr.  Clason,  who  had  played  at  the  Park,  opened 
here  as  Hamlet.  He  afterward  acted  Romeo,  Beverly,  Rolla, 
and  Sir  Charles  Rackett. 

Nov.  11th.  Mr.  Edgar  made  his  first  appearance  on  the 
stage,  as  Richard  III.  On  the  26th,  he  attempted  Glenalvon, 
in  "  Douglas,"  for  his  benefit. 

On  the  22d,  Mr.  Twibill,  with  two  interesting  children,  a 
son  and  daughter,  made  their  first  appearance  in  New  York, 
in  a  musical  Olio,  with  considerable  success. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


455 


Master  Joseph  Twibill  afterward  turned  his  attention  to 
the  painter's  art,  in  which  he  was  achieving  high  repute  at 
the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  early  manhood. 

Miss  Matilda  Twibill  made  her  debut  in  the  regular  drama  at 
this  establishment  two  years  later,  Nov.  29th,  1826,  as  Rosalie 
Somers,  with  perfect  success.  Personally,  one  of  the  loveliest 
women  known  to  the  Stage,  her  acting,  bating  a  trifle  of  af- 
fectation in  her  manner,  was  highly  meritorious,  and  at  the 
Chatham,  Bowery,  Old  and  New  National  Theatres,  she  ranked 
as  a  favorite  of  the  first  order.  She  married  the  eccentric 
Tom  Flynn,  comedian,  March  30th,  1828,  and  as  Mrs.  Flynn 
will  be  remembered  by  many  readers  as  the  idol  of  their 
earlier  years.  She  never  played  an  engagement  at  the  Park, 
and  to  attain  a  metropolitan  reputation  beyond  its  walls  was, 
in  her  day,  a  circumstance  to  be  wondered  at.  Notwithstand- 
ing her  triumphs,  she  experienced  frequent  and  rapid  vicissi- 
tudes of  fortune,  and  finally  died  in  this  city,  October  28th, 
1851,  at  the  age  of  37. 

Mr.  H.  A.  Williams,  formerly  of  the  Park,  made  his  first  ap- 
pearance here  on  the  24th,  as  Gossamer. 

On  the  29th,  an  opera  by  Micah  Hawkins,  of  New  York, 
called,  the  "  Sawmill,"  was  produced,  and  subsequently  re- 
peated two  or  three  times,  with  the  following  cast  : 

Baron  Scharfenduyvel .  Mr.  Morrison.  Jacob   Mr.  Roberts. 

Count  Phlegm    ...     44     Spiller.  Louisa   Mrs.  Waring. 

Bloom  "     Blake.  EIna  "  Allen. 

Herman  "    Petrie.  Norchee    ....     "  Walstein. 

Stoduff  "A.  Simpson. 

In  December,  a  comedy,  called  "  A  Race  for  a  Wife,"  was 
produced,  with  the  following  cast : 

Doneson  Mr.  Roberts.  James  Mr.  Spiller. 

Col.  Gayton  ....     ««     Thater.  Spinka  "A.  Simpson. 

Capt.  Seymour  "    Stevenson.       I     Mary  Mrs.  Fisher. 

Dec.  17.  A  musical  piece,  called  "Woman's  Will  a  Riddle," 
was  brought  out  by  Mr.  Spiller,  for  his  benefit,  with  Mr.  Keene 
as  Casario,  Mrs.  Walstein  as  the  Duchess  of  Mantua,  and  Mrs. 
Waring  as  the  Princess  Clementine. 

A  long  run  of  benefits  followed,  and  various  plays  were  pro- 
duced for  the  first  time  in  this  establishment,  among  which 
ere  "  Fazio,"  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hughes  in  the  principal 
;  a  new  version  of  M  Kenilworth,"  with  Mrs.  Entwistle  as 


456 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Queen  Elizabeth,  and  Mrs.  Waring  as  Amy  Robsart ;  "Mel- 
moth  the  Wanderer,"  with  Blake  as  Melmoth,  Hughes  as  Wal- 
berg,  and  Mrs.  Entwistle  as  Ira ;  "  Old  Hickory,"  for  the  pa- 
triotic Andrew  Allen's  benefit,  with  Hughes  as  the  hero; 
Knowles'  tragedy  of  "Caius  Gracchus,"  for  Mrs.  Walstein's 
benefit,  when  her  husband  made  himself  ridiculous  as  Caius, 
contrasting  strongly  with  the  excellence  of  Blake  as  Licinius, 
Mrs.  Walstein  as  Cornelia,  and  Mrs.  Hughes  as  Licinia. 

Feb.  19th,  1825.  Mr.  Anderson,  formerly  of  the  Park,  made 
a  great  hit  as  Paddy  CRafferty,  in  Moultru's  "False  and 
True."  This  piece  was  the  original  of  Power's  farce,  "  Born  to 
Good  Luck,"  and  was  now  played  with  Roberts  as  Count 
Benino,  Durang  as  Caliari,  Thayer  as  Lealto,  Mrs.  Walstein  as 
the  Marches  a,  and  Mrs.  Fisher  as  Janitta. 

Lillo's  tragedy  of  "  Fatal  Curiosity"  was  produced  for  Mrs. 
Fisher's  benefit  on  the  24th,  with  Robertson  and  Thayer  as 
Old  and  Young  Wilmot,  Mrs.  Entwistle  as  Agnes,  Mrs.  Hughes 
as  Charlotte,  and  Mrs.  Fisher  as  Maria.  The  afterpiece  on 
this  occasion  was  the  "  Children  in  the  Wood,"  with  the  little 
Misses  Fisher  as  the  leaf-covered  unfortunates. 

Mr.  Hughes'  benefit  occurred  on  the  25th,  but  he  was  too 
ill  to  play,  and  had  already  made  his  last  appearance  on  the 
stage.  Rodwell's  favorite  farce  of  the  "  Young  Widow"  was 
capitally  rendered  for  the  first  time  that  evening,  with  Blake 
as  Mandeville;  Thayer,  Splash;  Mrs.  Waring,  Aurelia;  and 
Mrs.  Fisher,  Lucy. 

The  season  terminated  on  the  28th,  with  a  benefit  for  the 
widow  of  a  Masonic  brother,  the  entertainments  consisting 
of  "  John  Bull,"  a  Masonic  Ode,  spoken  by  Mrs.  Entwistle, 
and  the  6 '  Young  Widow." 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


Park  Theatre,  1825-6. 


H  E  Park  Theatre  was  re-opened  on  the  29th  of 
August,  1825.  The  performances  consisted  of  the 
comedy  of  the  "Hypocrite''  and  the  melo-drama  of 
"  Therese."  In  the  former,  the  cast  was  the  same  as  during  the 
previous  season,  with  the  exception  of  Charlotte,  who  was 
personated  by  an  old  favorite  with  a  new  name — Mrs.  Hilson, 
late  Miss  Johnson ;  and  Young-  Lady  Lambert,  in  which  Miss 
E.  Placide  was  substituted. 

On  the  30th,  Mr.  Hilson  rendered  Shylock  very  powerfully, 
in  the  "Merchant  of  Venice,"  and  Mrs.  Battersby  appeared, 
after  an  absence  of  two  years,  as  Portia.  The  same  evening 
Miss  Deblin,  a  pupil  of  E.  H.  Conway,  appeared  for  the  first 
time  in  apas  seul. 

Mr.  Conway,  the  tragedian,  commenced  an  engagement  as 
the  Stranger  on  the  31st,  and  Miss  Kelly  opened,  on  the  2d 
of  September,  as  Floretta  and  Cherry. 

Mr.  Keene,  tne  vocalist,  appeared  on  the  6th,  as  Wilhelm, 
in  "  Der  Freyschutz,"  supported  by  Miss  Kelly  as  Bertha. 

Mr.  Conway  took  his  benefit  as  Virginius,  on  the  14th  of 
September. 

On  that  evening,  Miss  Julia  Wheatley,  aged  six  years,  is 
first  remembered  as  dancing  a  pas  seul.  For  several  seasons, 
this  interesting  child,  the  eldest  daughter  of  the  excellent 
Mrs.  Wheatley,  was  attached  to  the  Park  company,  as  a  ju- 
venile actress.  As  she  progressed  in  years,  she  was  found  to 
possess  a  rich  and  powerful  voice,  which  was  most  assiduously 

58 


458 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


and  carefully  cultivated.  On  the  6th  of  May,  1833,  at  the 
age  of  fourteen,  she  made  her  musical  debut  at  the  Park,  in 
the  character  of  Semira,  in  "  Artaxerxes,"  with  very  encour- 
aging success.  During  the  season  of  1835-6,  Miss  Wheatley 
was  engaged  as  the  contra-alto  of  the  Italian  company  then 
performing  at  the  Opera  House  in  Church  Street,  where  she 
sustained,  with  brilliant  success,  the  characters  of  Amalthea, 
("Moise  in  Egitto")  Arsace,  ("  Semiramide")  Eduardo,  ("Ma- 
thilde  di  Shabran")  Eduardo,  ("  Eduardo  and  Christine")  and 
Neocle,  ("  L'Assedio  di  Corinto").  Had  she  continued  in  the  pro- 
fession, an  increased  experience  would,  no  doubt,  have  acquired 
for  her  high  distinction.  Miss  Wheatley  was  married  to  Mr. 
E.  H.  Miller,  on  the  1st  of  June,  1840.  In  the  retirement  of 
private  life  which  ensued,  surrounded  with  all  the  elegancies 
that  taste  can  suggest  and  wealth  procure,  her  fireside  enli- 
vened by  many  smiling,  youthful  faces,  and  graced  by  the 
presence  of  her  venerated  mother,  Mrs.  Miller  is  justly  re- 
garded as  one  of  its  brightest  ornaments,  while  her  unobtru- 
sive benevolence  has  won  for  her  the  deepest  gratitude  and 
admiration  of  the  lowly  and  unfortunate. 

On  the  16th,  Mr.  Cooper  commenced  an  engagement  as 
Coriolanus,  but  the  craving  for  novelty  caused  him  to  be  in  a 
measure  neglected. 

Mrs.  Barnes  appeared  for  the  first  time  this  season  on  the 
20th,  as  Charlotte,  in  the  "  Hypocrite,"  and  in  her  powerful 
recitation  of  Collins'  Ode  on  the  Passions.  Her  talents  were 
afterward  combined  with  Mr.  Cooper's  during  the  balance  of 
his  engagement,  and  proved  a  valuable  support. 

Knowles'  play  of  "  William  Tell"  was  first  performed  in  New 
York  on  the  26th ;  and,  from  the  fine  acting  of  Cooper,  Hil- 
son  and  Mrs.  Barnes,  proved  for  a  while  very  attractive.  The 
piece  in  itself  is  dull  and  heavy,  but  the  interest  of  the  fable 
and  the  well-drawn  character  of  the  hero  always  insure  its 
success  in  good  hands.    We  subjoin  its  original  cast: 


William  Tell  .  . 

.    .    Mr.  Cooper. 

Braun   

Waldemar  .... 

Michael     .    .  . 

.     .       "  HlLSON. 

Albert   

Emma  

.    .     "  Stanley. 

Agnes  

Annelli  . 

Mr.  Placidjs. 

"  Jek^is. 
Mrs.  Barnes. 

"  Battersbt. 

"  HlLEON. 
"      Di  LUOE. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


459 


Mr.  Cooper  terminated  his  engagement  with  a  benefit  on 
the  29th,  appearing  in  the  last-named  play. 

Oct.  1st.  A  Mr.  Hazleton  made  his  first  appearance  on  the 
stage  as  Sir  Edward  Mortimer. 

Oct.  3d.  The  romantic  Indian  spectacle,  the  "Vision  of 
the  Sun,"  was  brought  out  with  great  success  in  the  follow- 
ing manner : 


Huania  Copac 
Oratzuma 
Tacmar    .  . 
Oultanpac 

Tycobrac  .  . 
King  of  Silence 


Mr.  Foot. 
"  Banckf.r. 
"  Lee. 
"  Simpson. 
"  Jervis. 
Woodhull. 


Ebongould 
Koyan      .  . 
Princess  Runac 
Cassana  . 
Ocella  .    .  . 
Geni  of  Harp 


Mr.  Wheatley. 
Miss  Kelly. 
Mrs.  Hilson. 

"  Wheatley. 
Miss  E.  Placide. 

"  Brundaqe. 


After  slumbering  a  quarter  of  a  century,  this  piece  was  re- 
vived at  the  Broadway  in  1851,  with  renewed  success. 

On  the  17th,  a  farce,  called  "'Twould  Puzzle  a  Conjuror," 
was  played,  with  the  following  cast : 


Czar  Peter 
Varensloff 
Van  Clump 
De  Morville 


Mr. 


Lee. 

Woodhull. 

Foot. 

Stanley. 


Hans  Lubberlick     .  Mr.  Barnes. 

Peter  Stanwitz   .    .  "  Hilson. 

Von  Block     ...  "  Jervis. 

Bertha   Mrs.  Hilson. 


It  has  since  frequently  been  played  as  the  "  Two  Peters," 
the  "  Dutch  Burgomaster,"  the  "  Old  Dutch  Governor,"  &c, 
with  the  name  of  Hans  Lubberlick  converted  into  the  more 
euphonious  cognomen  of  Von  Dunder. 

On  the  24th,  Mr.  Cooper  and  Mr.  Conway  commenced  a 
joint  engagement  as  Pierre  and  Jaffier,  supported  by  Mrs. 
Barnes  as  Belvidera.  Their  united  attractions  insured  a  bril- 
liant attendance.  Miss  Kelly  gave  them  her  aid  for  one  night 
as  Lady  Teazle. 

Nov.  1st.  Mr.  Thomas  S.  Hamblin  made  his  first  appear- 
ance in  America,  as  Hamlet. 

This  gentleman,  though  vastly  overrated  as  an  actor,  even 
in  his  best  days,  has  been  so  intimately  connected  with  the 
drama  in  this  city,  that  his  claims  to  particular  notice  must 
ot  be  overlooked.    Mr.  Hamblin  was  born  in  Whitechapel, 
London,  May  14th,  1798 ;  or,  according  to  another  authority, 
t  Pentonville,  just  two  years  later.    Having  taken  part  in  a 
rivate  performance  of  "  Hamlet "  while  at  school,  his  success 
ere  turned  his  wishes  toward  the  stage,  and  abandoning  the 
oughts  of  a  mercantile  life,  for  which  he  was  intended,  he 
st  appeared  at  the  Adelphi  Theatre  as  a  ballet-dancer,  at  a 


460 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


salary  of  six  shillings  per  week.  In  1815,  he  appeared  at 
Sadlers  Wells,  and  in  1817  was  engaged  at  Drury  Lane  to  play 
subordinate  characters.  He  was  afterward  employed  at  Bath, 
Brighton,  Dublin,  &c,  and  occupied  a  prominent  position  in 
the  theatres  of  those  cities.  Having  married  a  daughter  of 
Blanchard,  the  London  comedian,  he  arrived  in  this  country 
in  the  prime  of  early  manhood,  and  his  personal  appearance, 
though  marred  by  inelegantly  formed  lower  limbs,  was,  by 
his  fine  carriage  and  noble  bearing,  his  handsome  head  and 
features,  sufficient  to  command  admiration,  even  had  he 
possessed  less  merit  as  an  actor.  In  1830,  Mr.  Hamblin,  in 
connection  with  Mr.  Hackett,  became  the  lessee  of  the  Bowery 
Theatre,  but  the  latter  soon  retiring,  he  was  for  a  long  period 
sole  manager  of  the  establishment.  On  the  16th  of  Septem- 
ber, 1836,  the  theatre  was  destroyed  by  fire,  involving  him  in 
a  heavy  pecuniary  loss.  Mr.  Hamblin  now  leased  the  ground 
to  Mr.  Dinneford,  and  sailed  for  Europe,  where  he  played  at 
Covent  Garden  with  little  success.  He  returned  to  New  York 
in  July,  1837,  and  was  received  on  his  appearance  by  an  over- 
flowing house,  but  his  attraction  ceased  with  the  night,  and 
his  engagement  concluded  to  thin  audiences.  Mr.  Dinneford 
becoming  bankrupt,  Mr.  Hamblin  resumed  his  position,  and 
continued  at  his  post  until  the  Bowery  was  again  consumed 
by  fire  in  1845.  On  being  rebuilt,  Mr.  A.  W.  Jackson  assumed 
the  management  for  a*  year  or  two,  but  the  concern  passed 
again  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Hamblin,  where  it  continued 
until  his  death.  In  1848,  after  Mr.  Simpson's  retirement  from 
the  Park  Theatre,  its  lease  was  also  taken  by  Mr.  Hamblin, 
who,  at  a  vast  outlay,  refitted  it  in  the  most  sumptuous  and 
elegant  manner,  and  engaged  an  expensive  company  to  sus- 
tain the  performances.  Too  many  of  them,  however,  had  the 
Bowery  taint  upon  their  names,  and  with  less  than  his  usual 
judgment,  he  obtruded  himself  and  Mrs.  Shaw  as  the  princi- 
pal attractions,  with  the  addition  of  a  costly,  though  passe 
ballet  troupe.  The  result  was — bare  walls,  empty  benches, 
and  ruinous  losses,  terminating  in  the  entire  conflagration 
of  the  building  and  its  contents,  without  a  cent  of  insurance 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


461 


to  the  proprietor.  During  these  accumulated  disasters,  Mr. 
Hamblin's  spirit  never  quailed,  but  with  renewed  energy,  he 
set  himself  to  work  to  repair  his  broken  fortunes.  As  a 
manager,  few  have  equaled  him  in  prosperity,  for,  notwith- 
standing his  repeated  heavy  losses,  it  was  stated  that  he  left, 
at  his  death,  a  fortune  of  a  hundred  thousand  dollars.  With 
rare  exceptions,  Mr.  Hamblin  catered  for  the  million.  His 
melo-dramas  of  the  "  blood  and  thunder  "  school  proving  at- 
tractive to  the  lower  orders,  he  was  content  to  fill  his  purse 
from  such  sources,  rather  than  attempt  to  elevate  the  drama 
and  its  auditors  by  the  production  of  plays  of  literary  merit 
and  elevated  sentiment.  His  company,  generally,  was  so  no- 
toriously incompetent  in  the  better  class  of  plays,  and  his 
own  character  in  connection  with  female  reputation  so  unfor- 
tunate, that  his  theatre  was,  for  years,  in  a  double  sense, 
known  as  the  Bowery  Slaughter-House.  His  wife,  about  the 
year  1834,  procured  a  divorce  from  him,  and  by  the  laws  of 
the  State,  he  was  not  permitted  to  marry  again  until  her 
death.  His  subsequent  connection,  however,  with  Miss  Vin- 
cent and  Miss  Medina  was  well  known,  and  immediately 
after  his  first  wife's  decease,  Mrs.  Shaw  was  also  announced  as 
Mrs.  Hamblin. 

Mr.  Hamblin  labored  for  many  years  under  an  asthmatic 
complaint,  which  materially  interfered  with  his  professional 
exertions — the  huskiness  of  his  voice,  and  his  difficult  and,  at 
times,  almost  choking  respiration,  often  rendering  his  speech 
unintelligible.  In  the  business  relations  of  life,  he  is  repre- 
sented to  have  been  a  strictly  honorable  man,  and  the  united 
testimony  of  all  in  his  employ  is  conclusive  on  that  head. 
His  benevolence  and  generosity  were  also  proverbial,  and  to 
any  a  young  and  untried  aspirant  he  has  given  a  helping 
nd  to  fame  and  fortune.  He  died  of  a  brain  fever,  at  his 
sidence  in  Broome  Street,  January  8th,  1853. 
Mrs.  Hamblin,  formerly  Miss  Elizabeth  Blanchard,  made 
r  first  appearance  in  America  on  the  4th  of  November,  as 
s.  Haller.  She  was  a  lady  of  good  general  ability,  and 
puld  have  proved  a  valuable  stock  actress  in  any  theatre, 


462 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


but  her  merits  did  not  entitle  her  to  rank  as  a  star.  In  1831, 
she  visited  Europe,  and  soon  after  her  return  commenced  a 
suit  of  divorce  against  her  husband,  which  resulted  in  her 
favor.  In  lieu  of  her  awarded  alimony,  she  accepted  the  sum 
of  three  thousand  dollars  in  one  payment,  with  which  she 
commenced  a  career  of  theatrical  management  at  Petersburg, 
Va.,  and  at  the  Richmond  Hill  in  this  city.  Having  intro- 
duced to  the  stage  Mr.  James  S.  Charles,  then  a  fine-looking 
young  fellow,  she  finally  married  him  about  the  year  1836. 
She  was  a  woman  of  high  spirit,  and  her  domestic  griefs  were 
sometimes  brought  before  the  public  with  more  temper  than 
judgment.  She  last  appeared  here  at  the  Astor  Place  Opera 
House,  under  Niblo's  management,  in  1848.  Her  mortal 
career  was  terminated  by  cholera  in  the  city  of  New  Orleans, 
May  8th,  1849. 

During  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hamblin's  first  American  engagement, 
the  former  appeared  as  Hamlet,  the  Stranger,  William  Tell, 
Virginius,  Rolla,  Duke  Aranza,  Romont,  ("  Fatal  Dowry")  and 
Petruchio ;  and  the  latter  as  Mrs.  Haller,  Annette,  ("  Maid  and 
Magpie")  Virginia,  Nell,  ("Devil  to  Pay")  Clara,  ("Mat- 
rimony") Cora,  Lady  Contest,  Juliana,  Therese,  and  Cath- 
arine. 

On  the  14th  of  November,  Mr.  Edmund  Kean  presented 
himself,  for  the  first  time  in  four  years,  as  King  Richard  III. 
The  remembrance  of  his  old  slight  to  the  Boston  audience 
was  revived  against  him,  and  an  organized  opposition,  sup- 
posed to  have  been  headed  by  some  excited  Bostonians,  at- 
tended for  the  purpose  of  driving  him  from  the  stage.  On  his 
appearance,  he  was  received  with  a  shower  of  hisses,  inter- 
mingled with  considerable  applause,  both  of  which,  on  his 
attempting  to  speak,  were  renewed  with  so  much  violence, 
that  not  a  word  could  be  heard.  Mr.  Simpson  came  forward, 
and  begged  a  hearing  for  Mr.  Kean,  who  then  endeavored  to 
proceed  with  the  play,  but  the  hissing  and  groaning  being 
still  kept  up,  he  was  obliged  to  go  on  in  dumb  show  only. 
Mrs.  Hilson  was  the  Lady  Anne  of  the  evening,  and  while 
holding  the  sword  toward  the  breast  of  Richard,  a  dangerous 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


463 


missile,  thrown  from  the  gallery,  fell  directly  at  her  feet. 
She  dropped  the  sword,  and  her  husband  rushed  forward  and 
took  her  from  the  stage.  Again  Mr.  Simpson  appeared,  and 
after  a  few  appealing  words  to  the  audience,  led  on  Mrs. 
Hilson,  who  most  courageously  went  on  with  her  part,  and 
the  tragedy  was  completed  amidst  the  utmost  din  and  con- 
fusion. 

It  was  said  that  upward  of  two  thousand  persons  were 
present,  and  that  at  least  three-fourths  of  them  were  in  favor 
of  Mr.  Kean's  performing,  the  pit  and  hirst  and  second  tiers  of 
boxes  having  scarcely  a  rioter  in  them. 

Mr.  Kean,  whose  proud  spirit  had  been  brought  low  by  the 
neglect  and  censure  of  his  own  countrymen,  and  who  was  re- 
duced to  desperation  at  the  supposed  opposition  of  his  old  ad- 
mirers here,  published  in  the  newspapers  of  the  next  day  an 
appeal  to  the  public,  which  he  concluded  with  the  following 
words : 

"  That  I  have  committed  an  error,  appears  too  evident  from  the  all-decisive 
voice  of  the  public  ;  but  surely  it  is  but  justice  to  the  delinquent  (whatever  may 
be  his  enormities)  to  be  allowed  to  make  reparation  where  the  offenses  were  com- 
mitted. My  misunderstandings  took  place  in  Boston.  To  Boston  I  shall  as- 
suredly go  to  apologize  for  my  indiscretions.  I  visit  this  country  now  under 
different  feelings  and  auspices  than  on  a  former  occasion.  Then  I  was  an  ambi- 
tious man,  and  the  proud  representative  of  Shakspeare's  heroes.  The  spark  of 
ambition  is  extinct ;  *md  I  merely  ask  a  shelter  in  which  to  close  my  professional 
and  mortal  career.  I  give  the  weapon  into  the  hands  of  my  enemies  ;  if  they 
are  brave,  they  will  not  turn  it  against  the  defenseless. 

"  Edmund  Kean. 

rT."  Washington  Hall,  Nov.  \f>th,  18i25." 

On  his  next  appearance  as  Othello,  but  little  opposition  was 
manifested,  and  the  remainder  of  his  engagement  was  but  a 
repetition  of  his  earlier  American  triumphs.  He  afterward 
went  to  Boston,  where,  however,  he  was  literally  pelted  from 
the  stage,  and  never  after  permitted  to  appear  there.  Mr.  W. 
W.  Clapp,  in  his  "  Record  of  the  Boston  Stage,"  remarks  that 
"Time  has  softened  the  asperities  even  of  Kean's  most  in- 
veterate enemies,  and  though  he  was  guilty  of  unpardonable 
insolence  toward  the  public,  the  retaliation  he  met  with  was 
unbecoming  an  enlightened  community." 


464 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


On  the  15th  of  November,  Mrs.  Sharpe,  formerly  Miss  Lee- 
sugg,  (a  sister  of  Mrs.  Hackett)  made  her  first  appearance  in 
America  as  Lady  Teazle,  and  Rosina,  in  the  operetta  of  that 
name.  She  met  with  a  decided  success,  though  during  the 
remainder  of  the  season  her  performances  were  confined  to  a 
more  subordinate  range  of  parts.  Mrs.  Sharpe  belonged  to  the 
highest  class  of  useful  actresses,  and  as  such  her  merit  was 
fully  acknowledged  by  the  public,  until  she  attempted  to 
limit  her  efforts  to  an  occasional  star  engagement,  when,  per- 
haps, she  met  with  less  encouragement  than  her  talents  really 
deserved.  She  was  a  tall,  fine-looking,  dark-eyed,  expressive- 
featured  woman,  and  though  somewhat  awkward  in  her 
movements,  maintained  a  dignity  of  carriage  and  a  charm  of 
manner  that  always  proved  attractive.  Her  talents  were  of  the 
most  diverse  character,  and  obtained  for  her  a  repute  in  every 
department  of  the  drama.  In  opera  she  was  capable  of  as- 
suming the  part  of  prima  donna,  though  the  donna  seconda 
was  her  more  appropriate  sphere,  and  therein  she  frequently 
divided  the  applause  with  Mrs.  Austin,  Mrs.  Wood  and  other 
eminent  vocalists.  In  comedy  "  she  could  scold,  lie  and  flirt 
like  a  waiting-maid,  and  look,  speak  and  act  like  a  lady — 
could  be  boisterous  in  the  kitchen  and  stately  in  the  hall — 
and  could  jilt  a  footman  or  reject  a  knight  with  equal  skill 
and  dexterity."  Still,  in  the  finish  of  high  comedy,  Mrs. 
Sharpe  lacked  some  essentials.  In  tragedy  was  found  her 
true  excellence — not  in  the  gentle,  pathetic  and  subdued,  but 
in  the  more  violent  emotions  of  the  heart;  Rage,  Anger, 
Hatred,  Horror  and  Despair  have  seldom  been  portrayed  with 
such  forcible  truthfulness.  Her  Elvira,  in  "Pizarro,"  has 
never  been  surpassed  upon  our  boards,  and  her  Lady  Con- 
stance and  Lady  Macbeth  rarely  equaled.  We  have  never 
seen,  and  never  expect  to  see,  her  Emilia,  in  "Othello," 
at  all  approached  in  excellence  by  any  other  actress. 
She  threw  her  whole  soul  into  the  part,  aud  with  her 
flashing  eyes,  and  scorning  look,  and  bitter  denuncia- 
tion, might  fearlessly  challenge  a  comparison  with  the 
finest  Othello  that  ever  trod  the  boards.    In  such  char- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


465 


acters  also  as  Helen  McGregor,  she  was  pre-eminently 
great. 

In  1836,  Mrs.  Sharpe  visited  Europe  and  appeared  with 
success  at  Drury  Lane,  as  Constance  and  Lady  Macbeth.  She 
returned  to  America,  and  made  her  last  appearance  on  the 
New  York  Stage  with  Wallack's  National  Company,  then 
playing  at  Niblo's  Garden,  as  Lady  Macbeth,  to  Charles  Kean's 
Macbeth,  November  8th,  1839.  In  private  life  she  was  long 
known  as  Mrs.  Capt.  Brevoort.  Her  death  occurred  in  New 
York,  of  cancer,  in  1863. 

On  the  24th  of  November,  Mr.  Kirby,  a  noted  English  pan- 
tomimist,  made  his  first  appearance  as  Scaramouch,  in  "  Don 
Juan."  A  year  after,  he  committed  suicide  by  drowning, 
near  Philadelphia. 

The  first  attempt  to  introduce  the  regular  Italian  opera 
was  this  season  made  by  Signor  Garcia,  a  well-known  Euro- 
pean tenor,  who  engaged  the  Theatre  for  two  nights  in  the 
week,  and  with  the  prices  of  admission  raised  to  two  dollars 
for  the  boxes,  and  one  dollar  for  the  pit,  succeeded  in  at- 
tracting remunerative  houses  until  the  entl  of  the  season. 
Mr.  De  Luce  was  continued  as  leader  of  the  orchestra,  which 
included  seven  violins,  two  tenors,  two  bases,  three  violon- 
cellos, two  flutes,  two  clarionets,  two  horns,  two  trumpets, 
one  bassoon  and  one  kettle-drum.1  A  piano-forte  was 
also  added,  under  the  dominion  of  Mr.  Etienne.  Novem- 
ber 29th  was  the  date  of  the  company's  debut  in  America — 
the  opera  was  Rossini's  "  Barbiere  di  Seviglia the  cast  as 
follows : 

Conte  Almaviva .    .    .    Sig.  Garcia.  Figaro  Sig.   Garcia,  Jr. 

Dottore  Bartolo  ..."    Rosich.  Rosina  Signorina  Garcia. 

Basilio     ....  "    Angrisani.  Berta  Signora.  Garcia. 

Fiorello  "  Crevelli. 

The  house  was  thronged  in  every  part,  the  receipts 
amounting  to  §2,980.  An  assemblage  of  ladies  so  fash- 
ionable, so  numerous,  and  so  elegantly  dressed,  had  prob- 
ably never  been  witnessed  in  an  American  theatre.  From 


1  The  musicians  were  De  Luce,  W.  Taylor,  Milon,  Hill,  Dumahault,  Holloway,  Jr.,  Moriere, 
Holloway,  Nicolai,  Greer,  Davis,  Bocock,  Moran,  Gentil,  Bloudeau,  P.  Taylor,  Mertine,  Beck, 
Eberle,  Sr.,  Eberle,  Jr.,  Metz,  Peterson,  Hornung  auil  Carroll,  in  the  order  above  mentioned. 


59 


466 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


a  newspaper  of  the  next  day,  we  copy  the  following  re- 
marks : 

"  We  were  last  night  surprised,  delighted,  enchanted ;  and 
such  were  the  feelings  of  all  who  witnessed  the  performance. 
The  repeated  plaudits  with  which  the  theatre  rung  were 
unequivocal,  unaffected  bursts  of  rapture.  The  Signorina 
seems  to  us  a  being  of  a  new  creation ;  a  cunning  pattern  of 
excellent  nature,  equally  surprising  by  the  melody  of  her 
voice  and  by  the  propriety  and  grace  of  her  acting.  The 
best  compliment  that  can  be  paid  to  the  merit  of  the  com- 
pany was  the  unbroken  attention  that  was  yielded  through- 
out the  entire  performance,  except  that  every  now  and  then 
it  was  interrupted  by  judiciously  bestowed  marks  of  applause, 
which  were  simultaneously  given  from  all  parts  of  the  house. 
In  one  respect,  the  exhibition  excelled  all  that  we  have  ever 
witnessed  in  any  of  our  theatres  —  the  whole  troupe  were 
almost  equally  excellent,  nor  was  there  one  whose  exertions 
to  fill  the  part  allotted  to  him  did  not  essentially  contribute 
to  the  success  of  the  piece.    *       *       *  * 

"  Signor  Garcia  indulges  in  a  florid  style  of  singing,  but 
with  his  fine  voice,  fine  taste,  admirable  ear,  and  brilliancy  of 
execution,  we  could  not  be  otherwise  than  delighted.  We 
cannot  avoid  expressing  our  wonder  and  delight  at  the  pow- 
erful, low  and  mellow  tones  of  Signor  Angrisani's  base  voice, 
or  rather  of  his  '  most  miraculous  organ,'  of  which  we  never 
before  heard  the  equal. 

"Signorina  Garcia's  voice  is  what  is  denominated  in  the 
Italian  a  fine  contra-alto,  and  her  science  and  skill  in  its 
management  are  such  as  to  enable  her  to  run  over  every  tone 
and  semi-tone  of  three  octaves  with  an  ease  and  grace  that 
cost  apparently  no  effort.  She  does  not  adopt  the  florid 
style  of  her  father,  but  one  which  is  less  assuming,  and  per- 
haps more  proper  in  a  lady,  and  hardly  less  effective.  Her 
person  is  about  the  middle  height,  slightly  embonpoint — her 
eyes  dark,  arch  and  expressive,  and  a  playful  smile  is  almost 
constantly  the  companion  of  her  lips.  She  was  the  magnet 
who  attracted  all  eyes  and  won  all  hearts." 


RECORDS   OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


467 


Manuel  Garcia,  the  director,  was  a  native  of  Seville,  Spain, 
born  in  1782.  He  had  sung  with  the  greatest  applause  in  all 
the  principal  cities  of  Europe,  and  composed  much  music  for 
the  church  and  theatre.  After  his  visit  to  America,  he  re- 
appeared in  Paris,  but  finding  a  failure  in  his  once  magnifi- 
cent voice,  he  retired  from  the  stage,  and  died,  we  believe, 
at  Brussels,  in  1836. 

Rosich  was  the  buffo  of  the  company,  and  he  has  rarely 
been  surpassed  by  any  successor  in  his  line.  He  was  for 
several  years  a  resident  of  New  York  and  a  great  favorite 
as  a  concert-singer. 

Signorina  Maria  Felicite  Garcia,  who  afterward,  as  Madame 
Malibran,  filled  all  Europe  with  her  fame,  was  of  course  the 
star  of  the  troupe.  She  was  born  in  the  year  1808,  and,  under 
the  tutelage  of  Velutti,  at  the  age  of  fifteen  made  her  first 
appearance  at  the  Italian  Opera  House,  London,  in  the  Cro- 
ciato,  and,  in  the  character  of  a  graceful  stripling,  won  the 
warmest  admiration  of  the  audience,  as  she  poured  out  her 
delicious  contra-alto  notes  in  the  favorite  song,  "  II  Giovenetto 
Cavalier."  These,  added  to  her  youth,  her  charming  form, 
and  those  beautifully  expressive  eyes,  which  no  one  could 
ever  forget  who  once  saw  them,  at  once  stamped  her  a  prom- 
ising member  of  the  corps  dramalique.  But  the  public  had 
as  yet  no  notion  of  her  value,  and  so  little  did  her  father, 
Garcia,  think  what  a  star  she  would  become  in  the  musical 
firmament,  that  she  was  on  the  point  of  marrying  a  performer 
of  no  name  in  the  orchestra. 

She  came  to  America,  and  in  the  height  of  her  brilliant 
career  here,  on  the  23d  of  March,  1826,  contracted  a  marriage 
with  Eugene  Malibran,  an  aged  and  wealthy  French  merchant 
of  this  city,  expecting  to  retire  from  the  stage.  The  match 
was  said  to  have  been  compulsory,  and  entirely  at  variance 
with  her  own  feelings,  filial  duty  alone  prompting  her  to  the 
sacrifice.  Brilliant,  however,  as,  in  a  pecuniary  view,  it  ap- 
peared in  prospect,  it  proved  worthless ;  misfortunes  overtook 
her  husband,  and  in  a  short  time  he  was  a  bankrupt  and  her 
profession  was  resumed  for  her  support. 


468 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


At  the  old  Grace  Church,  on  Sundays,  where  she  also  sung 
she  attracted  more  auditors,  probably,  than  its  venerated  and 
eloquent  pastor. 

After  repeated  triumphs  on  the  Park  Stage,  she  was  en- 
gaged by  Mr.  Gilfert  to  appear  in  English  opera  at  the  Bow- 
ery, and  first  appeared  there  January  15th,  1827,  as  Count 
Belino.  She  also  sung  the  music  of  Rosetta,  in  "  Love  in  a 
Village,"  and  Zerlina,  in  "Don  Giovanni."  For  her  benefit 
and  final  appearance  on  the  American  Stage,  October  28th, 
1827,  she  appeared  there  as  the  Princess  of  Navarre,  in  Boil- 
dieu's  "  John  of  Paris,"  and  in  a  selection  of  her  most  brilliant 
cavatinas.  She  sailed  for  Europe  in  November,  and  soon 
after  appeared  in  Paris  with  the  most  brilliant  success.  Her 
second  debut  in  London,  at  the  King's  Theatre,  was  an  un- 
paralleled triumph,  and  from  that  period  she  remained  the 
undisputed  queen  of  song. 

Soon  after  her  return  to  Europe,  she  procured  a  divorce 
from  Mons.  Malibran,  and  bestowed  her  hand  on  the  object 
of  her  choice,  the  celebrated  violinist,  De  Beriot. 

On  the  17th  of  September,  1836,  she  was  taken  ill  at  Man- 
chester. Her  disease  was  a  nervous  fever,  accompanied  with 
perpetual  delirium,  and  the  symptoms  of  the  case  were  at 
once  deemed  unfavorable.  She  expired  on  the  23d  of  Sep- 
tember, 1836,  in  the  28th  year  of  her  age,  and  in  the  very 
zenith  of  her  reputation,  ere  a  single  cloud  had  dimmed  her 
vocal  powers  or  changed  the  marvelous  beauty  of  her  face  or 
person.  Intense  excitement  throughout  England  and  the 
continent  succeeded  the  tidings  of  the  sad  event,  and  a 
storm  of  indignation  was  showered  on  her  unfortunate  home- 
opathic physician,  who  had  failed  to  save  her  life;  bat 
from  several  professional  statements  afterward  made,  her  case 
was  probably  one  in  which  medical  efforts  of  any  nature 
would  have  proved  fruitless. 

Malibran  was,  in  her  day,  the  most  varied  and  most  suc- 
cessful songstress  in  Europe,  and  has  probably  been  eclipsed 
by  no  predecessor  or  successor.    She  was  competent  to  ap-  ! 
pear,  and  could  play  and  sing,  on  the  Spanish,  French,  Ger- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


469 


man,  Italian  and  English  Stages.  Her  lovely  form,  her  pas- 
sionate attitudes,  her  commanding  gestures,  the  expressive 
play  of  her  features,  her  noble  brow,  her  tread  on  the 
stage,  as  of  a  goddess  on  Olympus,  her  soul-lighted  eyes, 
and,  above  all,  her  inconceivable  singing,  impressed  an  in<  I 
faceable  picture  on  every  mind.  Her  generosity  was  un- 
bounded, and  by  far  the  largest  portion  of  her  immense  earn- 
ings was  lavished  on  her  relatives  and  various  objects  of  her 
charity. 

To  return  to  our  Record : 

Mr.  Kean  took  his  benefit  on  the  2d  of  December,  and  not- 
withstanding the  late  ebullition  of  feeling,  was  honored  with 
a  crowded  and  approving  house.  A  newspaper  of  the  day  re- 
marked that  "Kean  stands  alone,  secure  and  towering  in  the 
consciousness  and  beauty  of  transcendent  genius.  As  a  tra- 
gedian, there  is  no  living  man  fit  to  be  compared  with  him." 
He  appeared  on  the  occasion  as  King  Lear.  As  an  afterpiece, 
a  new  farce,  called  "  Uncle  Gabriel,"  was  produced,  with  the 
following  cast: 


Uncle  Gabriel 
Tom  Tacit 
Lieut.  Sutton 
Ready  ...  . 


Mr.  Foot. 

"  Placide. 

"  Riohings. 

M  HIL80N. 


Scrip  . 
Mrs.  Tacit 
Eliza  . 


Mr.  Kent. 
Miss  K.  Placide. 
Mrs.  De  Luce. 


Massinger's  fine  play  of  the  "Fatal  Dowry"  was  brought 
out  by  Mr.  Hamblin,  on  the  night  of  his  benefit,  Dec.  12th, 
for  the  first  time,  we  believe,  on  the  American  Stage.  It  was 
thus  cast : 


Romont  . 
Rochfort  . 
Cbaralois  . 
Beaumont 


Mr.  Hamblin. 

"  Woodhull. 

"  Lee. 

"  RlCUINGS. 


Old  Noval  . 
Young  N'oval 
Beaumelle 
Bellapert  . 


Mr.  Foot. 

"  Stanley. 
Mrs.  Sharpe. 

"  Wheatley. 


Mrs.  Smith,  late  Miss  Parr,  also  appeared  in  a  pas  seid. 
A  play  by  Woodworth,  called  the  "  Widow's  Son,"  was  firsi 
played  on  the  15th,  with  the  annexed  cast  : 


Major  Lee.  . 
Major  Melville 
Capt.  Carnes 
Capt.  Derby  . 
Capt.  Middleton 
Sergt.  Cbampe  . 


Kent. 

Jervis. 

Stanley. 

Clarke. 

Richtngs. 

SlMl'SON. 


Farmer  Clover 
Dr  Trueman  . 
Dr.  Stramonium 
Louisa  . 
Margaret  . 
Lucy    .    .  . 


Mr.  Foot. 

"  Woodhull. 

"  Barnes. 
Miss  E.  Placide. 
Mrs.  Battersby. 

"    De  Luce. 


The  author  had  his  benefit  on  the  23d. 

On  the  17th,  a  new  Italian  opera,  called  "L'Amante  As- 


470 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


tuto,"  the  words  by  Garcia  and  Rosich,  music  by  Garcia,  was 
produced,  with  the  following  cast : 

Raimond  .    .    .    Sig.  Garcia.  |     Rosalie      ....    Signorina  Garcia. 

Anacleto  "    Rosich.  Chiara  Signora  Garcia. 

Carlotto  "    Garcia,  Jr. 

It  did  not  prove  as  successful  as  "  II  Barbiere." 

On  the  21st,  Mr.  Barnes  announced  for  his  benefit  the 
old  comedy  of  "  Love  for  Love,"  with  Foot  as  Sir  Sampson, 
Hilson  as  Ben,  Barnes  as  Foresight,  and  Mrs.  Hilson  as  Miss 
Price. 

He  also  brought  out  a  new  farce  called  the  "  Rival  Valets," 
thus  cast : 

Perkins  Mr.  Kent.  Anthony    ....    Mr.  Barnes. 

Capt.  Welford    ..."    Stanley.  Sophia  Mrs.  Sharps. 

Frank  "    Hilson.  Dorothy     ....     "  Wheatlky. 

For  Christmas  celebration,  on  Monday,  26th,  the  tragedy  of 
"  George  Barnwell"  was  revived.  A  ballet,  called  "  American 
Tars,"  followed,  with  Parker  as  Jack  Halyard,  and  W.  Colling- 
bourne  as  Sandie.  The  latter  was  a  good  dancer,  an  excellent 
clown,  and  a  very  fair  singer.  He  was  afterward  well  known 
at  the  Bowery  Theatre,  and  was  also  long  a  favorite  at 
Boston.  The  celebrated  pantomime  of  the  "Brazilian 
Ape,"  since  so  very  popular  with  the  Ravels,  was  also  first 
brought  out  on  this  evening,  with  Kirby  as  Jocko,  and  Mrs. 
Smith  as  Cora. 

On  the  31st,  Rossini's  superb  opera  of  "  Tancredi  et  Ame- 
naide"  was  first  represented  in  America,  with  the  following 
cast : 

Tancredi  Signorina  Garcia.      1     Ruggiero   ....    Sig.  Crevelli. 

Orbazzano     ....   Sig.  Angrisani.  Amenaide  ....    Mme.  Barbeire. 

Argivio  "     Garcia.  (Her  first  appearance.) 

It  was  entirely  successful,  and  the  exquisite  "  Di  tanti  pal- 
piti,"  given  by  "  the  Signorina,"  as  she  was  simply  and  univer- 
sally called,  excited  the  audience  to  the  utmost  pitch  of  en- 
thusiasm. She  played  and  sung  with  such  brilliancy  and  ef- 
fect, and  with  such  perfect  and  animated  conception  of  her 
part,  that  the  able  critic  of  the  Evening  Post  at  once  predicted 
that,  at  no  distant  period,  when  she  should  enter  the  lists  be- 
fore more  experienced  and  severe  judges,  she  would  divide 
the  prize  with  the  Catalanis  and  Pastas  of  Europe. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


471 


Madame  Barbeire  had  somewhat  the  appearance  of  a  novice, 
but  gave  great  satisfaction  in  Amenaide,  by  the  purity  and 
implicity  of  her  style,  and  although  not  comparable  to  the 
Signorina,  was  admitted  to  be  a  singer  of  unusual  merit. 
Monday,  Jan.  2d,  1826,  was  performed  the  comedy  of  a 
Cure  for  the  Heartache,"  followed  by  the  revival  of  Bray's 
farce  of  the  u  Toothache,"  with  Hilson  as  Barogo,  and  Placide 
as  Dr.  Petitqueue.    A  new  pantomime,  called  "  Harlequin  and 
the  Talking  Bird,"  completed  the  evening's  entertainments, 
with  Parker  as  Harlequin,  Collingbourne  as  Pantaloon,  Kirby 
as  the  Clown,  and  Mrs.  Smith  as  Columbine.     The  latter 
piece  enjoyed  a  month's  uninterrupted  run. 

Poole's  amusing  and  still  highly  popular  comedy  of  "  Paul 
Pry"  was  first  played  on  the  11th.  None  of  the  perform- 
ers engaged  in  it  were  pleased  with  their  parts,  and  all 
predicted  a  failure,  yet  it  proved  to  be  the  most  successful 
comedy  produced  in  many  years,  while  Hilson,  Barnes, 
and  Mrs.  Hilson,  (especially  the  former,  as  the  inquisitive 
hero)  made  such  hits,  that,  to  the  day  of  their  deaths, 
Paul  Pry,  Col.  Hardy,  and  Phoebe  were  ranked  among  their 
most  attractive  personations.  In  the  whole  range  of  Comedy, 
we  know  of  no  character  that  has  surpassed  in  humor  or  popu- 
larity Mr.  Hilson's  delineation  of  Paul  Pry.  The  original 
cast  stood  thus : 


Paul  Try  .  . 
Col.  Hardy  . 
Frank  Hardy 
Old  Stanley  . 
Harry  Stanley 
Somers  .  . 
Witherton 


Mr. 


Hilson. 

Barnes. 

Stanley. 

Wheatley. 

Lee. 

Woodiull. 
Foot. 


Grasp   .  . 
Doubledot 
Simon  . 
Marian  . 
Eliza    .  . 
Phoebe  .  . 
Mrs.  Subtle 


Mr.  Jeryis. 

44  Nexsen. 

"  Bancker. 
Miss  E.  Placide. 
Mrs.  Sharps. 

14  Hilson. 

"  Batteksby. 


The  name  of  Mrs.  Battersby  as  Mrs.  Subtle  is  in  the  bill 
before  us ;  but  we  can  only  remember  Mrs.  Wheatley  in  the 
part,  and,  disagreeable  as  it  was,  her  truth  to  nature  rendered 
it  one  of  the  features  of  the  piece. 

Messrs.  Cooper  and  Conway  commenced  an  engagement  on 
the  16th,  during  which,  in  addition  to  a  repetition  of  former 
parts,  tbey  appeared  as  Orsino  and  Ctesario,  in  "Alfonso,"  and 
Hotspur  and  Prince  of  Wales.  Mr.  Conway  took  his  benefit 
on  the  27th,  when  he  appeared  as  Romeo,  with  Mr.  Cooper's 


472 


RECORDS  OP  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mercutio,  and  also  personated  the  character  of  Varnish,  in  the 
farce  called  "  Intrigue."  On  the  30th,  Mr.  Cooper  presented 
"  Julius  Caesar  "  and  the  "  Liar,"  for  his  benefit,  when  he  per- 
sonated Marc  Antony  and  Young-  Wilding,  with  the  aid  of 
Conway  as  Brutus  in  the  tragedy. 

Mr.  Cooper's  attraction  was  now  very  sensibly  diminished, 
and  on  this  occasion  he  had  the  bad  taste  to  make  a  speech, 
in  which  he  cast  something  like  reproaches  on  his  friends  for 
deserting  him  for  the  more  novel  entertainment  of  the  Italian 
Opera.  Poor  Cooper!  the  sun  of  prosperity  that  had  long 
shone  brightly  on  him  was  fast  withdrawing  its  beams,  but 
the  golden  harvest  which  he  had  so  profusely  gathered  had 
been  foolishly  wasted,  and  little  now  remained  for  winter's 
use. 

Feb.  6th.  Mr.  Kean  commenced  a  new  engagement  as 
Richard,  and  on  the  7th,  Rossini's  grand  opera  of  "Otello" 
was  first  sung  in  America,  with  the  following  cast : 

Otello   Sig.  Garcia.  Roderigo  ....  Mme.  Barbeire. 

Doge   "  Crevelli.  Emelia   "  Garcia. 

Iago   u  Garcia,  Jr.  Desdemona    .    .    .  Signorina  Garcia. 

Elmiro   "  Angrisani. 

This  opera  was  another  immense  success,  and  elicited  the 
following  remarks  from  a  well-known  critic :  "  We  have  seen 
Othello  before,  but  never  a  Desdemona.  Rarely  have  such 
elegance,  grace,  dignity,  beauty,  passion  and  pathos  been 
united  in  a  female.  The  most  fastidious  critic  would  say  that 
she  was  faultless,  and  a  generous  one  might  be  permitted  to 
pronounce  that  she  was  perfect."  It  was  whispered  that  the 
fervency  of  the  Signorina's  acting  and  singing  in  this  opera 
was  attributable  to  her  father's  threat  at  rehearsal,  where  she 
had  failed  to  throw  sufficient  spirit  into  her  character,  that  if 
she  did  not  improve  in  her  rendition  at  night,  he  would,  as 
Otello,  not  theatrically  but  really  stab  her  to  the  heart,  that 
being  the  mode  in  which  the  Italian  Desdemona  is  dispatched, 
instead  of  being  smothered  as  on  the  English  Stage. 

Madame  Barbeire  appeared  to  great  advantage  as  Rod- 
erigo ;  she  sang  well,  and  trod  the  stage  with  more  ease  and 
freedom  than  on  her  first  appearance. 

Mr.  Kean's  engagement,  during  which  he  appeared  as  Ber- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


473 


tram  and  Richard  II.,  terminated  with  his  benefit  on  the  24th, 
when  he  enacted  Se/im,  in  "  Barbarossa  .,"  and  also  (to  display 
his  versatility)  Paul,  in  the  operetta  of  "Paul  and  Virginia." 

On  the  27th,  Mrs.  Hackett  re-appeared,  after  an  absence  of 
seven  years,  as  the  Countess,  in  the  "Devil's  Bridge,"  and 
Marian  Ramsay,  and  was  received  with  all  the  kindness  and 
enthusiasm  to  which  her  undoubted  abilities  and  rumored 
misfortunes  entitled  her.  On  the  1st  of  March  she  appeared 
as  Rosetta,  on  the  31st  as  FlorHta,  and  on  the  6th  as  Rosina, 
in  the  "Barber  of  Seville,"  her  merits  as  an  actress,  or  vocal- 
ist, having  in  no  way  deteriorated  during  her  retirement. 

On  the  1st,  her  husband,  Mr.  James  H.  Hackett,  who  had  lately 
been  unfortunate  in  a  mercantile  way,  first  essayed  the  pro- 
fession, of  which  he  is  now  a  distinguished  ornament,  in  the 
character  of  Justice  Woodcock.  His  nervousness,  or  stage 
fright,  however,  so  overcame  his  faculties  that  he  failed  to 
make  a  favorable  impression  on  the  audience.  Another  op- 
portunity offered  on  the  occasion  of  Mrs.  Hackett's  benefit, 
March  10th,  and  he  undertook  the  part  of  Sylvester  Dagger- 
wood,  wherein  he  .gave  some  admirable  imitations  of  Ma- 
thews, Kean,  Hilson  and  Barnes,  and  was  rewarded  with  the 
loudest  expressions  of  approbation. 

This  fixed  his  resolution,  and  he  determined  on  adopting 
the  Stage  as  a  vocation.  On  the  19th  of  the  following 
June,  he  made  his  third  appearance,  introducing  the  Yankee 
story  of  "  Uncle  Ben "  with  such  a  perfect  imitation  of  the 
idiom  and  accent  of  that  peculiar  dialect,  that  he  literally 
convulsed  the  house  with  laughter.  He  also  personated 
Morbleau,  in  "  Mons.  Tonson,"  with  great  effect,  and  the  char- 
acter long  remained  a  favorite  with  him  and  the  public.  He 
appeared  several  times  the  next  season,  and  on  the  25th  of 
October,  1826,  made  his  first  great  hit  as  one  of  the  Dromios, 
his  imitation  of  the  voice  and  personal  peculiarities  of  Mr. 
Barnes,  as  his  twin  brother,  being  so  perfect  as  to  confound 
the  audience  with  regard  to  their  respective  identity,  and  to 
elicit  the  most  overwhelming  applause.  In  December,  he 
sailed  for  England,  and  on  the  6th  of  April,  1827,  at  Covent 

60 


474 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Garden  Theatre,  first  gave  the  English  public  a  touch  of  his 
Yankee  stories  and  imitations  in  Sylvester  Daggerwood,  in 
which,  although  some  merit  was  allowed,  especially  in  his 
portraitures  of  Kean  and  Macready,  he  could  not  be  considered 
as  successful.  During  that  visit,  he  gave  the  whole  character 
of  Richard  III.,  in  imitation  of  Kean,  at  the  Surrey  Theatre, 
with  very  great  applause.  He,  however,  determined  on  re- 
turning to  America,  where  his  performance  of  Morbleau, 
Dromio,  Solomon  Swap,  (a  character  he  substituted  for  Solo- 
mon Gundy,  in  Colman's  comedy  of  "Who  Wants  a  Guinea?" 
rechristening  the  whole  as  "  Jonathan  in  England")  Rip  Van 
Winkle,  Nimrod  Wildfire,  &c,  insured  him  hosts  of  friends 
and  admirers.  In  1829  and  1830,  he  was  for  a  while  connected 
with  the  management  of  the  Old  Chatham  and  Bowery  Thea- 
tres, but  reaped  more  fame  than  funds  from  his  enterprise. 
In  the  fall  of  1832,  he  again  visited  England,  and  appeared 
both  at  Drury  Lane  and  Covent  Garden,  winning  general  ap- 
probation by  his  performance  of  the  above  characters,  and  also 
of  Falstaff,  which  he  had  played  but  once  before  leaving 
America.  In  1840,  1845,  and  1851,  he  also  made  very  suc- 
cessful English  tours. 

Mr.  Hackett  had  the  management  of  the  Old  National 
Theatre,  for  a  few  months  in  1837,  and  was  also  interested 
in  the  Astor  Opera  House,  at  the  time  of  the  Macready  riot 
there.  In  the  summer  of  1854,  he  brought  out  Madame  Grisi 
and  Signor  Mario,  and,  under  his  direction,  they  sung  at 
Castle  Garden,  at  the  Academy  of  Music,  and  the  Metropoli- 
tan Theatre. 

As  an  actor,  Mr.  Hackett  first  obtained  renown  by  his  re- 
presentation of  the  Yankee  character ;  but  in  this  line,  we 
think,  he  was  finally  excelled  by  George  H.  Hill. 

In  the  rank  of  perfection,  however,  we  place  his  Nimrod 
Wildfire,  the  Kentuckian ;  Morbleau  and  Mallet,  the  French- 
men ;  Rip  Van  Winkle,  the  Dutchman,  so  full  of  homely  yet 
deeply  touching  pathos ;  and  Falstaff,  the  cream  of  English 
wit  and  cowardice.  Hig  Dromio,  also,  while  he  had  Barnes 
to  play  with,  surpassed  any  similar  exhibition  of  mimicry  ever 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


475 


seen  amongst  us.  His  Sir  Pertinax  Mc Sycophant,  though 
certainly  a  good  performance,  was  not  generally  admired ;  and 
his  personations  of  Lear,  Hamlet,  and  Richard,  which  he  has 
occasionally  given,  although  displaying  all  the  acumen  of  a 
scholar,  and  the  nicest  critical  analysis,  with  great  artistic 
skill,  have  failed  to  place  him  in  the  list  of  great  tra- 
gedians. 

Mr.  Hackett,  many  years  since,  acquired  a  fortune  from  his 
efforts,  and,  we  believe,  has  had  the  good  luck  and  good  judg- 
ment to  retain  it.  It  is  recorded,  to  his  honor,  that  the  first 
fruits  of  his  labors  were  devoted  to  paying  off  his  debts  in- 
curred while  in  trade.  His  father  was  a  native  of  Holland, 
and,  previous  to  his  emigration  to  America,  a  Lieutenant  in 
the  Life  Guards  of  the  Prince  of  Orange,  and  his  mother  was 
the  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Abraham  Keteltas,  of  Jamaica,  L.  I., 
where  was  also  for  many  years  his  own  favorite  residence. 
His  own  birth  occurred  in  this  city,  on  the  15th  of  March, 
1800,  and,  as  previously  stated,  he  married  Miss  C.  Leesugg, 
of  the  Theatre  in  1819. 

Mr.  Hackett  may  be  justly  called  a  distinguished  ornament 
of  the  stage  and  of  society. 

John  Howard  Payne's  amusing  farce  of  "  Mrs.  Smith"  was 
first  played  -here  on  the  6th  of  March,  with  the  following 
cast: 

Smith  Mr.   Hilson.  I     Mrs.  E.  Smith     .    .    Mrs.  Hilson. 

Stanley  *'    Foot.  Mrs.  S.  Smith     .    .     "  Sharps. 

Wentworth   ....     "    Simpson.  Peggy  "  Smith. 

On  the  14th  of  March,  Rossini's  opera  "  II  Turco  in  Italia" 
was  first  introduced  to  the  American  Stage,  thus  cast : 

Selim   Sig.  Ancirisani.  Albazar     ....  Signor  Crevelli. 

Geronio   "  Rosich.  Florella     ....  Madame  Barbeire. 

Narcisso   "  Garcia.  Zaida   Signorina  Garcia. 

iProdocemo    ....  "  Garcia,  Jr. 

April  3d.  Miss  Kelly  commenced  an  engagement  as  Letitia 
Hardy  and  Cherry. 

April  loth.  The  Signorina  took  her  farewell  benefit,  (as  the 
bill  announced)  appearing  as  Rosina. 

Mr.  Simpson  took  his  benefit  on  the  21st,  when  Mrs.  Hilson 
appeared  as  Bertha,  in  "  Der  Freyschutz,"  and  a  distinguished 
couple,  Mons.  and  Mme.  Robert,  appeared  in  various  feats  of 


476 


RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


jugglery!  A  new  farce,  called  the  "Post  Chaise,"  was  also 
produced,  with  the  characters  thus  assigned : 

Leonard  Mr.   Simpson.  Francois    ....    Mr.  Barnes 

Florigny  "    Clarke.  John  "  Placide. 

Deshays  "     Woodhull.  I 

April  25th.  The  grand  opera  of  "  Semiramide,  or  La  Figlia 
dell  Aria,"  words  by  Rosich,  music  by  Garcia,  was  first  sung 
in  America. 

Ninus  Sig.  Angrisani.        I     Cerinto     ....    Signor  Crevelli. 

Merunon  "    Garcia.  Neride  .        ...    Madame  Garcia. 


Timotheo  M    Rosich.  |     Semiramide  Signorina  Garcia. 

The  first  performance  of  the  still  popular  farce  of  "  Deaf  as 
a  Post,"  in  which  Hilson  made  another  great  hit,  took  place 
on  the  26th,  with  the  following  distribution  of  characters : 

Old  Walton    ....    Mr.  Kent.  I     Amy  Miss  E.  Placide 


Capt.  Templeton.  .  .  "  Simpson. 
Tristram  Sappy  .    .         "  Hilson. 


Sophy  .....    Mrs.  Sharpe. 
Mrs.  Plumply     .    .     "  Wheatlet. 
Sally  Maggs  ..."  Smith. 


Mr.  Hamblin,  having  had  another  engagement,  took  a 
benefit  on  the  5th  of  May,  when  he  appeared  as  Pierre^  in 
"  Venice  Preserved,"  supported  by  Conway  as  Jaffier  and  Mrs. 
Hamblin  as  Belvidera.  Mrs.  Hamblin  also  appeared  as  Harriet 
in  "  Is  He  Jealous  ?"  and  the  performances  concluded  with  the 
farce  of  the  "Review,"  cast  in  the  following  extraordinary 
manner :  Mr.  Conway  as  Looney  McTwolter,  Mr.  Hamblin  as 
John  Lump,  Mr.  Barnes  as  Caleb  Quotem,  and  Mr.  Hilson  as 
Deputy  Bull. 

Mr.  Kean  began  another  engagement  on  the  8th,  as  Richard 
III.,  on  which  occasion  Mrs.  Battersby  was  announced  for 
the  first  time  as  Mrs.  Stickney,  in  the  character  of  Queen 
Elizabeth. 

On  the  20th,  Payne's  long  popular  farce  of  "  'Twas  I,  or  the 
Truth  a  Lie,"  was  thus  first  represented  on  our  stage : 


Marcel   Mr.  Barnes. 

Delorme   "  Lee. 

Mayor    "  Jervis. 

Crier   "  Wheatlet. 


Julienne  ....  Miss  E.  Placide. 
Marchioness   .  Mrs.  De  Luce. 

Georgette  .     ...     "  Sharpe. 
Madame  Mag  ..."  Wheatlet. 


Marcel  was  one  of  Barnes'  funniest  parts,  and  Mrs.  Wheat- 
ley  as  the  chattering  old  maid  was  extremely  effective,  but 
Mrs.  Sharpe's  sprightly  acting  and  singing  in  Georgette 
Clairville  was,  no  doubt,  the  main  cause  of  its  very  great 
success. 

Mozart's  opera  of  "  Don  Giovanni"  was  brought  out  on  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


477 


23d,  and,  next  to  the  "  Barber"  and  "  Tancredi,"  proved  to  be 
the  most  successful  of  the  season.   It  was  thus  rendered  : 

Giovanni   Sig.  Garcia.  Massetto    ....  Signor  Angrisani. 

Don  Pedro     ....  "   Angrisani.  Anna  Madame  Bardeire. 

Octavio   "    Milon.  Elvira   M  Garcia. 

Leporello   "   Garcia,  Jr.  Zerlina  Signorina  Garcia. 

Mr.  Milon  first  appeared  as  a  vocalist  on  this  occasion,  and 
proved  an  acceptable  addition  to  the  company. 

Mrs.  Hilson  took  her  benefit  on  the  24th,  reviving  Morton's 
fine  comedy  of  "  Education,"  with  the  following  superior  cast : 


Suckling  (for  this  night  only)   Mr.  Cowell. 

Ct.  Villars     ....  Mr.  Clarke.  Broadcast  ....  Mr.  Hilson. 

Sir  Guy  Staunch     .    .     "    Placide.                 George   Miss  Brcndage. 

Templeton     ....     "   Foot.                     Ellen   Mrs.  Hilsoh. 

Vincent  M   Simpson.                Rosine   u  Sharpe. 

Aspic  "    Stanlet.  Mrs.  Templeton   .    .  u  Stickney. 

Damper  "    Woodhcll.  Dame  Broadcast  .    .  "  Wheatlet. 


Mr.  Kean  took  his  benefit  on  the  26th,  when  he  appeared 
as  Cardinal  Wolsey,  in  "Henry  VIII.;"  ably  supported  by 
Foot  as  the  King,  and  Mrs.  Barnes  (for  the  first  time)  as 
Queen  Katharine. 

Mrs.  Hackett  was  again  engaged,  and  appeared  on  the  7th 
of  June,  as  Diana,  in  "  Lionel  and  Clarissa,"  and  Isadora,  in 
"Brother  and  Sister." 

On  the  8th,  a  farce,  called  "Wool  Gathering,"  was  first 
produced  as  follows : 

Wander  Mr.  Simpson.  Harriet  Mrs.  Hilsox. 

Pickleton  Kent.  Clarissa     ....     M  Sharpe. 

Hector  Mango     ..."    Lee.  Mrs.  Pickleton     .    .     "  Whbatliy. 

Humphrey    ....     "  Placide. 

Mr.  Clarke,  for  his  benefit,  on  the  14th,  produced  for  the  first 
time  a  tragedy,  entitled  the  "  Siege  of  Damascus,"  written  by 
J.  Hughes,  and  played  at  Drury  Lane,  in  1720,  in  which  Mr. 
Hosack,  afterward  the  husband  of  Mrs.  TatDall,  and  a  member 
of  a  distinguished  New  York  family,  made  his  debut  on  the 
stage.  We  d^  not  remember  that  either  play  or  player  was  ever 
again  upon  the  New  York  boards.    The  cast  stood  as  follows : 

Phocyas  Mr.  Hosack.  Daran  Mr.  Lee. 

Eumenes  ''   Foot.  Caled  "  Woodhull. 

Abudah  "   Clarke.  Eudocia     ....    Mrs.  Hilson. 

On  the  15th,  Mr.  Mumford  made  his  first  appearance  on 
the  stage,  as  Reuben  Glenroy,  and  took  a  benefit  on  the  29th, 
in  the  character  of  Bertram. 

On  the  19th,  Mrs.  Hackett  took  her  benefit  in  the  charac- 
ters of  Priscilla  Tomboy,  Young  Wilding  and  Mme.  Belle- 
garde,  her  husband  appearing  as  Morbleau,  and  in  his  Yankee 
stories  of  "  Uncle  Ben,"  &c. 


478 


RECORDS   OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mr.  Woodhull's  benefit  occurred  on  the  23d,  and  is  memora- 
ble for  introducing  Mr.  Edwin  Forrest  to  the  New  York 
Stage  in  the  character  of  Othello. 

Mr.  Forrest  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  March  9th,  1806. 
Wringing  a  reluctant  leave  from  his  family,  he  made  his  first 
appearance  on  the  stage,  at  the  Walnut  Street  Theatre,  on 
the  27th  of  November,  1820,  in  the  character  of  Douglas, 
and  acquitted  himself  so  well  that  the  performance  was  soon 
after  repeated.  His  next  character  was  Frederick,  in  "  Lovers' 
Vows,"  and  for  his  benefit  he  personated  Octavian,  in  the 
"Mountaineers."  Great  merit  was  acknowledged  in  his  per- 
formances, for  one  so  young,  but  he  excited  no  enthusiasm, 
and  was  advised  to  take  a  course  of  practice  in  the  country 
theatres.  Although  a  boy  in  years,  he  already  had  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  well-grown  young  man,  and  being  engaged  by 
Jones  and  Collins  for  a  Western  circuit,  at  length  reached 
New  Orleans,  where  he  first  appeared  as  Jqffier,  February  4th, 
1823,  with  considerable  success.  He  was  afterward  connected 
with  the  Albany  Theatre,  and  thence  he  returned  to  his  native 
city,  where  he  made  his  second  debut,  on  the  16th  of  May,  1826, 
as  Jaffier,  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  C.  S.  Porter,  and  on  the  19th 
acted  Rolla,  receiving  in  both  characters  enthusiastic  applause. 
His  performance  of  Othello,  at  the  Park,  displayed  consider- 
able originality,  great  forcibleness,  and  some  real  merit,  and 
so  much  awakened  the  interest  of  the  public,  that  he  was  im- 
mediately secured  by  Mr.  Gilfert  for  the  new  Bowery  Theatre, 
where  he  first  appeared  on  the  6th  of  November,  1826,  in  the 
same  character.  He  there  personated  successively  and  suc- 
cessfully Damon,  Jaffier,  Carwin,  (in  "  Therese")  the  Indian 
Chief,  ("She  Would  be  a  Soldier")  William  Tell,  Marc  An- 
tony,  &c,  and  in  a  short  time  succeeded  in  establishing  a  name 
and  fame  superior  to  any  other  American  actor.  The  younger 
members  of  the  community  were  delighted  with  him,  and  the 
newspapers  daily  poured  forth  his  praises.  From  an  excellent 
article  on  his  acting,  published  in  March,  1828,  we  make  the 
following  extracts : 

"  Hating  heartily,  as  we  do,  the  meanness  of  canting  criti- 


AMERICAN  ACADEMY  OF  MUSIC. 


BIO  AD  AND  LOCUST  8TRE1TS. 


LESSEE  AHD  MAHAGEB, 
STAGE  MAHAGEB, 

MUSICAL  DIBECTOB,  - 


JAMES  M.  BIXOS 
JOHH  B.  WEIGHT 
JOHH  P  COOKE 


On  Saturday  Evening »,  December  14^,  1861 

The  Greatest  Living  Tragedian, 


Will  appear,  for  the  First  Time  in  Five  Year*,  in  Shake rere's  Tragedy  of 


RICHARD,  Duke  of  Gloster, 

King  Henry  VI, 
Heary.  Earl  of  Richmond, 
Duke  of  Buckingham; 
Prince  of  Wales,  - 
Duke  of  York, 
Duke  of  Norfolk,  - 
Lord  Stanley, 
Sir  Walter  Blunt,  - 
Lord  Mayor, 
Tresse), 
Cateabv,  • 
Ratclifte, 

Lieutenant  of  the  Tower, 
Forest, 
Oxford,  - 
Tirrel, 
Dighton,  - 
Queen  Elizabeth, 
Lady  Anne, 
Duchess  of  York, 


EDWIN  FORREST 

James  Martin 
John  McOuJlougn 
W.  Carter 
Miss  Athena 
Miss  Le  Brun 
J.  M  Ward 
N.  C.  Forrester 
C.  B  Harrison 
Vf  K  A.  Chapman 
W.H  Leak 
J.  W.  Collier 
G.  Becks 
H.  H.  Wall 
E.  T.  Clinton 
-  J.Taylor 
Rohiuson 
R.  Stephens 
Mrs  Farr/en 
Mrs  Gladfiane 
Misa  Bessy  Andrews 


GRAND  OVERTURE  AND  ENTR'  ACTE,       BY  THE  ORCHESTRA 

Under  the  Direction  of  Mr  JOHN  P.  COOKE. 


ON  MONDAY  EVENING, 


Edwin  Forrest  as    King  Lear 


ID-  NOTICE— BEWARE  OF  SPECULATORS.  Patron*  of  the  Academy  are  re- 
quested to  purchase  iheir  tickets  at  the  regular  Box  Office,  i be  management  not  being  re 
sponsible  for  any  tickets  purchased  oi  ouitide  speculators 


Due  Notice  will  be  given  01  the  Repetition  of  Hamlet 


FORREST  NIGHTS, 

MONDAY,  WEDNESDAY.  FRIDAY  and  SATURDAY. 


CUBAS  NIGHTS.  TUESDAY  AND  THURSDAY. 

Grand  MATINEE  Every  Saturday. 


Doors  open  at  7  o'clock.  The  Performances  to  commence  at  half-past  7. 


0 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


479 


cism,  we  are  not  always  disposed  to  measure  every  thing  we 
see  and  hear  and  feel  by  the  standard  of  cold,  set  rules ;  but 
rather  believe  that  the  naturally  energetic  man  possesses  the 
prerogative  of  breaking  from  the  trammels  of  common  regu- 
lations, and  of  creating  new  laws  for  others  to  obey — new 
models  for  others  to  copy.  Mr.  Forrest's  playing  surprises 
and  delights  us.  *  *  *  *  *  Disinterested 
readers,  or  those  who  have  not  witnessed  his  successful 
representations,  may  censure  us  for  enthusiasm ;  but  when 
we  see  one  so  young,  without  the  aid  of  long  study  and 
labored  observation,  mating  with  the  highest  players  of 
the  age,  substituting  the  impulses  of  taste  and  the  inspiration 
of  true  feeling  for  the  improvements  of  experience  and  the 
aneuvers  of  art,  we  confess  ourselves  ready  to  extend  the 
and  of  welcome  for  his  encouragement.  His  readings  are 
'udicious,  and  the  evident  result  of  a  fine  sense  of  the  beau- 
'ful  and  natural;  and  he  exhibits,  at  different  periods,  a 
ajesty  and  grace  which,  with  other  qualifications,  place  the 
wreath  of  fame  immediately  within  his  grasp.     *  * 

"But  in  saying  that  Mr.  Forrest  has  already  arrived  at  ex- 
cellence, we  do  not  say  that  he  is  at  the  '  Zenith  of  Glory/ 
Nature  has  done  much  for  him,  but  nature  cannot  do  all. 
He  has  climbed  above  the  multitude — but  there  are  heights 
yet  above  him,  on  which  his  eye  should  be  fixed.  The  his- 
trionic field  is  not  a  narrow  one.  There  are  delicate  touches 
to  fall  upon  the  chords  of  feeling,  by  which  the  sensitive 
soul  may  be  awakened  to  deep  emotions,  and  the  mind 
marked  by  impressions  not  to  be  effaced  by  time.  In  the 
variety  of  human  passions,  much  is  to  be  observed  and  imi- 
tated, and  Mr.  Forrest  will  excuse  the  liberty  we  take  in 
urging  him  to  unwearied  perseverance." 

Could  Mr.  Forrest  have  acquired  these  delicate  touches, 
and  been  enabled  to  awaken  in  his  audiences  a  single  emo- 
tion of  tenderness,  love  or  pity,  he  would,  probably,  now  stand 
the  first  of  living  tragedians. 

After  Gilfert's  death,  Mr.  Forrest  transferred  himself  to 
the  Park,  where  for  several  years  he  was  a  most  popular  and 


480  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

profitable  star.  He  here  brought  out,  with  immense  success. 
John  A.  Stone's  tragedy  of  "  Metamora,"  for  which  he  paid 
the  author  $500,  and  Dr.  Bird's  tragedy  of  the  "  Gladiator," 
both  of  which  were  written  expressly  for  him.  In  the  sum- 
mer of  1834,  he  was  honored  by  a  public  dinner,  tendered 
him  by  some  of  our  most  distinguished  citizens,  and  the  pre- 
sentation of  a  massive  gold  medal,  designed  by  Ingham,  and 
engraved  by  C.  C.  Durand.  On  the  obverse  was  his  bust, 
with  the  inscription,  "  Histrioni  Optimo  Eduino  Forrest,  viro 
prcestanti,"  and  on  the  reverse  a  Grecian  female  figure,  hold- 
ing a  dagger  and  a  wreath,  with  a  bowl,  a  mask,  and  other 
emblems  of  tragedy  at  her  feet,  and  the  legend,  "  Great  in 
mouths  of  wisest  censure."  Mr.  Forrest  soon  after  sailed  for 
Havre,  and  after  a  tour  of  many  months,  through  France, 
Italy,  Germany,  &c,  arrived  in  England,  and  first  appeared 
on  the  London  Stage,  at  Drury  Lane,  October  17th,  1836,  in 
the  character  of  Spartacus,  in  the  "  Gladiator."  He  was  well 
received,  and  continued  to  attract  large  audiences  by  his 
novel,  energetic  and  spirited  style  of  playing.  Indeed,  he  be- 
came quite  a  lion  in  London.  The  Garrick  Club  gave  him  a 
dinner,  at  which  Sergeant  Talfourd,  the  author  of  "  Ion,"  pre- 
sided. Mr.  Macready  welcomed  and  applauded  him  in  the 
warmest  manner.  From  Charles  Kemble  and  Stephen  Price, 
he  received  three  swords,  once  severally  the  property  of  John 
Kemble,  Kean  and  Talma.  An  original  portrait,  in  oil,  of 
Garrick,  was  also  presented  to  him,  and  his  own  in  the  char- 
acter of  Macbeth,  in  the  dagger-scene,  was  exhibited  at  the 
Somerset  House.  He  here  fell  in  love  with  his  future  wife, 
the  daughter  of  John  Sinclair,  the  vocalist,  to  whom  he  was 
united  in  marriage  on  the  23d  of  June,  1837.  Returning  to 
America  the  same  season,  he  was  received  with  open  arms  by 
his  old  admirers,  and  in  December  of  that  year,  at  Philadel- 
phia, was  again  complimented  with  a  public  dinner,  at  which 
the  Hon.  Joseph  R.  Ingersoll  presided.  In  1845,  Mr.  Forrest 
again  visited  England,  and  while  playing  Macbeth,  at  the 
Princess's  Theatre,  London,  received  a  few  hisses,  which  were 
charged  upon  Mr.  Macready  as  the  instigator.    Some  time 


FORRKST   AS  "METAMOKA." 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGK. 


481 


after,  Mr.  Macready,  while  playing  Hamlet,  at  Edinburgh, 
was  openly  hissed  by  Mr.  Forrest,  who  published  a  justifica- 
tion of  himself  for  so  doing  in  the  London  Times.  On  Mr. 
Macready's  visit  here,  in  1848-9,  several  articles,  by  Mr.  For- 
rest, commenting  severely  on  him  and  his  performances,  were 
published,  and  to  them,  probably,  may  be  attributed  that  ex- 
cited state  of  feeling  which  resulted  in  the  horrid  riot  at  the 
Astor  Place  Opera  House,  on  the  occasion  of  Mr.  Macready's 
appearance  there,  as  Macbeth,  May  10th,  1849.  Mr.  Forrest's 
supposed  connection  with  the  origin  of  the  riot  caused  him 
the  loss  of  many  of  his  best  and  earliest  friends.  Then  came 
the  counter  suits  of  divorce  between  him  and  his  wife,  in 
which  the  means  taken  to  procure  criminating  evidence 
against  Mrs.  Forrest  were  such  as  to  meet  the  disapproba- 
tion of  a  large  portion  of  the  community.  The  case  occu- 
pied the  court  about  six  weeks,  and  resulted  in  the  lady's 
favor,  in  January,  1852.  Immediately  after  the  verdict  was 
rendered,  Mr.  Forrest  was  engaged  at  the  Broadway  Theatre, 
and  opened  on  the  9th  of  January  to  an  overflowing  house,  as 
Damon,  concluding  his  engagement  on  the  30th  of  April,  in 
the  same  character — having  played  sixty-nine  consecutive 
nights — a  success  at  that  time  unparalleled  in  America  by 
any  other  tragedian. 

As  an  actor,  Mr.  Forrest  has  the  advantage  of  a  powerful 
voice,  a  noble  head,  good  features,  dark  and  searching  eyes, 
and  a  person  which,  though  tolerably  well  proportioned,  is  too 
robust  to  be  elegant.  His  portraitures,  generally,  are  bold, 
forcible,  and  striking,  but  lack  refinement,  grace,  and  delicacy 
)f  finish.  His  Hamlet  seems  like  some  philosophic  Hercules, 
ather  than  the  sad,  unhappy  youth  of  Denmark.  In  Damon, 
le  is  not  equal  to  Cooper  in  his  best  days ;  in  Rolla,  he  is  in- 
ferior to  Wallack ;  in  William  Tell  and  Virginius,  he  cannot 
ipproach  Macready  ;  yet  these,  with  the  multitude,  are  among 
us  best  parts,  and  the  two  former,  particularly,  admit  of  that 
•eculiar  display  of  physical  power  for  which  he  is  so  cele- 
•rated,  and  which  is  so  taking  with  the  pit  and  galleries.  In 
letamora,  however,  he  is  perfection ;  so  in  the  Gladiator,  Jack 

61 


482 


RECORD:    OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Cade,  and  Carwin,  while  parts  of  his  Othello,  Macbeth,  and 
Lear  thrill  to  the  very  soul,  and  make  one  stand  aghast  with 
horror. 

Mr.  Forrest's  mannerisms,  once  attributed  to  the  impulsive- 
ness of  youth  and  the  crudeness  of  early  genius,  have  not  only 
clung  to  him  with  unwavering  tenacity,  but  have  strengthened 
with  his  years,  and  now  render  him  less  agreeable  as  an  actor 
than  when  he  first  stood  before  the  world  in  the  ingenuous- 
ness of  early  manhood. 

Differ,  however,  as  critics  may  about  his  merits,  his  popu- 
larity, after  a  career  of  forty  years,  continues  almost  unbounded, 
and  in  this  respect  he  eclipses  every  other  tragedian  known 
to  our  stage,  and  we  believe  has  rarely,  if  ever,  been  equaled 
in  Great  Britain.  Mr.  Forrest's' name  is  still  the  sure  pre- 
cursor of  a  crowded  house,  and  his  friends  always  hail  his  ap- 
pearance with  enthusiasm. 

Rossini's  opera  of  "  Cinderella"  was  the  next  Italian  novelty, 
and  was  first  produced  on  the  27th  June,  in  the  following 
manner  : 

Prince  Ramiro   .    .    .    Sig.  Milon.  Cenerentola   .    .    .    Signorina  Gabcia. 

Don  Magnifico    ..."    Rosich.  Clorinda   ....    Madame  Babbeibi. 

Alidoro  "    Angbisani.  Tisbe   "  Gabcia. 

Damlini   .....     "    Gabcia,  Jr. 

On  the  30th,  Mr.  Richings  took  his  benefit,  when  the  Garcia 
Family  assisted  him  in  a  musical  Olio ;  and  Mr.  E.  Metz  made 
his  first  appearance,  as  Fiorello,  in  the  "  Marriage  of  Figaro," 
and  Paul,  in  "  Paul  and  Virginia." 

Mr.  Hackett  took  his  first  benefit  on  the  6th  of  July, 
when  he  appeared,  for  the  first  time,  in  the  character  of 
Tony  Lumpkin,  in  "  She  Stoops  to  Conquer."  He  also 
repeated  his  successful  imitations  in  Sylvester  Daggerwood, 
as  well  as  Mons.  Morbleau,  with  much  applause.  The 
regular  dramatic  season  terminated  on  the  7th  of  July, 
but  the  Italian  troupe  continued  playing  through  the  month, 
on  the  26th  of  which  Zingarelli's  opera  of  "  Romeo  e 
Giulietta"  was  brought  out,  with  Madame  Malibran  Garcia 
as  Romeo,  Garcia  as  Everardo  Capcllo,  Angrisani  as  Gilberto, 
Madame  Barbeire  as  Giulietta,  and  Madame  Garcia  as  Ma- 
thilde. 


FORREST   AS    "KING  I.KAR. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


483 


The  company  terminated  its  engagement  on  the  11th  of 
August,  with  the  performance  of  the  "  Barber  of  Seville.'' 

On  reviewing  this  season,  it  may  justly  be  regarded  as  one 
of  the  most  remarkable  epochs  in  the  history  of  the  New 
York  Stage.  It  witnessed  the  first  attempt  to  establish  the 
Italian  Opera,  with  a  fully  organized  company,  and  gave  the 
first  of  her  triumphs  to  the  afterward  world-renowned  Mali- 
bran. 

It  saw  the  first  scintillations  of  talent  in  the  most  popular 
and  distinguished,  if  not  the  best  of  American  actors,  Forrest; 
and  the  dawning  of  that  rich  and  quiet  humor,  since  so  boun- 
teously displayed  by  our  own  comedian,  Hackett. 

Hamblin,  whose  theatrical  management  bore  so  long  a  sway 
over  the  democratic  portion  of  the  play-going  community, 
first  broke  upon  the  Western  world  during  this  period,  and 
Kean,  the  greatest  of  tragedians,  irradiated  it  with  some  of 
the  most  masterly  exhibitions  of  his  genius.  It  saw  Conway 
in  the  height  of  his  excellence,  and  witnessed  the  turning- 
point  in  the  afterward  downward  career  of  the  elegant  and 
once  all-admired  Cooper.  The  star  of  Mrs.  Barnes  now  stood 
at  its  zenith,  and  her  claims  as  a  fitting  representative  of  the 
Tragic  Muse  were  universally  acknowledged,  while  her  sister 
Thalia  was  generally  admitted  to  be  as  well  personified  by 
the  irresistible  Miss  Kelly.  This  season  exhibited  a  combi- 
nation of  comic  ability,  in  the  persons  of  Hilson,  Barnes  and 
Placide,  such  as  never  before  existed  on  the  New  York  Stage, 
and  forced  a  fuil  acknowledgment  of  the  once  neglected  claims 
of  Mrs.  Wheatley,  who  was  now  hailed  as  the  first  of  comic 
actresses  in  the  line  of  old  women,  a  position  she  retained 
unquestioned  until  her  retirement ;  and  it  placed  the  bridal 
wreath  upon  the  brow  of  the  most  lovely  and  amiable  of  her 
sex,  and  gave  the  long-applauded  name  of  Hilson  to  one 
whose  virtues  and  talents  will  ever  be  remembered  with 
pride  by  all  who  feel  an  interest  in  the  metropolitan  stage. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

Chatham  Theatre — Lafayette  Theatre — Mount  Pitt  Circus — Broadway  Circus, 

1825-6-7. 

H  A  T  H  A  M  Garden  Theatre  was  re-opened  by  Mr. 
Barriere,  on  the  9th  of  May,  1825,  with  Mr.  Bur- 
roughs as  stage-manager.  The  opening  play  of 
"Pizarro"  introduced  to  the  New  York  public  Mr.  James  M. 
Scott,  from  the  New  Orleans  Theatre,  in  the  character  of  Rolla. 
This  gentleman  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  and,  as  early  as 
1820,  was  a  leading  actor  at  Cincinnati.  He  was  a  fine  serious 
performer,  particularly  in  the  heavier  walks  of  tragedy,  and 
acquired  a  reputation  in  nautical  characters  unequaled  on 
the  American  Stage.  He  played  in  this  city  for  several  years, 
after  which  he  was  one  of  the  managers  of  the  Cincinnati 
Theatre,  and  also  of  the  theatre  at  Vicksburg,  Miss.  He 
returned  to  New  York  in  1841,  and  was  connected  with  the 
New  Chatham  and  Bowery  Theatres.  In  his  latter  years,  he 
became  very  stout  and  heavy  in  person.  He  died  in  this  city, 
March  1st,  1849,  aged  somewhat  over  fifty  years. 

Mr.  Herbert,  from  London  and  Philadelphia,  was  brought 
out  the  next  evening  as  Governor  Heartall,  and  proved  a  valu- 
able substitute  for  Mr.  Kilner,  in  the  line  of  comic  old  men. 
He  had  first  appeared  on  the  American  Stage  at  Philadelphia, 
in  1817,  and  is  said  to  have  died  at  Boston  in  1835.  His  son,  \ 
Mr.  John  Herbert,  made  his  first  appearance  on  the  12th,  as 
Malcour,  in  "Maid  and  Magpie."  Born  in  London  in  1803, 
he  made  his  debut  at  Harrisburg,  as  Timothy  Quaint,  in  1821. 
Retiring  and  unambitious  in  his  deportment,  there  was  a 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


485 


certain  dry  and  quiet  humor  about  him  that  rendered  him  a 
valuable  actor  in  a  small  comic  part,  and  he  was  long  a  favor- 
ite at  the  National  Theatre,  Chatham  Street,  and  at  the  Bowery, 
to  which  establishments  he  was  principally  attached  for  more 
than  twenty  years.  He  married  Miss  Ellen  Kent,  daughter  of 
the  comedian  and  vocalist  of  the  Park,  and  died  in  New  York, 
June  5th,  1864. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  E.  H.  Conway,  dancers,  from  the  Surrey  Theatre, 
appeared  here  on  the  11th,  in  a  Pas  de  Deux,  with  consid- 
erable applause.  The  gentleman  was  afterward  ballet-master 
at  the  Park  Theatre,  and  for  many  years  a  teacher  of  dancing 
in  this  city.  He  has  now  entirely  retired  from  the  profession, 
and  is  the  proprietor  of  a  fancy  hardware  and  house-furnishing 
establishment. 

Mr.  Dinneford,  formerly  of  the  Circus  company,  made  his 
first  appearance  here,  on  the  13th,  as  Doricourt. 

Mr.  Burroughs  appeared,  for  the  first  time,  on  the  Chatham 
Stage,  May  17th,  as  Young  Mirabel  and  Caleb  Quotem.  The 
same  evening  Mr.  Kenny  made  his  debut  there,  as  John  Lump  ; 
and  Looney  McTwolter  was  capitally  acted  by  Mr.  Anderson. 
The  latter  gentleman  soon  after  appeared  as  Terry  O'Rourke, 
Teague,  Larry  and  other  Irish  characters,  with  great  applause. 

The  "  Young  Hussar,"  a  pleasing  operetta  by  Dimond,  was 
first  played  in  New  York  on  the  19th,  with  the  following 
cast: 

Florian  Mr.  Burroughs.  Madame  Larole    .    .    Mrs.  Walsteiit. 

Larole  "     Herbert.  Caroline    ....     "  Waring. 

Boncoeur  "    Blake.  Ninetta     ....     "  Fisher. 

Bertrand  "  Fisher. 

On  the  28th,  Miss  Oceana  Fisher  appeared,  with  great  appro- 
bation, as  Tom  Thumb. 

Mr.  Frederick  Brown  commenced  an  engagement  on  the 
30th  of  May,  as  Hamlet.  On  the  occasion  of  his  benefit,  June 
10th,  he  first  presented  his  wife  to  the  New  York  public,  as 
Paul,  in  the  "Wandering  Boys."  Mrs.  F.  Brown  had  been 
Miss  S.  De  Camp,  (a  younger  sister  of  Mrs.  C.  Kemble)  and  had 
enjoyed  popularity  on  the  British  Stage.  She  had  previously 
appeared  at  Boston,  was  still  an  actress  of  merit,  and  afterward 
became  a  favorite  as  the  representative  of  old  women,  in  the 


486 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Southern  theatres.  She  died  at  Mobile,  in  1841.  Dibdin's 
serio-comic  drama,  the  "Ruffian  Boy,"  was  produced  with 
success,  on  the  6th  of  June,  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Burroughs. 
Mr.  Jervis,  from  the  Park,  appeared  on  this  occasion,  but  his 
character  was  afterward  transferred  to  Mr.  Durang.  The 
original  cast  stood  thus : 


Giraldi  Duva 
Waldemar 
Wolfe  .  . 
Bruno  . 
Guiseppe  . 
Solomon  . 


Mr.  Burboughs. 

"  Jebvis. 

"  Stevenson. 

"  Waistein. 

"  somerville. 

"  Roberts. 


Tietwig 
Bertram 
Ethelinde 
Catharine 
Edith  . 
Mme.  Steinheim 


Mr.  J.  Herbert. 

"  Fisher. 
Mrs.  Hughes. 

"  Fisher. 

"  Stevenson. 

"  Allen. 


Mr.  Burroughs  soon  after  left  the  establishment. 

"  Cherry  Bounce  "  was  first  played  here  on  the  14th,  thus  cast 


Oldrentz 
Gregory 
Gammon 


Mr.  Robebts. 
"    A.  Simpson. 
"  Wbay. 


Spinage  .  . 
Mrs.  Homespun 


Mr.  J.  Hebbebt. 
Mrs.  "Walstein. 


June  17th.  Miss  Aspinall — a  pupil  of  Vestris — made  her 
first  appearance  in  New  York  in  a  grand  Pas  Seul.  She 
became  the  wife  of  Mr.  Moreland,  by  whose  name  she  was 
long  a  favorite. 

Mr.  H.  Wallack  made  his  first  appearance  on  the  20th,  as 
Frederick,  in  the  "  Poor  Gentleman." 

Mr.  Howard,  formerly  of  the  Park,  made  his  first  appear- 
ance in  six  years,  as  Henry  Bertram,  considerably  improved 
in  acting  and  singing. 

Mrs.  Burke,  now  a  widow,  was  next  engaged,  and  made 
her  re-appearance  as  Countess  Rosalvina,  on  the  evening  of 
July  11th. 

Mr.  Garner,  formerly  of  the  Park,  appeared  on  the  loth,  as 
Count  Belino. 

Mr.  Kilner  wound  up  the  season  (which  terminated  on  the 
22d)  by  appearing  for  a  few  nights  in  a  round  of  his  favorite 
characters. 

The  recess  continued  until  the  15th  of  August,  when  the 
entertainments  were  resumed  under  the  direction  of  Mr. 
Henry  Wallack  as  stage-manager. 

Mr.  Barriere  presented,  on  the  opening  night,  the  comedy 
of  the  "Honeymoon,"  with  Mr.  H.  Wallack  and  Mrs.  Waring 
as  Duke  Aranza  and  Juliana;  the  beautiful  ballet  panto- 
mime of  "  Red  Ridinghood,"  with  Mrs.  H.  Wallack  as  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


487 


heroine;  and  "Fortune's  Frolic,"  with  Durang  as  Robin 
Roughead. 

Sept.  6th.  "  Sweethearts  and  Wives"  was  played  for  the 
first  time  here,  rivaling  the  Park  in  the  excellence  of  its 
representation.  Roberts  was  the  Billy  Lackaday ;  Herbert,  the 
Admiral ;  Thayer,  Charles  Franklin;  Mrs.  Waring,  Eugenia; 
Mrs.  Hughes,  Laura  ;  and  Mrs.  Walstein,  Mrs.  Bell. 

A  new  farce,  called  '•'Tribulation,"  was  first  acted  on  the 
12th,  with  Herbert  as  Dornington,  Thayer  as  Sir  George 
Faddle,  Mrs.  Entwistle  as  Mrs.  Dashmore,  and  Mrs.  H.  Wal- 
lack  as  Mrs.  Dornington. 

On  the  13th,  Miss  Riddle  made  her  first  appearance  in 
New  York,  as  Emily  Worthington.  Though  extremely  youth- 
ful, her  merit  soon  attracted  attention,  and  during  this  en- 
gagement, she  appeared  with  success  as  Rosalie  Somers,  Paul, 
("  Wandering  Boys")  Virginia ;  and,  for  her  benefit  on  the 
28th  of  October,  as  Cora  and  Little  Pickle. 

After  an  absence  from  New  York  of  more  than  a  quarter  of  a 
century,  during  which,  as  Mrs.  W.  H.  Smith,  she  had  played  with 
distinguished  success  at  Philadelphia  and  Boston,  and  ranked 
with  the  first  favorites  of  the  day,  particularly  in  comedy  of 
every  grade,  she  re-appeared  in  1856,  at  Laura  Keene's  Thea- 
tre, and  at  Burton's  in  1857-8,  in  the  line  of  middle-aged, 
fashionable  dowagers,  country  women  and  Abigails  of  all  de- 
grees, with  credit  to  herself  and  satisfaction  to  the  public. 
Miss  Riddle  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  and  made  her  debut  on 
the  Stage  in  that  city  at  the  Walnut  Street  Theatre,  in  1823,  as 
Charles,  in  "Laugh  When  You  Can."  "*She  last  played  in  New 
York  at  the  Winter  Garden,  1859-'60.  She  took  her  farewell 
of  the  Stage  at  the  Howard  Atheneum,  Boston,  February, 
1861,  and  died  in  that  city  a  few  months  after,  of  a  lingering 
and  painful  illness.  Her  daughter,  Mrs.  Sedley  Brown,  has 
since  become  a  favorite  comedienne. 

On  the  19th,  the  "  Lady  of  the  Lake"  was  produced  with 
brilliant  success.  The  scenery,  dresses  and  appointments 
were  of  such  unusual  excellence,  and  the  various  Scottish 
marches,  dances  and  vocal  music  introduced  with  such  effect, 


488 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


that  its  performance  created  a  perfect  furor  throughout  the 
community.  Its  cast  was  also  of  extraordinary  merit,  and 
the  acting  of  Scott  and  Wallack  caused  much  controversy  as 
to  which  displayed  the  greater  ability.    It  stood  thus : 


Fitz  James  . 
Roderick  Dhu 
Earl  Douglas 
Malcolm  . 
Allan  Bain  . 
Brian  .  .  . 
Bertram  .  . 


Mr. 


Scott. 

H.  Wallace. 

Robertson. 

Stevenson. 

Howard. 

Walstein. 

Stevenson. 


Malise  .  .  . 
John  of  Brent 
Red  Murdock  . 
Lady  Margaret 
Ellen  .  .  . 
Blanche     .  . 


Mr.  Wray. 
"  Petrie. 

"  DURANG. 

Mrs.  Walstein. 
"    H.  Wallace. 
"  Waring. 


On  the  20th,  Mr.  Keene  commenced  an  engagement  as 
Young-  Meadows. 

The  "  Lady  of  the  Lake"  was  performed  for  the  sixteenth 
time  on  the  6th  of  October,  and,  as  an  afterpiece  on  the  same 
evening,  was  produced,  for  the  first  time,  a  domestic  opera, 
written  by  Samuel  Woodworth,  .with  music  composed  by 
John  Davies — the  first  play  introducing  the  Yankee  charac- 
ter that  has  retained  possession  of  the  stage.  It  was  called 
the  "  Forest  Rose,  or  American  Farmers,"  and  its  cast  stood 
thus : 


Miller  . 

Blandford 

Bellamy 

William 

Jonathan 


Mr.  Somerville. 

"  Howard. 

"  Thayer. 

"  Keene. 

"  A.  Simpson. 


Waiter   Mr.  Byers. 

Lydia   Mrs.  H.  Wallace. 

Harriet  "  Burke. 

Sally   "  Lacombe. 

Rose   Miss  Eberle. 


Of  those  engaged  in  its  performance,  the  author  in  his  pre- 
face to  the  published  work,  remarks  that  "Mrs.  Burke  raised 
the  character  of  the  volatile  Harriet  far  above  my  hopes  and 
anticipations,  while  the  drooping  Lydia,  as  portrayed  by  Mrs. 
Wallack,  excited  the  sympathy  and  affection  of  all.  Mrs.  La- 
combe rendered  the  frolicsome  Sally  a  very  efficient  personage 
in  the  play ;  and  even  the  black  Rose  received  a  real  beauty 
and  fragrance  from  the  pretty  Miss  Eberle.  The  part  of 
Blandford  is  trifling  in  itself,  but  was  rendered  very  interest- 
ing by  the  vocal  powers  of  Mr.  Howard,  for  whom  the  songs 
were  expressly  written  and  composed.  Mr.  Keene  very  gen- 
erously consented  to  play  the  jealous  William,  a  character  far 
below  his  talents  and  just  pretensions,  but  which  was  thus 
rendered  very  attractive.  Mr.  Thayer,  as  Bellamy,  needs  no 
praise — the  unanimous  voice  of  a  very  numerous  and  respect- 
able audience  pronounced  it  to  be  an  excellent  representa- 
tion.   Simpson's  Jonathan  was  every  way  equal  to  my  hopes 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


489 


and  wishes ;  and  the  respectable  old  Jersey  Farmer,  as  por- 
trayed by  Mr.  Somerville,  was  eminently  calculated  to  elevate 
the  character  of  our  '  lords  of  the  soil.' "  The  music  of  the 
piece  was  of  a  very  pleasing  style,  and  was  long  popular,  but 
is  now  mostly  omitted  in  representation.  The  play  itself  is 
superior  to  nine-tenths  of  its  class,  and  the  character  of  Jona- 
than was  one  of  the  late  u  Yankee"  Hill's  most  effective  per- 
sonations. 

Oct  10th.  Mr.  Maywood  made  his  first  appearance  since 
his  return  from  Europe,  in  the  characters  of  Shylock  and 
Donald,  and  was  received  with  the  welcome  due  to  an  old 
and  valued  friend.  He  played  during  his  first  engagement, 
Reuben  Glenroy,  Count  de  Croissy,  Rob  Roy,  Lovell,  Virginius, 
and  for  his  benefit  on  the  26th,  Gambia,  in  the  "  Slave,"  and 
Carwin,  in  "  Therese."  He  was  immediately  re-engaged,  and, 
in  addition  to  a  repetition  of  former  characters,  appeared  as 
Orozembo,  in  "  Pizarro,"  Sir  Pertinax  McSycophant,  and  for 
his  benefit,  Nov.  17th,  as  King-  Lear,  and  Abednego  in  "  Jew 
and  Doctor."  On  this  occasion,  Mr.  Turnbull,  formerly  of  the 
Park,  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York  for  twenty  years, 
as  the  Earl  of  Gloster.  His  daughter,  a  fair  and  interesting 
child,  also  appeared  as  one  of  the  Pages.  Without  possessing 
much  dramatic  merit,  her  beauty,  grace  and  modesty  finally 
won  her  many  admirers  on  the  Park  Stage,  where  she  was 
known  successively  as  Miss  Turnbull,  Mrs.  C.  Pritchard,  and 
Mrs.  Lovell.  When  very  young,  she  married  a  son  of  the  late 
tragedian  Pritchard,  formerly  of  the  Park.  He  was  accident- 
ally killed  in  1834,  by  falling  through  the  hoistway  of  a  store, 
in  which  he  was  employed  as  clerk.  After  a  long  widowhood, 
she  married  Mr.  H.  V.  Lovell  in  the  spring  of  1843.  She  was 
afterward  the  leading  actress  of  the  Albany  Theatre,  but  is 
now  living  in  retirement,  and  again  a  widow. 

The  Misses  Eberle  were  also  very  beautiful  and  attractive 
young  girls  in  the  Chatham  company.  Fine  figures,  hand- 
some features,  blonde  complexions,  musical  voices,  unfailing 
spirits,  and  perfect  confidence,  acquired  for  both  in  other 
cities  a  high  repute  as  comic  actresses  and  vocalists.  Cham- 

62 


490 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


bermaids  and  hoydens  have  rarely  been  better  played  than  by 
these  sisters,  but  both  were  lacking  in  the  dignity  and  sensi- 
bility requisite  for  tragedy,  and  in  that  refinement  and  polish 
of  manner  so  essential  to  genteel  comedy.  Both  were  born  in 
Philadelphia,  and  both  made  their  first  appearance  on  the 
stage  of  the  Chestnut  Street  Theatre,  in  1824,  as  Singing 
Fairies,  in  "Cherry  and  Fair  Star."  Miss  Sophia  Eberle,  in 
1828,  married  Mr.  Charles  Laforest,  a  noted  equestrian,  and  is 
last  remembered  at  the  National  Theatre  in  this  city  in  1848. 
Miss  Elizabeth  Eberle,  the  more  distinguished  of  the  two,  be- 
came Mrs.  W.  Kent,  was  in  New  York  in  1837,  and  afterward 
enjoyed  the  greatest  popularity  at  Philadelphia  and  Cincin- 
nati, at  which  latter  city  she  died  of  cholera,  July  21st,  1850." 

Signora  Bartolina,  an  Italian  vocalist  of  merit,  first  appeared 
in  America  at  this  establishment,  on  the  21st  November.  She 
sung  several  serious  pieces,  and  a  comic  canzonette,  "  Fillidi 
si  tutta  Grazia,"  with  great  applause.  This  was  the  first 
Italian  vocalism  heard  in  the  United  States,  preceding,  by  a 
week,  the  debut  of  Garcia's  troupe  at  the  Park. 

Dec.  16th.  Mrs.  Greene,  a  pleasing  vocalist,  made  her 
first  appearance  in  America.  She  was  in  New  York  for  two 
or  three  seasons,  and  was  the  wife  of  a  musician  in  the  or- 
chestra. 

Dimond's  melo-drama  of  the  "  iEthiop"  was  produced  for 
the  first  time  here  on  the  19th,  with  unexampled  magnifi- 
cence of  scenery,  dresses  and  decorations,  and,  like  the  "  Lady 
of  the  Lake,"  had  a  long-protracted  run  :    It  was  thus  cast : 


jEthiop 
Almanzor 
Giaffer     .  . 
Alexis  .    .  . 
Ben  Moussaff 
Noureddin 
Mustapha 


Mr.  H.  Wallace.  Constantine 

"  Scott.  Orasmyn  . 

"  Durang.  Cephania  . 

"  Howard.  Immyne  . 

"  Roberts.  Grimnigra 

"  Turnbull.  Grumnilda 

"  Herbert.  Zoe  .    .  . 


Mr.  Petrie. 

Mrs.  H.  Wallace. 

"  Hughes. 

"  Lacombe. 

"  Walstein. 

"  Stevenson. 

"  Waring. 


Mrs.  Waring  took  her  benefit  on  the  7th,  when  she  per- 
formed the  character  of  Madame  de  Guise,  in  a  new  piece 
called  the  "  Rochester  of  France,"  with  the  aid  of  Mr.  Bur- 
roughs (for  that  night  only)  as  Richelieu. 

Mr.  Somerville  brought  out  the  "  Fortunes  of  Nigel"  for  his 
benefit,  on  the  31st,  wherein  he  supported  very  happily  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


491 


character  of  James  L  He  was  ably  supported  by  Henry 
Wallack  as  Trapbois,  Scott  as  Her  riot,  Mrs.  Hughes  as  Lady 
Hermione,  and  Mrs.  Waring  as  Margaret  Ramsay. 

The  season  terminated  on  the  18th  of  February,  1826,  and 
was  the  last  of  Mr.  Barriere's  management,  his  death  occurring 
on  the  21st  of  the  same  month. 

The  Lafayette  Amphitheatre,  a  building  owned  by  C.  W. 
Sandford,  Esq.,  and  situated  on  the  westerly  side  of  Laurens 
Street,  about  one  hundred  feet  north  of  Canal  Street,  was  first 
opened  to  the  public  on  the  4th  of  July,  1825.  It  was  de- 
voted to  the  usual  exercises  of  the  Circus,  with  the  additional 
performance  of  equestrian  dramas,  farces  and  ballets. 

Mr.  Burroughs  was  the  acting-manager,  Mr.  Dinneford, 
stage-manager,  and  Mr.  Hunter,  Director  of  the  Circle. 

An  opening  address,  written  by  Woodworth,  was  delivered 
by  Mr.  Dinneford. 

The  combined  dramatic  and  equestrian  corps  included 
(during  the  season)  the  names  of  Thompson,  Lawson,  Mes- 
tayer,  H.  Eberle,  D.  Eberle,  Morrison,  Stickney,  Tatnall, 
Richer,  Madden,  A.  Herbert,  Richards,  Harrington,  (the 
clown)  the  youthful  wonders,  Laforest,  Whitaker  and  Ba- 
con, Mrs.  Tatnall,  Mrs.  Pelby,  Mrs.  Monier,  Mrs.  Godey,  Mrs. 
Ford,  Mrs.  Edstrom,  Miss  Pelby,  Miss  Mestayer,  and  others. 

Miss  Ophelia  Pelby  here  first  attracted  notice  in  New  York, 
although  she  had  appeared  previously  at  the  Broadway  Circus. 
She  was  born  at  Baltimore,  July  23d,  1813,  and  first  appeared 
on  the  stage  at  Boston,  as  Corals  Child,  in  1815.  She  now 
came  out  as  Little  Red  Riding-hood,  and  her  grace  and  beauty 
rendered  the  performance  very  pleasing.  In  1830,  Miss  Pelby 
was  at  the  Bowery  Theatre,  enjoying  high  popularity,  and  giv- 
ing evidence  of  ability  which  in  after  years  ranked  her  among 
the  best  of  American  actresses.  She  was  afterward  princi- 
tpally  attached  to  the  Boston  theatres,  where,  as  Mrs.  Ander- 
son, she  was  greatly  admired.  Her  last  appearance  in  New 
I  York  was  at  the  New  Chatham  Theatre,  in  the  character  of 
\Jane  Shore,  June  29th,  1841.  She  died,  after  a  long  illness,  at 
Roxbury,  Mass.,  January  25th,  1852. 


492 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Miss  Ann  Maria  Me  stayer  first  appeared  here  in  a  pas  seul, 
August  31st,  1825.  She  was  born  at  Philadelphia,  and  had 
first  appeared  there,  as  a  child,  in  the  Chestnut  Street  Theatre. 
As  she  progressed  in  years,  she  developed  beauties  of  face  and 
person  rarely  equaled,  and  exhibited  talents  of  a  high  order. 
But  with  every  natural  requisite  for  success  in  all  the  depart- 
ments of  the  drama,  she  has  fallen  short  of  real  excellence 
in  any,  unless  we  accord  her  the  merit  of  superiority  in  the 
"  Murdered  Milkmaid  and  Hatchet  of  Horror"  line.  In  gen- 
teel comedy,  this  lady  (now  Mrs.  Charles  Thorne)  had  a  mar- 
velous propensity  to  overact,  and  in  tragedy,  generally,  was 
very  far  away  from  home.  With  a  voice  of  a  quality  to 
be  envied  by  prima  donnas,  she  neglected  instruction,  and 
acquired  none  of  the  skill  or  flexibility  of  an  accomplished 
vocalist.  She  appeared  to  the  most  advantage  as  a  busy, 
bustling,  intriguing  chambermaid,  or  country  hoyden,  and 
perhaps,  in  these  lines,  we  may  say  she  has  not  had  many 
superiors.  Miss  Mestayer  was  for  a  time  known  as  Mrs. 
French.  She  became  Mrs.  Thorne  in  1831,  and  ever  after 
enjoyed  the  highest  popularity  in  the  minor  theatres  of  this 
city,  especially  at  the  New  Chatham,  where,  under  her  hus- 
band's management,  in  1840-41,  &c,  she  was  the  mainstay  of 
the  establishment,  and  the  heroine  of  a  thousand  melo-dra- 
matic  monstrosities.    Mrs.  Emily  Jordan  is  her  daughter. 

Mr.  Harry  Eberle,  a  native  of  Philadelphia,  was  a  comedian 
of  considerable  merit.  He  had  first  attempted  tragedy  in  that 
city,  appearing  as  Rolla,  in  1823,  but  soon  discovered  that 
comedy  was  his  forte,  and  therein  acquired  much  repute  at 
Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  &c.  He  played  last  in  New  York  at 
the  old  National  Theatre,  8  40-41,  and  died  in  his  native 
city,  January  19th,  1842. 

Mr.  David  Eberle  also  first  appeared  on  the  stage  of  life 
and  its  counterpart  at  Philadelphia,  where  he  was  afterward 
for  many  years  attached  to  the  Walnut  Street  Theatre.  He 
died  there,  September  8th,  1864,  aged  63  years. 

Mr.  Charles  Eberle  was  another  brother,  slightly  known  in 
New  York.     He  was  one  of  the  victims  of  the  Lexington 


RECORDS  OF  THK   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


498 


steamer's  conflagration  in  Long  Island  Sound,  January, 
1840. 

These  gentlemen  were  brothers  of  Mrs.  Kent  and  Mrs.  La- 
forest. 

In  consequence  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Barriere,  late  manager 
of  the  Chatham  Theatre,  the  lease  of  that  establishment  was 
assigned  to  Mr.  Henry  Wallack,  who  re-opened  it  on  the  20th 
of  March,  1826,  with  the  play  of  "  Pizarro"  and  the  farce  of 
the  "  Poor  Soldier." 

The  first  new  piece  presented  was  M.  Lewis's  version  of  the 
"Bravo  of  Venice,"  previously  dramatized  by  Mr.  Dunlap, 
under  the  name  of  "  Abaallino."  The  present,  entitled  "  Ru- 
gantino,"  was  thus  cast  : 

Rugantino  .    .    Mr.  Soott.  j     Stephano  .    .        .    Mr.  Roberts. 

Contarini  Stevenson.  Memno  "A.  Simpson. 

Parozzi    ....     "  Robertson.             Rosabella  ....    Mrs.  Hughes. 
Falieri  "  Dcrang.  Camilla  "  Walstein. 

April  14th.  The  musical  drama  called  the  "  Castle  of  Anda- 
lusia" was  first  played  here,  with  the  following  cast,  and 
became  very  popular : 


Alphonso   Mr.  Howard.           I     Philip   Mr.  Stevenson. 

Don  Scipio    ....     u  Herbert.               Juan   "A.  Phillips. 

Sanguino          *   .    .     "  Scott.  Victoria    ....  Mrs.  Lacombe. 

Pedrillo    ....         "  Roberts.  Lorenza  .    .    .  Miss  Riddle. 

Spado  *  "A.  Simpson.  Catalina    ....  Mrs.  H.  "Wallace. 


May  8th.  Mr.  Thayer  received  a  hearty  welcome,  on  his  first 
appearance  this  season,  as  Tristram  Fickle. 

Mr.  Hyatt  was  also  engaged,  and  made  his  bow  on  the  9th, 
as  Zekiel  Homespun  and  Gregory  RedtaiL 

Mr.  Maywood  was  next  announced  as  a  star,  in  the  char- 
acters of  Shylock  and  Donald,  on  the  10th. 

A  new  comedy,  called  "  Love  and  Gout,"  was  brought  out 
on  the  17th,  thus  cast: 

Sir  Simon  Gander   .        Mr.  Herbert.  McDrudge  ....    Mr.  Anderson. 

Old  Ardent    ....     "  Roberts.  Lucy  Mrs.  H.  Wallace. 

Buzz   "  Thayer.  Lady  Gander  ..."  Entwhtle. 

Rusty  "A.  Phillips.  Miss  Darnley  .    .    .    Miss  Riddle. 

May  18th.  For  the  benefit  of  the  widow  and  children  of  the 
late  Mr.  Barriere,  Mr.  Maywood  represented  his  favorite  char- 
acter of  Sir  Pertinax,  in  the  "Man  of  the  World."  Mrs. 
Entwistle  was  the  Lady  Rodolpha,  which  she  personated  with 
all  her  wonted  ease  and  gayety. 

May  23d.   Mr.  and  Mrs.  Duff  commenced  an  engagement, 


494 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


the  latter  as  Eugenia,  in  the  "  Foundling  of  the  Forest ; "  the 
former  as  Bertrand  and  the  Three  Singles. 

May  29th.  The  operatic  spectacle  of  "Don  Giovanni"  was 
brought  out,  with  new  scenery,  dresses,  &c,  and  proved  very 
attractive,  with  the  following  cast : 


Giovanni  . 
Don  Pedro . 
Octavio 
Leporello  . 
Massetto  . 

Principal  Dancers 


Mr.  H.  Wallace. 
"  Scott. 
"  Stevenson. 
"  Roberts. 
"  Howard. 


Lopez  . 
Elvira  . 
Leonora 
Zerlina  . 
Maria  . 


Mr.  Carr. 
Mrs.  Entwistle. 

"  Lacombe. 

"  Waring. 

"  Stevenson. 


Mr.  F.  Durang  and  Mrs.  H.  Wallack. 


Mr.  Conway  made  his  first  appearance  in  this  Theatre,  June 
5th,  as  Beverly,  in  the  "  Gamester,"  ably  supported  by  Scott 
as  Stukely,  H.  Wallack  as  Lewson,  and  Mrs.  Duff  as  Mrs. 
Beverly.  He  was  greatly  praised  by  the  critics,  from  one  of 
whom,  however,  to  prove  the  standing  of  Mrs.  Duff,  we  copy 
the  following :  "  Fine  as  was  the  acting  of  Conway,  we  will 
venture  to  say  that  a  greater  than  Conway  was  there,  for  Mrs. 
Duff  was  unquestionably  the  presiding  spirit  of  the  hour. 
The  opinion  lately  expressed  by  a  contemporary,  that  this 
lady  is  superior  to  any  actress  on  the  American  or  British 
Stage,  we  think,  has  every  probability  of  being  correct ;  and 
we  are  more  and  more  inclined  to  believe  in  it  every  time  we 
witness  her  performance." 

Mrs.  Duff  and  Mr.  Conway  appeared  together  in  "  Macbeth," 
"Venice  Preserved,"  "Romeo  and  Juliet,"  "Pizarro,"  the 
"Stranger,"  "Apostate,"  &c. 

On  the  loth,  a  drama  by  George  P.  Morris,  called  "  Brier 
Cliff,  or  a  Tale  of  the  Revolution,"  was  first  put  upon  the 
stage,  and  met  with  very  decided  success.  It  had  some 
strongly  marked  and  well-contrasted  characters,  and,  being 
carefully  played,  retained  a  long  popularity.    It  was  thus 


cast: 

Onalaska  .  .  . 
Lord  Howe  . 
Maj.  Waldron  . 
Capt.  Musgrave  . 
Alfred  Leslie.  . 
Eugene  Grant 
Doct.  Meredith  . 


Mr.  Scott. 

"  Herbert. 

"  Durang. 

"  Thayer. 

"  Duff. 

"  Stevenson. 

"  Roberts. 


Parson  Shepherd 
John  McArthur 
Miss  Jansen  . 
Mary  Jansen  . 
Mrs.  Shepherd 
Maud  . 
Crazy  Bet 


Mr.  Walstein. 

"  Anderson. 

Mrs.  Walstein. 

"  Waring. 

"  Lacombe. 

"  Stevenson. 

"  Duff. 


Mr.  Conway  took  his  benefit  on 
Caesar,"  with  the  following  fine 
parts,  viz. :  Scott  as  Julius  Ccesar, 


the  26th,  presenting  "Julius 
distribution  of  the  leading 
H.  Wallack  as  Marc  Antony, 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


495 


Conway  as  Brutus,  Duff  as  Cassius,  Mrs.  Duff  as  Portia,  and 
Mrs.  Wallack  as  Calphurnia. 

For  Miss  Riddle's  benefit,  on  the  29th,  after  the  perform- 
ance of  "Adrian  and  Orilla,''  with  the  beneficiary  as  Orilla, 
and  Mrs.  Duff  as  Madame  Clermont,  Mr.  Ludlow,  a  well-known 
Western  actor,  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York,  as 
Young  Wilding,  in  the  "  Liar." 

July  1st.  On  the  occasion  of  Mr.  Scott's  benefit,  Mr.  Bernard 
made  his  debut  in  New  York,  as  Frank  Poppleton,  in  11  Too  Late 
for  Dinner."  He  was  afterward  at  the  Lafayette  and  Bowery 
Theatres,  and  married  the  beautiful  Miss  Tilden,  heretofore 
alluded  to. 

Mrs.  Walstein  took  her  benefit  on  the  14th,  when  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Barnes  made  their  first  and  only  appearance  on  the 
Chatham  Stage,  as  Sir  Peter  and  Lady  Teazle. 

A  Mr.  Field,  from  Boston,  appeared  on  the  loth,  for  Mr. 
Thayer's  benefit,  as  Young  Norval.  We  are  under  the  impres- 
sion that  this  young  man  was  Joseph  M.  Field,  since  deceased, 
as  he  played  in  Boston  the  following  year,  notwithstanding 
his  first  appearance  on  the  stage  was  announced  at  the  Park 
Theatre  several  years  later. 

The  same  evening,  Mr.  Thomas  Placide,  from  the  New 
Orleans  Theatre,  first  appeared  in  New  York,  as  Andrew  Bang, 
in  "  Love,  Law  and  Physic."  A  year  or  so  after  he  was  engaged 
at  the  Park,  where  he  was  kept  in  a  very  subordinate  range 
of  parts  until  the  first  representation  of  "  Cinderella,"  in  1830, 
when  he  was  intrusted  with  the  character  of  Pedro,  which  he 
played  with  such  ludicrous  effect  that  he  extorted  the  warmest 
approbation  from  the  most  fastidious.  Thereafter  he  made 
rapid  improvement,  and  was  soon  acknowledged  to  be  a  very 
capital  low  comedian,  and  as  such  has  played  in  the  principal 
theatres  of  the  L^nion.  As  a  chaste  and  finished  actor,  how- 
ever, he  bears  no  comparison  with  his  elder  brother,  Henry, 
his  style  being  better  adapted  to  the  exaggerations  of  farce, 
rather  than  the  more  legitimate  exhibitions  of  genuine 
comedy.  He  was  for  several  seasons  a  resident  of  New  Orleans, 
where  he  conducted  a  theatre  called  Placide's  Varieties. 


496 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


The  Chatham  season  ended  on  the  17th,  with  Mr.  H.  Wal- 
laces benefit.  Preparations  were  immediately  made  for  a 
thorough  renovation  of  the  establishment,  and  during  the 
recess  it  was  refitted,  refurnished  and  newly  painted  through- 
out. Mr.  F.  Grain  and  Mr.  J.  Jefferson  were  the  principal 
decorative  artists,  and  their  taste  and  skill  rendered  the  house 
one  of  the  most  beautiful  in  the  Union.  Mr.  Henry  Wallack 
continued  as  lessee  and  manager,  and  the  stage  department 
was  intrusted  to  Mr.  Booth,  whose  superior  judgment  ren- 
dered the  general  getting  up  of  the  performances  worthy  of 
the  highest  praise.  In  fact,  nothing  ever  equaled  the  system 
and  regularity  of  the  stage  during  Mr.  Booth's  three  months' 
connection  with  its  management.  In  addition  to  the  pro- 
prietor and  his  lady,  the  company  consisted  of  Messrs.  Scott, 
Blake,  Howard,  Roberts,  Herbert,  A.  Simpson,  Moreland,  Du- 
rang,  Stevenson,  Anderson,  A.  Phillips,  Turnbull,  T.  Placide, 
Herbert,  Jr.,  Wray,  Parker  and  Darke,  with  Mesdames  Ent- 
wistle,  Blake,  (late  Waring)  Jones,  Lacombe,  Greene,  Steven- 
son, Dennis,  &c. 

The  theatre  re-opened,  to  a  crowded  audience,  on  the  9th  of 
October,  1826.  A  poetical  address  was  spoken  by  Mrs.  Blake, 
and  a  National  Anthem,  arranged  by  Mr.  Green,  sung  by  the 
whole  company.  The  other  entertainments  were  the  comedy 
of  "  Speed  the  Plough,"  with  the  following  cast : 


Sir  A.  Handy 
Sir  P.  Blanford 
Bob  Handy  . 
Ashfield    .  . 
Henry  .    .  . 


Mr.  Herbert. 

"  Scott. 

"  H.  Wallack. 

"  Roberts. 

"  Blake. 


Evergreen  .  . 
Lady  Handy  . 
Miss  Blanford. 
Dame  Ashfield 
Susan  Ashfield 


Mr.  Turnbull. 
Mrs.  Lacombe. 

"  Blake. 

"  Jones. 

"    H.  Wallace. 


and  the  farce  of  "  Three  and  the  Deuce." 

Three  Singles     .    .    .    Mr.  Blake.  Mons.  Renard     .    .    Mr.  T.  Placide. 

Touchit  "A.  Phillips.  Emily    .       ...    Mrs.  H.  Wallack. 

McFloggan    ....     "    Anderson.  Phoebe   .       ..."  Dennis. 

Frank  Woodbin  ...     M    A.  Simpson.  Taffline  .       ..."  Lacombe. 

On  the  16th,  Mr.  Booth  made  his  first  appearance,  since  his 
return  from  Europe,  as  Richard  III. 

Nov.  2d.  Mr.  Hamblin  made  his  first  appearance  in  this 
theatre,  as  Hamlet. 

He  was  soon  after  combined  with  Mr.  Booth,  and  played 
Othello  to  his  Iag-o,  Rblla  to  his  Orozembo,  Brutus  to  his 
Cassius,  &c. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


497 


During  this  month,  Mr.  Booth  several  times  appeared  as 
Roderick  Dhu,  in  the  "  Lady  of  the  Lake,"  displaying  unap- 
proachable superiority  in  the  character. 

Nov.  14th.  A  French  company  appeared  in  the  vaude- 
ville of  "Michael  et  Christine."  Messrs.  Victor,  D'Arme, 
Alexandre  and  M'lle  Beauvallet  were  in  the  cast. 

Nov.  29th.  The  charming  Miss  Twibill  (afterward  Mrs. 
Flynn)  made  her  first  appearance  in  the  regular  drama,  as 
Rosalie  Somers,  being  simply  announced  as  a  young  lady. 

Dec.  7th.  Mr.  George  P.  Morris  had  a  benefit,  when  his 
drama  of  "Brier  Cliff"  was  performed,  with  Miss  Twibill  in 
the  part  of  Mary  Jansen,  and  Maywood  as  Onalaska. 

Dec.  13th.  The  once  greatly  esteemed  Dwyer  made  his 
first  appearance  in  five  years,  as  Goldfinch,  and  went  through 
with  a  round  of  light  comedy  parts,  taking  his  benefit  on  the 
27th,  in  the  character  of  St.  Alme,  in  "  Deaf  and  Dumb." 

Dec.  14th.  "Rob  Roy"  was  given  with  an  excellence 
probably  never  equaled  on  our  Stage,  Mr.  Booth  representing 
the  Scottish  chieftain ;  Mr.  H.  Wallack,  Rashleigh  ;  Mr.  How- 
ard, Francis;  Mr.  .Maywood,  the  Baillie;  Mr.  Scott,  Sir  F. 
Vernon;  Mrs.  Blake,  Die  Vernon;  Mrs.  Entwistle,  Helen  Mc- 
Gregor;  and  Mrs.  Wallack,  Mattie. 

Dec.  28th.  Mr.  J.  J.  Adams,  who  had  lately  re-appeared 
at  the  Park,  first  played  here  as  Othello,  and  on  the  30th  ap- 
peared as  Rolla  and  Young  Wilding  for  his  benefit. 

The  Irish  farce  called  "  Botheration  "  was  brought  out  with 
great  success  on  the  29th,  thus  cast: 

Thady  O'Blarney    .    .    Mr.  Anderson.  Lady  Apes     .    .    .    Mrs.  Jones. 

Jack  Hopeful    ..."    Blake.  Mrs.  Varnish  ..."  Stevenson. 

Varnish  "    Stevenson.  Rose  "  Wallack. 

Dr.  Wisepate     ...     "A.  Phillips. 

Jan.  loth,  1827.  "  Sylla,"  a  tragedy,  from  the  French  of 
Jouy,  was  played  with  considerable  success,  as  follows : 

Sylla  Mr.  Booth.  Faustus    ....    Mr.  Blake. 

Roscius  "    H.  Wallace.  Valeria     ....    Mrs.  Blake. 

Claudius  "  Scott. 

On  the  17th,  the  translator  had  his  benefit. 
Jan.  22d.    Knowles'  national  play  of  "Brian  Boroihme" 
was  brought  out,  with  every  attention  to  correctness  of  scenery, 
costumes  and  appointments,  and  was  played  with  so  much 

63 


498 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


merit,  that  it  had  a  run  of  over  thirty  nights.  Mr.  Anderson 
made  the  part  of  Terence  entirely  his  own,  and  has  never  since 
been  equaled  in  it.    The  entire  cast  stood  as  follows : 


Brian  Boroihme 
O'Donohue 
M'Carty  More 
Roderick  . 
Terence 
Chief  Bard  . 


Mr.  Scott. 

"  H.  "Wallace. 

"  Stevenson. 

u.  Blake. 

"  Anderson. 

"  Howard. 


Tormagnus 
Voltimar  . 
Udislaus  . 
Erina  .  . 
Emma .  . 
Elgitha 


Mr.  Durang. 

"  Matwood. 

"  Collingbourne 
Mrs.  Blake. 

"  Wallack. 

"  Entwistle. 


For  Mrs.  Wallack's  benefit,  on  the  7th  of  March,  the  ballet 
of  "Flora's  Birthday"  was  produced,  with  the  fair  beneficiary 
and  Mr.  Parker  as  the  principals.  At  this  time  the  lady  was 
regarded  as  the  most  graceful  dancer  in  the  city.  On  this 
occasion,  we  first  remember  the  little  Misses  Sarah  and  Jane 
Parker,  whose  infantile  grace  and  winning  manners  after- 
ward rendered  them  great  favorites  as  dancers  on  the  Park 
Stage,  to  which  they  were  attached  for  several  years.  One  of 
them  married  Mr.  Greenwood,  a  merchant  on  the  west  side  of 
the  town,  and  the  other  for  a  long  period  assisted  her  father 
in  his  dancing  academy. 

For  Mr.  Anderson's  benefit  on  the  16th,  O'Keefe's  "  London 
Hermit"  (played  a  few  times  at  the  Park  in  1815)  was  revived, 
with  the  following  cast : 


Tully  .   .  . 
Old  Pranks  . 
Young  Pranks 
Peregrine 
Natty  Maggs 


Mr.  Anderson. 

"  Herbert. 

"  H.  Wallack. 

"  Stevenson. 

"  T.  Placide. 


John  Grurn 
Toby  Thatch 
Diana  . 
Mrs.  Maggs 
Kitty 


Mr.  F.  Durang. 

"  Collingbourne. 
Mrs.  Lacombe. 

"  Jones. 

"  Wallaok. 


Herbert. 
Stevenson. 
Scott. 
Maywood. 


Lady  Margaret 
Edith    .    .  . 
Jeannie 
Mause  . 


Mrs.  Jones. 
"  Lacombe. 
"  Wallack. 
"  Stevenson. 


The  "  Battle  of  Bothwell  Brig"  was  also  brought  out,  with 
the  following  cast,  in  which  Mr.  May  wood  made  a  most  con- 
spicuous figure : 

Major  Bellenden     .    .  Mr. 
Henry  Morton  ..." 
Jonn  Balfour  ..." 
Cuddie  Headrig      .    .  " 

Mr.  Jonathan  D.  Stevenson,  proprietor  of  the  saloons  of  the 
Theatre,  had  a  benefit  on  the  19th.  He  was  afterward  a  well- 
known  city  politician,  and  attracted  considerable  attention 
also  during  the  war  with  Mexico. 

March  21st.  Was  produced  the  drama  of  the  "  Pilot,"  wherein 
Mr.  Scott  made  his  greatest  hit  as  Long  Tom  Coffin,  re- 
taining the  name  as  a  sobriquet  to  the  day  of  his  death.  He 
was  ably  sustained  by  Maywood  as  Paul  Jones,  Herbert  as 
Col.  Howard,  Alex.  Simpson  as  Sergt.  Drill,  and  Mrs.  Wal- 
lack as  Kate  Plowden.    The  "  Pilot"  had  a  protracted  run. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


499 


In  the  latter  part  of  April,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hamblin  were 
engaged,  opening  as  Felix  and  Violante,  in  the  "  Wonder ;" 
and  soon  after  the  public  was  astounded  by  the  sudden 
closing  of  the  establishment,  in  the  midst,  as  was  supposed, 
of  unbounded  prosperity.  Mr.  Wallack  had  previously  offered 
the  lease  for  sale,  and  it  was  now  rumored  that  he  was 
bankrupt,  and  that  an  execution  levied  on  his  property  was 
the  immediate  cause  of  breaking  up  the  establishment.  This 
was  the  last  fashionable  season  at  the  Chatham  Theatre  ;  it 
passed  rapidly  through  the  hands  of  many  succeeding  mana- 
gers, most  of  whom  lost  either  money  or  credit  in  endeavor- 
ing to  resuscitate  its  failing  fortunes.  The  immovable  sta- 
bility of  the  Park,  the  opening  of  the  new  Bowery  Theatre, 
the  performances  at  the  Lafayette  and  Mount  Pitt  concerns, 
and  the  attractive  summer  concerts  at  Castle  Garden,  so  di- 
vided the  patronage  of  the  public,  that  this  once  popular 
place  of  amusement  never  regained  its  former  ascendency. 
On  its  present  closing,  the  members  of  the  company  betook 
themselves  to  the  Broadway  Circus,  which  they  opened  on 
the  1st  of  June.  After  a  short  season,  however,  they  broke 
up  in  debt  and  confusion. 

We  turn  to  the  Lafayette  Theatre,  as  the  ex- Amphitheatre 
in  Laurens  Street  was  now  called.  Mr.  Sandford  having  made 
other  disposition  of  his  equestrian  corps,  confined  his  efforts 
here  solely  to  the  stage.  It  was  re-opened  for  the  season  on 
the  4th  of  July,  1826,  with  the  farce  of  the  "  Three  Hunch- 
backs," and  (for  the  first  time  in  America)  the  popular  minor 
drama  called  the  "  Dumb  Girl  of  Genoa."  The  latter  was 
thus  cast: 


Justin  Mr.  Fisher. 

Moco  "     H.  Eberlk. 

Julietta     ....    Mrs.  Godey. 


Strapado  Mr.  Burroughs. 

Antotiio  ....  "  Thompson. 
Desperetta     ....     "  Stickney. 

Count  "  DlNNEFORD. 

To  give  a  better  idea  of  the  capacity  of  the  company,  we 
transcribe  the  bill  for  the  next  evening,  July  6th : 
She  Stoops  to  Conquer ; 

Sir  C.  Marlow    .    .    .    Mr.  Jones.  Tony  Lumpkin    .    .    Mr.  Hyatt. 

Young  Marlow   ..."     Blake.  Mrs.  Hardcastle  .    .    Mrs.  Fisher. 

Hardcaatle    ....     "    Fisher.  Miss  Hardcastle  .    .    Miss  Tildin. 

Hastings  "     Bernard.  Miss  Neville   .    .    ■    Mrs.  Jones. 

Song  Miss  Soimiia  Eberle. 

Pa*  Seul   Mrs.  Godey. 


500 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


And  The  Hunter  of  the  Alps. 

Felix   Mr.  Blake.  Children   ....  Misses  Fisher. 

Rosalvi   "  Fisher.  Helena  ....  Mrs.  Fisher. 

Jeronymo     ....  "  Jones.  Genevieve ....  "  Dinneford. 

Baptiste   "  D.  Eberle.  Ninetta     ....  Miss    E.  Eberle. 

Miss  Tilden  had  made  her  debut  at  the  Chatham,  in  1824, 
and  was  now  an  agreeable  and  lady-like  actress. 

July  6th.  First  night  of  Mrs.  Pelby,  as  Catharine,  in  "  Tam- 
ing of  the  Shrew,"  and  Mariette,  in  the  "  Floating  Beacon." 

July  7th.  Mr.  Lindsley,  formerly  of  the  Park,  appeared, 
after  several  years'  absence,  as  Dr.  Dablancceur,  in  the  "  Budget 
of  Blunders." 

July  14th.  Little  Miss  Pelby  appeared,  with  great  success, 
as  the  Four  Mowbrays,  in  "  Old  and  Young,"  its  first  represent- 
ation in  New  York.  Mr.  Thompson  played  Old  Wilton,  and 
Mr.  Hyatt,  Peter. 

July  18th.  Messrs.  Thayer  and  Roberts,  from  the  Chatham, 
made  their  first  appearance  here,  as  Gossamer  and  Bonus,  in 
<<  Laugh  When  You  Can." 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Duff  were  next  engaged,  and  the  brilliant 
and  beautiful  lady  made  her  first  appearance  here  on  the 
20th,  as  Juliet.  She  had  the  respectable  support  of  Bur- 
roughs, as  Romeo,  while  the  gay  Mercutio  was  admirably  rep- 
resented by  Thayer. 

July  22d.  Mr.  Duff's  first  night,  as  Lord  Hastings,  in 
"Jane  Shore;"  and  Tristram  Fickle,  in  the  "Weathercock." 
Mrs.  Duff  was,  of  course,  the  wretched  heroine,  and  Mrs. 
Pelby,  Alicia.  During  their  engagement,  which  lasted  over 
two  months,  Mrs.  Duff  personated  the  characters  of  Florinda, 
Mrs.  Haller,  Eugenia,  ("Foundling  of  the  Forest")  Angela, 
Jeannie  Deans,  Ella  Rosenberg,  Annette,  ("Maid  and  Magpie") 
Madame  Clermont,  Lady  Randolph  and  Statira ;  and  her  hus- 
band appeared  as  Malec,  Sir  Lucius  O Trigger,  Stranger, 
Count  de  Valmont,  Earl  Osmond,  Storm,  the  Three  Singles, 
Duke  Aranza,  Prince  Altenberg,  Murtoch  Delany,  Glenalvon 
and  Alexander  the  Great — an  example  of  meritorious  versa- 
tility rarely  equaled. 

July  26th.  A  Mr.  Doyne  made  his  first  appearance,  as 
Terry  O'Rourke. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


501 


Aug.  7th.  Dibdin's  farce  of  the  "  Two  Gregories,"  first  per- 
formed in  New  York,  with  the  annexed  cast : 

John  Bull     ....    Mr.  Fisher.  i     Mr.  Gregory  .    .    .    Mr.  Dinnefoed. 

Lafrance      ....     "     Lindsley.  Mrs.  Gregory  Mrs.  Fisher. 

Gregory  "    Roberts.  Fanchette  ....    Miss  Tilden. 

Aug.  21st.  The  celebrated  drama,  called  the  "  Avenger,  or 
the  Moor  of  Sicily,"  was  first  brought  out,  with  entire  new 
scenery  by  Grain  and  Huggins,  and  very  elegant  costumes 
by  A.  J.  Allen,  and  met  with  great  success,  cast  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner : 

John  di  Procida  .    .    .    Mr.  Bur:  ouqhs.  Ubaldo  Mr.  Tatnall. 

Count  Bernaldo  ..."    -Lindsley.  Maggorino     ..."  Hyatt. 

Allesandro    ....     M    Thayer.  Valentina  ....    Miss  Tilden. 

Bernard  "    Dinneford.  Stella        ....    Mrs.  Pelby. 

Malcour  "     Walstein.  Bella  "  Dinnefoed. 

Sept.  4th.  Mr.  Lamb,  formerly  of  the  Chatham  Garden  and 
Summer  Concerts,  made  his  first  appearance  in  four  years,  as 
Harry  Blunt,  in  the  "Turnpike  Gate." 

Sept.  6th.  For  Mrs.  Pelby's  benefit,  the  "  Idiot  Witness" 
was  first  played,  as  follows : 

Sieur  Amaud    .    .    .    Mr.  Ti  ompson.         |     Gilbert  Mr.  Burroughs. 

Robert  Arnaud  ..."    Bernard.  Walter  Arlington     .    Mrs.  Pelby. 

Paul  Tugscull    •        .     "    Roberts.  Dame  Tugscull    .    .     "  Walstein. 

Hans  Gerthold  ..."  ..Tatnall.  I     Janet    .    .        .    .     "  Edsteom. 

Sept.  7th.  Mrs.  Stone  and  Miss  Riddle  made  their  first  ap- 
pearance on  this  Stage — the  former  as  Juliana,  the  latter  as 
Vol  ante  and  Little  Pickle. 

Sept.  8th.  For  Mr.  Blake's  benefit,  in  the  farce  of  "  Turn 
Out,"  he  first  introduced  to  the  public,  as  his  wife,  in  the 
character  of  Marian  Ramsay,  the  lately  Mrs.  Waring,  of  the 
Chatham.  Or  that  occasion,  he  first  attempted  an  elderly 
character,  Dr.  Truckle,  and  the  whole  was  rendered  very  at- 
tractive by  the  aid  of  Keene,  the  vocalist,  as  Somerville,  Her- 
bert as  Restive,  and  Hyatt  as  Gregory  Redtail. 

Sept.  20th.  Was  performed  the  opera  of  u  Love  in  a  Village," 
with  Lamb  as  Hawthorn,  Keene  as  Young  Meadows,  and  Mrs. 
Jefferson,  the  late  favorite  Mrs.  Burke,  (her  first  appear- 
ance here)  as  Rosetta.  She  also  played  Florella,  in  "My 
Grandmother,"  and  was  welcomed  with  the  greatest  enthu- 
siasm. 

Several  musical  pieces  were  thenceforward  produced,  with 
much  satisfaction  to  the  audience. 


502 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


October  3d.  A  pretty  little  drama  called  the  "  Trouba- 
dours" was  very  successfully  represented  as  follows : 

Lysander  Mr.  Thayer.  I     Labonde    ....    Mr.  Somerville. 

Joconde  "    Burroughs.  Mathilde    ....    Miss  Tilden. 

Lucas  "    Hyatt.  |     Jeannette  ....     "  Riddle. 

Oct.  6th.  Miss  Riddle's  mother,  a  very  respectable  actress, 
made  her  first  appearance  here,  as  Ella  Rosenberg,  and  Ed- 
mond,  the  Blind  Boy. 

Oct.  16th.  "Rob  Roy"  was  brought  out  with  great  magnifi- 
cence, and  with  an  increased  orchestra,  for  which  Mr.  Milon 
was  engaged  as  leader.  Mr.  P.  K.  Moran  presided  at  the  piano, 
and  Mr.  Willis,  the  celebrated  Kent  bugler,  from  West  Point, 
also  lent  his  aid.  On  this  occasion,  Mrs.  Sandford  (the  wife  of 
the  manager,  and  formerly  Mrs.'Holman)  returned  to  the  stage, 
after  an  absence  of  three  years,  and  in  the  character  of  Diana 
Vernon,  proved  a  most  important  attraction.  The  drama  was 
very  powerfully  represented,  with  Burroughs  as  the  hero, 
Keene  as  Francis,  and  Mrs.  Stone  as  Helen  McGregor.  Mr. 
Somerville,  as  the  "  Dougal  creature,"  received  very  emphatic 
commendation. 

Oct.  19th.  A  new  farce,  called  "Three  Deep,"  was  pro- 
duced,  with  Thayer  as  Tantalus  Twist,  Walstein  as  Capt 
Courton,  Tatnall  as  Le  Savon,  Mrs.  Riddle  as  the  Widou 
Ogleman,  and  Mrs.  Walstein  as  Mrs.  C  Flounce. 

Oct.  26th.  Mr.  Alex.  Wilson,  last  from  New  Orleans,  made 
his  first  appearance  as  Bertram,  and  soon  after  personatec 
Richard  III.,  Sir  Edward  Mortimer,  and  Rolla. 

Nov.  2d.    A  play,  called  the  "  Banker  of  Rouen,"  was  firs 
represented  here,  as  follows  : 

Du  Quesne   ....   Mr.  Maywood.         i     Barbaroux     ...   Mr.  Thompson. 
Rousillon      ....     "    Walstein.  Mme.  Du  Quesne .    .    Mrs.  Stone. 

Eugene  "    Dinnefobd.  | 

Nov.  21st.  The  "  Old  Oak  Chest"  was  first  played,  for  th 
benefit  of  Mrs.  Fisher,  with  Burroughs  as  Tinico  de  Lass* 
Thompson  as  Rodolph,  Mrs.  Fisher  as  Adriana,  and  Mi* 
Riddle,  Roda. 

The  French  company  from  the  Chatham  appeared  on  tt 
23d,  and  played  for  a  few  nights. 

Dec.  4th.     The  equestrian   opera  of  "Lodoiska"  w: 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


508 


revived  with  great  splendor,  Keene  being  the  Count  Floreski, 
burroughs,  Kera  Khan,  and  Mrs.  Sandford  the  Princess  Lodo- 
iska.  Prudence,  however,  soon  after  counseled  the  closing 
of  the  dramatic  season,  and  the  establishment  was  hired  to 
Mons.  Villalave,  the  rope-dancer,  who  opened  it  with  his 
troupe  on  the  18th  of  December. 

Mr.  Sandford,  not  content  with  the  management  of  one  con- 
cern, during  the  summer  of  1826  erected  a  building  in  Grand 
Street,  opposite  its  junction  with  East  Broadway,  then  called 
i  Harman  Street,  which  he  denominated  the  Mount  Pitt  Circus, 
It  was  first  opened  to  the  public  on  the  8th  day  of  November, 
1826,  with  a  combined  dramatic  and  equestrian  company.  Of 
its  performances,  we  have  retained  no  note. 

In  the  summer  of  1826,  the  Broadway  Circus,  after  its  de- 
sertion by  the  members  of  the  Chatham  Garden  Company, 
was  again  occupied  by  Mr.  Cowell,  with  his  detachments  of 
Stage  and  Ring  performers.  Mr.  Young,  formerly  of  the 
Park,  here  made  his  first  appearance  in  eight  years,  with 
the  support  of  Cowell,  Gale,  H.  and  W.  Isherwood,  Jones, 
Moreland,  Mrs.  Entwistle,  Mrs.  Moreland,  Mrs.  Godey,  &c. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 


Park  Theatre,  1826-7. 

H  E  managers  of  the  Park  Theatre,  aware  that  they 
were  to  encounter  an  unusual  opposition  this  season, 
particularly  from  the  projected  new  establishment 
in  the  Bowery,  not  only  secured  a  strong  stock  company,  and 
the  aid  of  several  new  and  important  stars,  but  took  occasion, 
during  the  summer  recess,  to  have  the  entire  building  re- 
painted and  ornamented,  in  a  very  expensive  and  elegant 
manner,  by  the  skillful  hands  of  Messrs.  Reinagle,  Reinagle, 
Jr.,  Evers  and  Serra.  A  new  drop-scene  was  also  executed 
by  Mr.  J.  H.  Wilkins. 

The  comedy  of  "Paul  Pry"  and  the  farce  of  "'Twas  F 
were  advertised  as  the  opening  pieces  on  the  28th  of  August, 
1826,  but  owing  to  some  detention,  Mr.  Barnes,  whose  services 
were  required  in  the  performance,  and  who  was  absent  from 
the  city,  did  not  arrive  in  season,  and  consequently  "She 
Stoops  to  Conquer"  and  "  Sprigs  of  Laurel"  were  substituted 
on  the  spur  of  the  moment. 

The  next  night,  the  Garcia  Opera  Troupe  appeared  in  "Sem- 
iramide,"  and  for  a  month  gave  two  representations  weekly, 
and  on  these  nights  the  Park  company  were  transferred  to 
the  Broadway  Circus,  where  they  delighted  the  residents  of 
the  then  upper  part  of  the  city. 

On  the  30th,  Mr.  Cooper  appeared  as  Damon.  His  engage- 
ment terminated  with  his  benefit  on  the  13th  of  September, 
when  he  appeared  as  Sir  William  Dorillofi,  in  "  Wives  as  They 
Were." 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


505 


Aug.  31st.  "Der  Freyschutz"  was  revived,  with  Mrs. 
Hackett  as  Linda,  and  Messrs.  Denman  and  Boyle,  two  newly 
imported  candidates  for  public  favor,  as  Herman  and  Wil- 
helm.  They  did  not  realize  the  expectations  of  the  audi- 
ence— the  former  was  a  cypher,  and  the  latter,  though  a 
clever  musician  and  afterward  a  great  favorite  at  sacred 
concerts,  was  quite  below  the  standard  of  Keene  and  Howard. 

Sept.  8th.  A  new  and  very  amusing  farce,  called  the 
u  Scapegoat,"  was  first  played  in  America,  as  follows  : 


Old  Eustace 
Charles 
Robin  .  . 


Mr.  Foot. 
M  Lee. 
"  Placide. 


Ignatius  Polyglott 
Harriet 

Molly  Maggs  .  . 


Mr.   fe  ARNES. 
Mrs.  Sharpe. 
*'  Hackett. 


The  "  Castle  of  Andalusia"  was  brought  out  on  the  14th, 
and  gave  the  vocal  strength  of  the  company  a  fine  opportunity 
for  display,  but  the  opera  was  never  popular  here.  It  was 
thus  cast: 

Mr. 


Don  Scipio 
Don  Ca;sar 
AlphonBO  . 
Fernandez 
Pedrillo  . 


Foot. 
Denman. 
Boyle. 
Richings. 
Hilbon. 


Spado  . 
Victoria 
Lorenza 
Catalina 


Mr.  Barnes. 
Mrs.  Hackett. 
"  Sharpe. 
"    Di  Luce. 


Sept.  18th.  A  now  forgotten  comedy  by  Poole,  entitled 
"Quite  Correct,"  was  presented  for  the  first  time,  but,  al- 
though repeated  several  times,  failed  to  attain  favor.  We  add 
its  cast : 


Sir  Harry  Dartforth 
Grojan  .  .  .  . 
Milford     .    .    .  . 


Mr.  Simpson. 
"  Barnes. 
"  Lee 


Lady  Almeria. 
Mrs.  Rosemore 
Miss  Rosemore 
Miss  Leach  . 


Mrs.  Hackett. 
"  Stickniy. 
M  Hilson. 
"  Sharpe. 


A  more  popular  production  was  the  musical  romance  of 
"  Oberon,"  which  was  brought  out  with  equal  magnificence 
and  success,  on  the  20th,  sustained  in  the  following  manner : 


Sir  Huon  . 
Sir  Aubert 
Sultan  .  . 
Caliph  .  . 


Mr. 


Lee. 

Richinqs. 

woodhull. 

Foot. 


Sherasmin 
Sadak  .  . 
Oberon 
Amanda  . 


Mr.  Joneb. 

"  Hilson. 
Mrs.  Sharps. 

M  Hilson. 


Hunters   Messrs.  Boyle  and  Denman. 

Principal  Dancers   Mr.  E.  Conway  and  Miss  Deblin. 

Invisible  Spirits     .    .    Mrs.  Hackett  and  Mrs.  De  Luce. 

Sept.  28th.  The  opera  of  the  H  Cabinet"  was  thus  per- 
formed : 


Orlando 
Marquis  . 
Count 
Lorenxo 
Whimsiculo 
Peter   .  . 


.Mr. 


Boyle. 

Placide. 

Jone?. 

Denman. 

Hilson. 

Barnes. 


Floretta  . 
Constantia 
Leonora 
Crudelia  . 
Curiosa  . 
Bianca 


Mrs.  Manqeon. 
"  Sharpe. 
11    De  Luce. 
"  Stickney. 
"  Jones. 
M  Wheatlby. 


This  was  the  first  appearance  on  the  Park  Stage  of  Mrs. 
Jones,  and  the  first  appearance  in  America  of  Mrs.  Mangeon, 

61 


506 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


a  vocalist  of  some  merit,  who,  however,  failed  to  make  a  fa- 
vorable impression.  She  was  a  sister  of  the  more  distin- 
guished Madame  Feron,  and  was  quite  a  lively  and  pleasant 
actress.  In  person  she  was  more  than  embonpoint,  and  on  her 
second  visit  to  New  York,  in  1831,  it  was  satirically  remarked 
that  "the  airiness  of  her  manner  contrasted  agreeably  with 
the  opposite  quality  of  her  form."  After  introducing  her  son 
on  the  stage  of  the  Bowery,  as  a  youthful  prodigy  in  Richard 
III.,  with  little  success,  she  played  a  final  engagement  at  the 
Park,  where  she  last  appeared,  January  31st,  1833. 

Sept.  30th,  occurred  the  last  performance  of  the  Garcia 
troupe,  and  the  announced  last  appearance  on  the  stage  of  the 
seraphic  Signorina,  in  the  opera  of  the  "  Barber." 

The  advertisement  of  Mr.  Macready's  first  appearance  in  Am- 
erica as  Virginius,  on  the  2d  of  October,  attracted  a  crowded 
and  enthusiastic  auditory,  and  the  criticisms  of  the  following 
day  pronounced  him  second  only  to  Cooper.  A  closer  ac- 
quaintance with  his  merits,  as  displayed  in  Macbeth,  Damon, 
Hamlet,  William  Tell,  and  Coriolanus,  soon  forced  the  re- 
luctant acknowledgment  that  he  was  the  most  chaste,  finished 
and  classic  actor  that  had  ever  graced  the  American  Stage. 
William  Charles  Macready — the  son  of  a  respectable  Covent 
Garden  actor,  who  was  afterward  a  well-known  and  successful 
manager  at  Manchester,  Bristol,  &c. — was  born  in  London, 
March  3d,  1793.  He  received  his  education  at  Rugby,  and  in 
1810  made  his  debut  at  Birmingham  as  Romeo.  He  after- 
ward played  successfully  at  Bath,  Dublin,  &c,  and  made  his 
entree  on  the  metropolitan  boards  at  Covent  Garden,  Sept.  16th, 
1816,  as  Orestes,  in  the  "  Distrest  Mother."  In  1817,  he  per- 
formed the  original  character  of  Pescara  (refused  by  Booth) 
with  much  applause,  but  though  he  was  an  acknowledged 
superior  artist  in  the  Henri  Quatres,  Wallaces,  and  Rob  Roys 
of  the  drama,  his  merit  as  a  tragedian  was  not  fully  estab- 
lished until  his  appearance  as  Virginius  in  1820,  which  re- 
sulted in  a  complete  triumph,  confirmed  in  the  following 
year  by  his  masterly  delineation  of  the  character  of  Damon, 
he  being  the  original  representative  of  both  on  the  London 


MACREADY  AS  VIRGINIUS 


W.  C.  MACREADY 

Engraved  from  a  photograph 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


507 


boards.  Thenceforward  he  took  rank  with  Kean,  and  on  his 
declension,  until  the  period  of  his  own  retirement,  reigned 
the  supreme  and  unrivaled  sovereign  of  the  British  Stage. 

Mr.  Macready  returned  to  Europe  at  the  end  of  the  season, 
and  did  not  revisit  America  until  the  fall  of  1843,  when  he 
passed  in  triumph  through  the  country,  making  his  last  ap- 
pearance on  the  Park  Stage,  September  27th,  1844. 

In  October,  1848,  he  again  presented  himself  at  the  Astor 
Place  Opera  House,  announcing  a  farewell  tour  in  the  United 
States ;  he  also  gave  readings  at  the  Stuy vesant  Institute,  the 
profits  of  one  evening  being  devoted  to  the  widow  of  Ed- 
mund Simpson.  After  performing  at  Baltimore,  Philadel- 
phia, and  other  cities,  and  receiving  a  public  dinner  at  New 
Orleans,  Mr.  Macready  returned  to  this  city,  and  was  adver- 
tised to  appear  as  Macbeth  at  the  Astor  Opera  House,  (then 
directed  by  Messrs.  Niblo  and  Hackett)  May  8th,  1849,  when, 
owing  to  circumstances  alluded  to  in  the  sketch  of  Mr.  Forrest, 
he  received  the  most  disgraceful  insults  from  a  body  of  rioters 
assembled  there,  and  his  life  being  considered  in  danger  from 
the  missiles  thrown  upon  the  stage,  the  curtain  fell  when  the 
play  was  but  half  concluded.  A  large  number  of  respectable 
and  eminent  citizens  thereupon  addressed  Mr.  Macready,  in- 
viting him  to  resume  his  engagement,  and  assuring  him  of 
their  protection ;  and  in  obedience  to  their  wishes,  he  again 
performed  Macbeth  on  the  10th  inst,  going  through  the  entire 
play,  and  acknowledging  at  the  close  his  appreciation  of  the 
kindness  of  his  friends.  But,  in  the  mean  while,  an  immense 
concourse  of  rioters  and  idle  spectators  gathered  about  the 
building,  and  so  turbulent  and  violent  were  their  proceed- 
gs,  that  the  military,  who  had  been  called  out  to  protect 
e  theatre,  finally  fired,  by  which  twenty-two  men  were 
"led  and  thirty-six  wounded.  Mr.  Macready  escaped  undis- 
vered,  but,  notwithstanding  the  urgent  entreaties  of  many 
o  promised  to  sustain  him  to  the  last,  he  was  so  overcome 
the  results  of  that  fatal  night  that  he  bade  adieu  to  New 
ork  forever. 

Mr.  Macready  was  the  manager  of  Covent  Garden  Theatre 


508 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


for  two  successive  seasons,  commencing  in  the  fall  of  1837, 
and,  also,  of  Drary  Lane  for  two  seasons,  commencing  in 
the  winter  of  1840,  and  during  these  periods  revived  sev- 
eral of  Shakspeare's  plays,  with  the  original  text  restored, 
and  with  an  historical  fidelity  in  the  accessories  of  scenery, 
costumes  and  appointments,  and  an  aggregate  of  talent  in 
their  representation  unprecedented  on  the  London  Stage. 

On  his  last  return  to  England,  he  gave  a  series  of  farewell 
performances,  in  all  the  principal  British  theatres,  terminating 
at  the  London  Haymarket,  where  he  made  his  final  appear- 
ance, in  the  character  of  Macbeth,  February  26th,  1851.  By 
industry  and  prudence,  Mr.  Macready  acquired  a  handsome 
fortune  from  his  professional  exertions.  He  has  been  ridi- 
culed for  certain  mannerisms,  and  censured  for  penuriousness, 
by  some  of  his  professional  brethren,  whose  extravagant  and 
dissipated  habits  have  been  the  cause  of  perpetual  poverty 
and  distress  to  themselves.  Well  would  it  be  for  his  tra- 
ducers,  and  far  better  for  the  Stage,  that  suffers  so  severely  from 
the  loose  principles  of  many  of  its  occupants,  if  they  could 
maintain  characters  as  pure  and  irreproachable  as  his,  of 
whom  it  has  been  said,  and  we  believe  with  truth,  that  no 
"  friend  has  ever  had  occasion  to  feel  a  pang  for  his  excesses, 
and  the  public  have  never  been  called  upon  to  pity,  pardon, 
or  condemn  in  him  any  moral  transgression." 

Oct.  4th.  The  operatic  version  of  "  Oscar  and  Malvina" 
was  produced,  with  the  following  cast : 

Oscar  Mr.  Boyle.  Morven     ....    Mr.  Woodhull. 

Fingal  "  Jones.  Conlath    ....     "  Lee. 

Shibric     ....     "  Hilson.  Malvina    ....    Mrs.  Hackett. 

Cathullin  "  Richings.  Morna  "  Stickney. 

Ruro  "  Placide. 

Oct.  12th.  The  "  Siege  of  Belgrade"  was  revived,  with 
Boyle  as  the  Seraskier,  and  Mrs.  Mangeon  as  Lilla. 

Oct.  13th.  Mr.  Macready  appeared  as  William  Tell,  with 
Master  William  Wheatley  as  Albert,  who  attracted  much 
notice  by  the  good  judgment  he  evinced  in  its  perform- 
ance. He  soon  after  appeared  as  Tom  Thumb,  and  for  two 
or  three  years  was  the  principal  representative  of  the  Park 
juveniles.     In  1833  he  was  at  the  Bowery,  in  the  lowest  path 


MACKEADY    AS    "  WILLIAM  TELL. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


509 


of  a  walking  gentleman.  In  the  summer  of  1834,  he  re- 
appeared at  the  Park  in  a  more  elevated  range  of  the  same 
line,  and  gradually  worked  his  way  into  public  favor  by  his 
sensible  personations  of  whatever  was  intrusted  to  his  care. 

In  the  long  catalogue  of  characters  then  assigned  him,  such 
as  Laertes ;  Henry,  in  " Speed  the  Plough;"  Michael,  in  " Vie- 
to  rine ;"  Nicholas  Nickleby,  Charles  Courtly,  and  Henry  Nor- 
land, in  the  "  Heir  at  Law,"  (which  Charles  Kemble  did  not 
disdain  to  play  in  London)  we  do  not  remember  to  have  seen 
his  equal ;  while  as  Sir  Thomas  Clifford,  Alfred  Evelyn  and 
Claude  Melnotte,  he  played  with  a  truthful  earnestness  that 
quite  eclipsed  the  efforts  of  more  pretending  performers.  His 
temperament  was  scarcely  mercurial  enough  to  give  due  effect 
to  the  Vapids,  the  Gossamers  and  Dazzles  of  light  comedy, 
nor,  although  he  perfectly  satisfied  the  eye  in  Hamlet  and 
Romeo,  would  his  rendition  of  them  rank  him  with  their  best 
representatives. 

Mr.  Wheatley  left  the  Park  Theatre  in  1843,  but  fulfilled 
a  star  engagement  there  in  1847,  in  conjunction  with  his 
sister,  Mrs.  James  Mason.  He  was  for  several  years  a  resident 
of  Philadelphia,  where  he  played  exclusively  the  highest 
grades  of  character,  and  as  actor  and  manager  enjoyed  great 
popularity.  In  January,  1862,  he  re-appeared  at  Niblo's 
Garden,  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  Wallack,  Jr.,  Mrs. 
Barrow  and  Mr.  E.  L.  Davenport,  and  soon  reinstated  himself 
in  the  good  opinion  of  his  audience,  by  many  of  whom  he  was 
almost  forgotten.  In  the  summer  of  that  year,  he  became 
sole  lessee  and  manager  of  that  establishment,  and  still  re- 
mains there,  popular  and  prosperous,  having  given  it  a  char- 
acter for  the  production  of  romantic  and  spectacular  dramas 
not  previously  enjoyed  by  any  theatre  in  the  city.  The  splen- 
did "  getting  up"  and  success  of  the  "  Duke's  Motto,"  in  which 
his  performance  of  Henri  de  Lagadere  received  the  most  rap- 
turous applause ;  of  the  "  Corsican  Brothers,"  wherein  he  was 
equally  happy  as  Louis  and  Fabien  ;  of  "  Satanella  "  and  the 
"Enchantress,"  with  Mr.  Richings  and  daughter;  u  Bel  De- 
monio,"  with  Mile.  Vestvali ;  the  "  Connie  Soogah,"  with  Mr. 


510 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


and  Mrs.  B.  Williams ;  and  "  Arrah  na  Pogue,"  with  the  debut 
of  J.  H.  Glenney,  in  connection  with  the  engagements  of  Ed- 
win Booth,  Hackett,  Forrest,  Edwin  Adams,  John  Collins,  Mrs. 
Lander,  Matilda  Heron,  Miss  Bateman  and  Madame  Methua 
Scheller,  are  the  best  proofs  of  his  judgment,  taste  and  liber- 
ality. 

Oct.  14th.  The  farce  of  "Peter  Smink"  was  first  played 
here,  with  the  following  cast : 


Chevalier  Bayard 
Eugene  .  .  . 
Hans  .... 


Mr.  Lee. 
"  Denman. 
"  Foot. 


Peter  Smink 
Ninette 


Mr.  Barnes. 
Mrs.  Sharpe. 


Oct.  19th.    First  performance  here  of  "  Three  Deep,"  thus 


cast: 

Capt.  Courton 
Tantalus  Twist 
Le  Savon  . 


Mr.  Lee. 
"  Simpson. 
"  Placide. 


Matilda   Miss  Brundage. 

Mrs.  Ogleinan     .    .  Mrs.  De  Luce. 

Mrs.  O'Flounce    .    .  "  Hackett. 

Fanny  Tucker    .    .  "  Sharpe. 


For  Mrs.  Hackett's  benefit  on  the  25th,  the  first  successful 
performance  in  America  of  the  "Comedy  of  Errors"  took 
place,  with  the  following  cast: 


Antipholus  of  Syracuse  Mr.  Lee. 

Antipholus  of  Ephesus  "  Woodhull. 

Dromio  of  Syracuse  .  '  Barnes. 

Dromio  of  Ephesus    .  "  Hackett. 

Solinus   "  Jones. 


^Egeon 

Angelo 

Abbess 

Adriana 

Luciana 


Mr.  Foot. 

"  Denman. 
Mrs.  Sticknet. 

"  Hackett. 

"  Sharpe. 


Although  it  was  announced  as  Mr.  Hackett's  last  appear- 
ance previous  to  visiting  Europe,  his  performance  so  de- 
lighted the  public,  that  it  was  repeated  for  his  benefit  on 
the  30th,  when  the  demand  for  it  was  renewed  so  impera- 
tively, that  the  piece  was  presented  again  and  again  with  the 
most  tumultuous  approbation,  and  with  the  largest  nightly 
receipts  of  the  season. 

Mrs.  Hamblin  was  now  added  to  the  company,  and  made 
her  first  appearance  on  the  31st,  as  Letitia  Hardy. 

Nov.  6th.  Mr.  J.  J.  Adams  re-appeared  after  three  years' 
retirement,  as  Hamlet. 

Nov.  9th.  For  Mrs.  Hilson's  benefit,  occurred  the  first  per- 
formance in  America  of  Shakspeare's  "Midsummer  Night's 
Dream."  We  have  but  a  mutilated  copy  of  the  bill,  which 
gives  the  cast  in  part  as  follows : 


Theseus 
Bottom 
Snout  . 
Oberon 


Mr.  Lee. 

"  Hilson.  ' 

"  Placide. 

"  PvICHINGS. 


Puck  . 
Titania 
Hypolita 
Hermia 


Mrs.  Hilson. 
"  Sharpe. 
"  Sticknet. 
"  Hackett. 


Nov.  13th.    First  night  of  Mr.  Kean's  farewell  engagement, 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


511 


as  Richard  III.,  and  Mrs.  Barnes'  first  appearance  this  season, 
as  Queen  Elizabeth. 

Nov.  23d.  A  comedy  called  "Teasing  Made  Easy"  was 
brought  out,  with  the  annexed  cast  : 

Litigant    ....        Mr.   Foot.  Mrs.  Teaser    .    .    .    Mrs.  Wheatley. 

Glowworm     ....     "     Lee.  Mrs.  Crompton    .    .     u  Sticknet. 

Gammon  "     Hilson.  Miss  Manly    ..."  Haokett. 

Pastoral  44     Barnes.  Molly  Mixem      .         11  Sharpe. 

Dummy  44  Jones. 

"  Aladdin"  was  revived  on  the  25th,  with  Mrs.  Barnes  as 
the  hero,  and  had  a  successful  run. 

Mr.  Barnes  took  his  benefit  on  the  27th,  when  he  astounded 
his  numerous  friends  by  appearing  as  Alexander  the  Great. 

Mrs.  Edward  Knight,  at  the  time  a  very  fascinating  and  at- 
tractive vocalist,  first  made  her  appearance  in  America,  on 
the  30th,  as  Floretta,  in  the  "  Cabinet,"  and  was  at  once  pro- 
nounced the  most  pleasing  and  finished  vocalist  of  the  Eng- 
lish school  that  had  ever  delighted  a  New  York  audience. 
This  lady,  formerly  Miss  Mary  Ann  Povey,  was  born  at  Bir- 
mingham, July  26th,  1804,  and  early  displaying  great  vocal 
abilities,  was  placed  under  the  tuition  of  Mr.  T.  Cooke,  who 
introduced  her  as  a  singer  to  the  stage  of  Drury  Lane  in  1817, 
though  we  believe  she  had  previously  appeared  there  as  the 
hero  of  a  pantomime,  called  "  Jack  and  his  Bean  Stalk." 

In  1819,  she  first  appeared  in  the  regular  drama,  as  Marg-a- 
retta,  in  "  No  Song,  No  Supper,"  with  great  success.  After 
marrying  Mr.  Knight,  a  musician  of  eminence,  she  arrived 
here  in  the  early  summer  of  life,  not  beautiful  in  feature,  but 
with  a  face  full  of  jocund  expression,  and  a  neat,  trim,  plump 
little  person,  denoting  the  possession  of  health,  hope  and  hap- 
piness. Her  voice  was  rich,  sweet,  powerful,  and  sympathetic 
*™  quality,  yet  lacking  in  flexibility,  and  her  style  of  singing 
as  far  better  adapted  to  ballads  than  the  more  elevated 
ge  of  Italian  music.  Had  she  first  appeared  in  1866,  pro- 
bly  she  would  never  have  been  regarded  as  a  great  singer, 
ut  the  public  taste  forty  years  ago  had  not  its  present  culti- 
ation,  nor  its  present  fastidiousness,  and  consequently  Mrs. 
night  for  a  while  stood  at  the  very  summit  of  popular  re- 
d,  and  her  songs  were  certainly  given  with  a  spirit  and 


512 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


expressiveness  at  that  time  entirely  unrivaled.  How  she  rev- 
eled in  "  The  Bonnie  Breastknots and  "  We're  a'  Noddin'  " — 
what  humor  and  archness  she  displayed  in  "  Comin'  thro'  the 
Bye,"  and  "Buy  a  Broom" — how  merrily  her  voice  flashed 
through  uI've  been  roaming" — and  what  feeling  and  pathos 
she  threw  into  the  touching  airs  of  "  Home,  Sweet  Home !" 
"  Savourneen  Deelish,"  and  the  "  Last  Bose  of  Summer !" — yet 
she  destroyed  her  early  standing  as  a  vocalist  by  continuing 
to  sing  long  after  her  voice  had  become  harsh  and  unmanage- 
able, and  when  listeners  could  scarcely  believe  her  identical 
with  the  blooming  girl  who  had  so  captivated  them  in  other 
days.  As  an  actress  in  comic  opera,  she  was  superior  to  any 
contemporary  star;  and  in  later  life,  in  a  broader  range  of 
chambermaids,  country  girls  and  elderly  spinsters,  she  ac- 
quired a  deservedly  high  repute.  After  traveling  as  a  star 
for  many  years,  Mrs.  Knight  joined  the  stock  company  of  the 
Park,  in  1841,  continuing  there  until  Mr.  Simpson's  retire- 
ment in  1848.  Her  husband  died  within  a  few  years  after 
her  arrival  here,  and  in  1845  she  lost  her  only  child,  a  lovely 
girl  of  seventeen,  to  whom  she  was  most  tenderly  attached. 
She  returned  to  her  native  land  in  May,  1849,  reduced  to  par- 
tial blindness,  from  a  disorder  of  the  eyes  induced  by  grief 
for  the  loss  of  her  beloved  child.  She  died  at  Brompton, 
England,  October,  1861. 

Mr.  Kean  took  his  farewell  benefit,  December  4th,  appear- 
ing as  De  Montfort,  in  Joanna  Baillie's  tragedy,  and  Tom  Tug, 
in  the  "  Waterman."  On  this  occasion  Mrs.  Barnes  gave  an 
admirable  representation  of  the  noble  Jane  de  Montfort. 

Mr.  Kean's  last  appearance  in  America  occurred  on  the 
5th,  in  the  character  of  Richard  III. 

Mr.  Hilson  played  Falslaff]  in  the  "  Merry  Wives,"  for  his 
benefit,  on  the  7th,  when  Mrs.  Knight  lent  her  aid  as  Mrs. 
Ford ;  and  a  new  farce  was  also  produced,  called  "  Paul  Pry 
at  Dover,"  embracing  some  additional  adventures  of  the  in- 
quisitive hero.  Paul  Pry  was,  of  course,  represented  by  Hil- 
son, Capt.  Hazelton  by  Woodhull,  Pommade  by  Placide,  Laura 
by  Mrs.  Sharpe,  and  Crimp  by  Mrs.  Hilson. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


513 


Dec.  11th.  Mr.  Macready  commenced  his  second  engage- 
ment as  Macbeth,  supported  hy  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Lady  Macbeth. 

Dec.  12th.  Mr.  Hackett  took  his  farewell  benefit,  and  posi- 
tively made  his  last  appearance  previous  to  his  trip  to  Eng- 
land, playing  Richard,  in  imitation  of  Kean. 

Dec.  13th.  Mr.  I.  S.  Clason  made  his  first  appearance  in 
two  years  as  Icilius,  to  Macready's  Virginius. 

Dec.  16th.  Mr.  Thomas  Barry  made  his  first  appea ranee  in 
America  as  the  Stranger,  which  he  personated  with  rare 
ability.  This  gentleman  is  identified  with  the  best  recollec- 
tions of  New  York  dramatic  history.  Soon  after  his  arrival, 
he  was  intrusted  with  the  stage  management  of  the  Park, 
where  his  correct  taste  and  excellent  judgment  were  soon 
perceptible  in  the  order,  elegance  and  liberality  of  his  ar- 
rangements. He  remained  in  the  situation  until  the  summer 
of  1833,  when  he  removed  to  Boston  for  the  purpose  of  as- 
suming the  management  of  the  Tremont  Theatre,  which  he 
directed  for  six  years  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  public, 
but  to  the  total  ruin  of  his  fortune.  In  1839,  he  returned  t<» 
New  York,  and  was  for  a  time  manager  of  the  Bowery  Thea- 
tre, but  his  old  position  at  the  Park  was  resumed  in  1841,  and 
he  remained  there  until  the  old  management  was  broken  up. 
From  1850  to  1854,  he  was  manager  (under  Marshall)  of  the 
Broadway  Theatre,  and  was  afterward  again  called  to  Boston 
to  take  charge  of  the  new  Boston  Theatre,  so  called. 

Mr.  Barry  is  among  the  few  whose  personal  character  and 
cultivated  mind  give  dignity  to  the  Stage  and  to  society. 
For  several  years  he  was  among  the  most  popular  favorites  of 
the  public,  and  his  excellent  personations  of  Lord  Townty, 
uke  Aranza,  Joseph  Surface,  and  similar  characters  in 
medy,  and  a  vast  number  of  second  parts  in  tragedy,  fully 
entitled  him  to  the  position,  particularly  as,  in  his  prime,  he 
ssessed  a  handsome  face,  a  graceful  person,  and  a  full  and 
ellow  voice. 

His  second  appearance  was  in  the  character  of  Fatcon- 
ndge,  to  Macready's  King  John,  on  the  18th. 
Mrs.  Knight  having  appeared  also  as  Lilla  and  Susanna, 

65 


514 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


took  her  benefit  on  the  27th,  when  she  personated  Annette,  in 
General  Burgoyne's  "  Lord  of  the  Manor,"  and  Rosina  in  the 
operetta  of  that  name.  The  former  play  was  new  to  our 
stage  and  was  thus  rendered : 

Old  Contrast  ....   Mr.  Foot.  Moll  Flaggon  .    .    .    Mr.  Barnes. 

Young  Contrast  ..."    Simpson.  Annette     ....    Mrs.  Knight. 

Trumore  "    Boyle.  Sophia  "  Sharpe. 

Rashley  "    Richinqs.  Peggy  "  Hackett. 

Lanippe  "  Placide. 

Placide  was  very  great  in  the  little  part  of  Lanippe,  and 
Barnes  still  greater  in  the  less  one  of  Moll  Flaggon ;  while 
Mrs.  Knight,  who  enacted  the  heroine  with,  the  greatest 
naivete,  introduced  for  the  first  time  the  song  of  the  "  Dash- 
ing White  Sergeant,"  with  a  success  that  eclipsed  all  her 
former  efforts. 

Dec.  29th.  "Henry  V."  was  revived,  with  Mr.  Macready 
as  the  King,  Clason  as  Gower,  Hilson  as  Fluellen,  and  Mrs. 
Sharpe  as  Katharine.  "King  John"  was  repeated  on  the 
3d  of  January,  1827,  for  Mr.  Macready's  benefit,  who  also 
appeared  on  the  occasion  as  Delaval,  in  "  Matrimony." 

Jan.  6th.    Mr.  Pelby  made  his  first  appearance  in  this 
theatre  for  five  years,  as  Hamlet — running  through  a  round 
of  tragic  parts,  and  taking  his  benefit  on  the  17th  as  Charles  1 
de  Moor. 

Mr.  Clason's  benefit  and  last  appearance  occurred  on  the  i 
11th,  when  he  played  Othello,  supported  by  Mr.  Barry  as  Iago. 

Jan.  12th.    Dimond's  opera  of  "  Native  Land"  was  first  per- 
formed in  America,  with  the  following  cast  : 

Guiseppo  Mr.  Barnes.  Aurelio   Mrs.  Hackett. 

Tancredi  .....     "    Barry.  Ccelio  "  Knight 

Marcello  "    Richinqs.  Clymante  ....     "  Sharpe. 

Peregrino  "    Hilson.  Lavini   Miss  Brundage. 

Zanini   Mrs.  Wheatlet. 

Mrs.  Hackett  and  Mrs.  Knight  both  looked  well  in  their 
masculine  habiliments,  and  the  latter  was  particularly  happy 
in  her  songs,  "Is't  art,  I  pray,  or  nature?"  and  "Love  was 
once  a  little  boy,"  and  in  her  duet  with  Mrs.  Sharpe,  "  Lo ! 
when  showers  descending." 

Mrs.  Hamblin,  who  had  been  cast  for  the  part  of  Zanini, 
threw  up  her  engagement  that  day,  and  Mrs.  Wheatley  was 
thrust  into  it  on  the  spur  of  the  moment. 

Mr.  Conway  commenced  an  engagement  as  Beverly,  on  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


515 


19th,  and  a  Mr.  Richardson,  from  Virginia,  made  his  first 
appearance  on  the  23d,  as  Roll  a  and  Looney  McTwoller.  The 
latter  played  several  parts  with  small  success.  A  new  farce 
called  "  Thirteen  to  the  Dozen"  was  also  produced  about  this 
time,  with  the  following  cast : 

Simon  Nipper    .    .    .    Mr.  Barnks.  I     Lilla  Mrs.  Sharps. 

Heavysacks  .        .    .     "    Jones.  Bridget     ....     "  Hackett. 

Maurice  "  Placide. 

Mrs.  Knight  took  her  benefit  on  the  25th,  when  was  revived 
the  fine  drama  of  "  Henri  Quatre,"  wherein  she  delighted  the 
audience  by  her  sprightly  singing  and  acting  as  Louison,  a 
part  she  made  completely  her  own.  Mr.  Conway  was  the 
Henri,  and  looked  and  played  admirably. 

Jan.  29th.  Mrs.  Barry  made  her  first  appearance  in  Amer- 
ica as  Juliet,  and  a  few  nights  after  played  Belvidera  and 
Juliana,  giving  little  indication  of  ability  in  such  characters. 
The  next  season  she  had  the  misfortune  to  have  a  limb  frac- 
tured, and  was  obliged  to  withdraw  from  the  profession  for  a 
long  period.  On  her  husband's  removal  to  Boston,  she  joined 
the  stock  company  of  the  Tremont,  and  in  1841  again  appeared 
at  the  Park,  being  engaged  for  heavy  tragedy  and  second  old 
women,  playing  for  the  last  time  in  1848.  Her  death  occurred 
in  this  city  on  the  20th  of  February,  1854. 

Feb.  1st.  The  ballet  spectacle  of  "  Cinderella"  was  revived, 
and  had  a  long  run,  with  E.  H.  Conway  as  the  Prince,  Pla- 
cide as  Pedro,  Mesdames  Sharpe,  Stickney  and  Wheatley 
as  the  three  bisters,  Mr.  Bancker  as  Hymen,  Miss  Brund- 
;e  as  Venus,  and  Mrs.  Smith  as  the  principal  dancing 
nymph. 

In  the  "  Conquest  of  Taranto  "  played  on  the  5th,  with  Con- 
way as  Aben  Hamet,  Sumner  Lincoln  Fairfield,  the  poet,  first 
ppeared  on  the  stage  in  a  subordinate  part.    A  few  nights 
*ter  he  played  Pandulph,  in  "  King  John,"  and  then  aban- 
oned  the  idea  of  adopting  the  profession. 
Mr.  Macready  was  now  engaged  to  perform  with  Conway, 
d  with  the  aid  of  Mrs.  Barnes,  gave  several  tragedies  with 
rare  excellence.    During  this  period,  the  former  gentleman 
peared  as  Pierre,  Romont,  King  John,  King  Henry  IV,  Pe~ 


516 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


truchio  and  Cassius ;  and  the  latter  as  Jaffier,  Charalois,  Fat- 
conbridge,  Prince  of  Wales,  Brutus  and  Murtoch  Delany. 

The  farce  of  "  White  Lies"  was  first  performed  on  the  14th 
of  February,  with  Barry  as  Sir  Charles  Meriton,  Simpson  as 
Frank  Meriton,  Hilson  as  Barnaby  Brilliant,  Mrs.  Sharpe 
as  Constantia,  Mrs.  Smith  as  Madame  Torquoso,  and  Mrs. 
Wheatley  as  Kitty. 

Buckstone's  domestic  drama  of  "  Luke  the  Laborer,"  in 
which  Hilson  played  a  character  somewhat  resembling  Bob 
Tyke,  with  great  power  and  excellence,  was  first  produced 
here  on  the  17th,  with  the  following  cast : 


Luke   .    .  . 
Squire  Chase 
Wakefield 
Chas.  Maydew 
Bobby  Trott  . 


Mr. 


Hilson. 

Woodhull. 

Foot. 

Simpson. 

Placide. 


Philip   Mr.  Baret. 

Dame   Mrs.  Wheatley. 

Clara  "  Sharpe. 

Jenny  "  Smith. 


Mrs.  Knight  was  again  engaged,  and  on  the  occasion  of  her 
benefit,  March  1st,  produced  a  new  opera  called  the  "Two 
Houses  of  Granada,"  thus  cast  : 


Count  Valteline 
Don  Guzman 
Don  Carlos  . 
Sancho 


.   Mr.  Foot. 

"  Barnes. 

"  Boyle. 

"  Hilson. 


Julia  Mrs.  Knight. 

Maria  "  Hilson. 

Jacintha    ....     "  Wheatley. 


"  Giovanni  in  London,"  the  celebrated  musical  burletta,  was 
first  played  in  America  on  the  9th  of  March,  and  received  but 
little  praise,  except  what  was  bestowed  on  Mrs.  Hackett's  per- 
sonation of  the  hero.    It  was  thus  cast  : 


Leporello 
Finikin 
Popinjay 
English 
Pluto  . 


Mr.  Hilson. 
"  Richings. 
"  Simpson. 
"  Placide, 
"  Woodhull. 


Giovanni   .    .  • 
Constantia 
Mrs.  English 
Squalling  Fan 
Mrs.  Drainemdry 


Mrs.  Haceett. 
"  Sharps. 
"  Stickney. 
"  Smith. 
"  Wheatley. 


A  farce  called  "'Twixt  the  Cup  and  the  Lip"  was  first 
played  on  the  13th,  as  follows  : 


Mandeville    .  . 
Jack  Larkins 
Simon  Pengander 


Mr.  Woodhull. 
"  Simpson. 
"  Hilson. 


Mrs.  Freeman 
Mrs.  Wagstaff. 
Charlotte  .  . 
Nancy  .    .  . 


Mrs.  Hilson. 
"  Wheatley. 
"  Sharpe. 
"  Smith. 


Mr.  Conway  and  Mrs.  Barnes,  on  the  14th,  commenced 
another  engagement,  during  which  they  appeared  as  the 
Stranger  and  Mrs.  Haller ;  Lord  and  Lady  Townly ;  Post- 
humus  and  Imogen;  Hastings  and  Jane  Shore;  Old  Wilmot 
and  Agnes,  (in  "  Fatal  Curiosity")  &c. 

March  20th.     Morton's  comedy,  a  "School  for  Grown 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


517 


Children,"  was  first  played  in  this  city  and  with  considerable 
success,  its  principal  characters  thus  cast : 


Old  Revel      .  . 
Young  Revel 
Sir  A.  Stanmore 
Frank  Ryland  . 

Buttercup 


Mr. 


Barnes. 
Simpson. 
Barry. 

WoODHCLL. 

Placid*. 


Lady  Stanmore 
Mrs.  Revel 
Miss  Raven 
Dame  Ryland 
Fanny  . 


Mrs.  Hilson. 
M  Sharpe. 
"  Barry. 

M  WuEATI.EY. 

"  Hackett. 


Miss  Mi tf ord's  tragedy  of  "  Foscari"  was  first  played  on  the 
23d,  with  no  marked  success.    It  was  thus  cast : 

.    .    .    .    Mr.   Conway.  I     Cosmo  Mr. 


Foscari 
Doge  . 
Donate 


Conway. 
Barry. 
Foot. 


Cosmo  . 
Erlzzo  . 
Camilla 


Simpson. 
"  Woodhull. 
Mrs.  Barnes. 


Mr.  Howard,  the  favorite  vocalist,  first  appeared  this  season 
on  the  24th,  as  Count  Belino. 

The  famous  burletta  of  "  Quadrupeds"  was  first  played  here, 
on  the  31st,  with  Barry  as  Drill,  Richings  as  Bernardo,  Barnes 
as  Francisco,  Hilson  as  Abrahamides,  and  Mrs.  Wheatley  Do- 
rothea. 

The  "  Flying  Dutchman,"  a  nautical  melo-drama,  very 
popular  on  its  first  production,  and  still  frequently  revived 
at  the  minors,  was  first  played  at  this  theatre,  April  10th,  as 
follows : 

Mr. 


Vanderdecken 
Gov.  Von  Brunt 
Capt.  Peppercoal 
Lieut.  Mowdrey 
Toby  Varnish 
Tom  Willis    .  . 


Barry. 
Foot. 
Jones. 
Woodhcll. 
Richings. 
Nexsen. 


Von  Bummell 
Smutta  .  .  . 
Rockalda  .  . 
Lestelle  .  . 
Lucy    .    .  . 


Mr.  Placidi. 
'*  Bancker. 
Mrs.  Sticknby. 
•4  Sharpe. 
"  Hackett. 


April  16th.  Knowles's  play  of  "  Caius  Gracchus"  was  pre- 
sented, being  the  first  night  of  Mr.  Macready's  new  engage- 
ment : 

.  Mr. 


Caius  Gracchus 
Opimius 
Drusas     .  . 


Macready. 
Barry. 
Foot. 


Titus  . 
Cornelia 
Licinia  . 


Mr.  Placide. 
Mrs.  Stice.net. 
"  Hilson. 


Buckstone  s  favorite  farce  of  the  "Dead  Shot"  was  first 
played  here  on  the  23d,  with  Placide  as  Timid,  Jones  as  Capt. 
Cannon,  Mrs.  Hackett,  Louisa,  and  Mrs.  Wheatley,  Chatter. 

Mrs.  Hilson  took  her  benefit  on  the  26th,  when  Mrs.  Knight 
appeared  as  Rosina,  in  the  "  Barber  of  Seville  f  and  a  new 
farce  without  male  characters  was  very  successfully  produced, 
called  "  Ladies  at  Home  ;  or,  Gentlemen,  we  can  do  without 
you !"  thus  cast : 


Mrs.  Banter  . 
Lady  Antidote 
Lady  Lucretia 


Mrs.  Hilson.  Mrs.  Prim  ....    Mrs.  Barry. 

Wheatley.  Jenny  n  Hackett. 

"     Sharpe.  Laura  Miss  Brindaqi. 


Mr.  Macready  took  his  benefit  on  the  30th,  appearing  as 
Cardinal  Wolsey  and  Rob  Roy. 


518 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


May  2d.  Moses  S.  Phillips  made  his  first  appearance  on 
the  stage  as  Mawworm  and  Old  Brummagem,  characters  in 
which,  by  his  close  personal  resemblance  to  Mr.  Barnes,  and 
a  very  clever  imitation  of  his  style,  he  appeared  to  great  ad- 
vantage. Mr.  Phillips  had  considerable  comic  ability,  but 
still  more  good  nature  and  indolence — too  much,  in  fact,  to  be 
successful  in  the  profession.  He  was  at  one  time  director  of 
the  old  Chatham  Theatre,  and  several  times  assumed  the  reins 
of  management  in  other  cities,  but  never  with  permanent 
success.  He  was  born  at  Philadelphia,  Feb.  23d,  1798,  last 
appeared  in  New  York  in  1844,  and  died  here  in  July,  1854. 

Mr.  Wilson  appeared  here  on  the  3d  of  May,  as  Richard  III. 

The  musical  comedy  called  the  "  Englishman  in  India"  was 
first  played  in  New  York  on  the  4th,  as  follows : 


Sir  M.  Scraggs 
Col.  Oswald  . 
Count  Glorieux 
Capt.  Tancred 
Milton  .  .  . 
Dorrington  * 


Mr.  Barnes. 

"  Barry. 

"  Placide. 

"  Howard. 

"  Woodhull. 

"  RlCHINGS. 


Tom  Tape  .  . 
Mirza  .  .  . 
Gulnare  .  . 
Lady  Scraggs 
Sally  Scraggs 
Poplin  .    .  . 


Mr.  Hilson. 

"  Simpson. 
Mrs.  Sharps. 

"  Wheatley. 

"  Hackett. 

"  Smith. 


It  has  since  been  reduced  to  a  farce,  called  "  Sketches  in 
India." 

Mr.  John  Povey,  long  known  as  an  efficient  business  agent 
of  the  Park,  made  his  first  appearance  in  America  on  the  7th 
of  May,  as  Hawthorn,  in  "  Love  in  a  Village,"  to  the  Rosetta  of 
Mrs.  Knight,  his  sister.  He  had  nothing  to  recommend  him 
for  the  character,  except  an  uncultivated  base  voice,  but  from 
that  day,  until  the  retirement  of  Mr.  Simpson,  was  connected 
with  the  establishment  as  an  actor  of  small  parts  and  business 
agent.  He  visited  England  in  1849,  but  is  now  residing  in 
New  York. 

May  9th.  The  farce  called  a  "  Disagreeable  Surprise"  was 
played;  Hilson  as  Billy  Bombast,  Placide  as  Jeremy,  Mrs. 
Sharpe  as  Maria,  and  Mrs.  Hilson  as  Fanny. 

May  11th.  Mrs.  Knight,  for  her  benefit,  appeared  as  Yarico 
and  Priscilla  Tomboy. 

Mr.  M.  S.  Phillips  having  successfully  appeared  as  Delph 
and  Dromio,  took  his  benefit  on  the  12th,  repeating  the  latter 
character,  with  Barnes  as  his  counterpart,  and  singing,  "Barney, 
leave  the  girls  alone,"  in  very  close  imitation  of  the  original. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


519 


May  14th.  Miss  Kelly  first  appeared  this  season  as  Bea- 
trice. 

May  19th.  Mr.  Placide's  benefit,  when  Mr.  John  Greene, 
from  Philadelphia,  first  appeared  in  New  York  as  Dennis 
Brulgruddery.  In  a  range  of  Irish  parts,  previous  to  Power's 
advent,  he  acquired  a  high  repute,  and  his  Dennis  we  have 
never  seen  surpassed.  He  frequently  played  at  our  minor 
theatres,  as  the  representative  of  old  men,  and  was  last  here, 
at  the  new  Chatham,  in  1847.  He  was  also  connected  with 
the  management  of  the  Philadelphia  and  several  Western 
theatres.  Mr.  Greene  was  a  native  of  Philadelphia,  and  a 
printer  by  trade.  He  made  his  debut  at  Frederickston,  Md., 
in  1818,  as  Octavian.  He  retired  from  the  stage  in  1857,  and 
died  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  May  21st,  1860,  aged  65  years.  On 
the  above  occasion,  Placide  played  the  Hon.  Tom  Shuffleton. 

May  31st.  Mrs.  P.  K.  Moran  first  appeared  on  the  stage, 
for  Mr.  Howard's  benefit,  as  Julia  Mannering. 

Mr.  Macready's  farewell  benefit  occurred  on  the  4th  of 
June,  when  he  appeared  as  Macbeth  and  Delaval. 

Mr.  Kilner  made  his  first  appearance  in  several  years  at 
this  theatre,  on  the  11th,  as  Falstaff,  and  Larry,  the  Irish  valet. 

June  12th.  "  Julius  Ca3sar"  was  played  for  the  benefit  of 
Mr.  Clarke,  who  had  been  prevented  by  illness  from  acting 
for  many  months.  Mr.  Conway,  Mr.  Henry  Wallack,  and  Mrs. 
Barnes  appeared  in  the  play ;  Mrs.  Singleton,  (formerly  Miss 
Utt)  a  vocalist  of  no  pretensions,  but  much  merit,  Mr.  Metz, 
Mr.  Howard,  &c,  assisted  in  a  concert,  and  Mr.  Kilner,  Mr. 
Keene,  and  Miss  Kelly  appeared  in  the  farce  of  "  Turn  Out." 

Two  new  pieces  were  produced  on  the  15th — the  "Eleventh 
Hour,"  with  Barry  as  Pierre  Le  Motte,  Woodhull  as  Dunoir, 
Mrs.  Hilson  as  Amelia,  and  Mrs.  Wheatley,  Bertha ;  and  the 
"Burning  of  the  Kent  East  Indiaman,"  with  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hilson,  Barry,  Woodhull,  Placide,  Jervis,  and  Howard  in  the 
cast. 

For  Mr.  Richings'  benefit  on  the  20th,  Mr.  Williamson  made 
his  first  appearance  on  this  stage  as  Count  Belino,  and  like- 
wise Mr.  Dinneford  as  Tom,  in  "  Tom  and  Jerry." 


520 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


June  23d.  For  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Durie,  prompter.  Mr. 
Anderson,  from  the  Chatham,  appeared  as  the  "  Irish  Valet ;" 
and  in  Payne's  drama  of  "Adeline,"  Mr.  Sinclair,  a  blind 
actor,  played  Dorlin,  and  Mrs.  Hill,  from  the  Chatham,  the 
heroine. 

"  A  Tale  of  the  Crusades"  was  produced  on  the  25th,  with 
Barry  as  Prince  Edward;  Woodhull,  Osmyn ;  Jones,  War- 
wick ;  Mrs.  Stickney,  Elinor ;  and  Mrs.  Hilson,  Evelina. 

July  2d.  Mr.  Herbert,  from  the  Chatham,  appeared  as  Sir 
Willoughby  Worrett,  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Jones. 

July  4th.  Last  night  of  the  regular  season — "  She  Would 
be  a  Soldier,"  &c. 

July  13th.  A  French  opera  company,  combining  consider- 
able musical  and  dramatic  talentj  opened  here  with  a  suc- 
cess that  warranted  a  continuance  of  their  performance  for 
many  weeks.  Their  first  piece  was  "  La  Cenerentola,"  cast  as 
follows : 


Prince  . 
Baron  . 
Alidoro 
Dandini 


"  Theodore. 
"  Richard. 
'  Notaire. 


Cenerentola 
Clorinda 
Tisbe     .  . 


Mme.  Alexandre. 
"  Paradol. 
"  Milon. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 


Bowery  Theatre.  1826-7. — First  Opening. 

H  E  vast  improvements  made  in  the  eastern  section 
of  the  city,  and  its  great  increase  of  population,  in- 
cluding many  wealthy  and  fashionable  citizens  who 
|  located  their  residences  in  the  Seventh,  Tenth  and  Four- 
i;  teenth  Wards,  (since,  in  their  turn,  deserted  for  more  west- 
[;  erly  situations)  induced  the  formation  of  a  company  for  the 
I  purpose  of  erecting  a  theatre  in  the  Bowery,  on  the  site  of  the 
1  old  Tavern  and  Cattle  Market,  known  as  the  Bull's  Head,  then 
I  belonging  to  George  Astor.  Messrs.  Gouverneur,  Graham, 
I  James"  A.  Hamilton,  George  W.  Brown,  P.  M.  Wetmore,  T.  L. 
I  Smith  and  Gilfert,  were  the  projectors  of  this  enterprise,  and 
I  in  process  of  time  a  very  elegant  structure  was  completed, 
I  having  externally  the  similitude  of  white  marble,  with  a  spa- 
I  cious  portico  and  lofty  columns  supporting  an  entablature 
I  and  pediment  The  size,  both  of  stage  and  auditorium,  was 
I  greater  than  any  theatre  in  the  country,  the  latter  being  able 
I  to  seat  about  three  thousand  persons,  and  in  point  of  decora- 
I  tion  it  was  unsurpassed.  It  was  fondly  hoped  by  its  proprie- 
|i  tors  that  it  would  prove  to  be  the  favored  dramatic  temple  of 
I  New  York,  and  that  all  other  city  theatres  would  sink  sub- 
I  ordinate  in  comparison,  and  consequently,  though  popularly 
I  known  as  the  BulFs  Head  Theatre,  it  was  determined  to  give 
I  it  the  more  comprehensive  title  of  The  New  York  Theatre. 
I  Bowery;  a  name  which  it  retained  until  it  came  into  the 
hands  of  Hackett  and  Hamblin,  who  designated  it  simply  The 

66 


522 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Bowery  Theatre  ;  though  the  latter,  in  a  fit  of  naturalized 
patriotism  on  the  occasion  of  the  Anderson  riot  at  the  Park, 
in  1831,  proclaimed  a  change,  and  announced  it  as  the  Ameri- 
can Theatre,  by  which  its  bills  were  headed  for  a  year  or 
two,  after  which  its  present  title  was  resumed. 

The  management  of  the  New  York  Theatre,  which  here- 
after, for  convenience,  we  shall  simply  call  "The  Bowery," 
was  intrusted  to  Mr.  Charles  Gilfert,  and  his  experience  as 
manager  and  skill  as  a  musician,  aided  by  the  undoubted 
taste  of  his  accomplished  wife,  were  deemed  sufficient  guar- 
antees of  his  fitness  for  the  post. 

Mr.  George  Barrett  was  engaged  as  stage-manager,  Mr. 
Taylor,  from  the  Park,  as  leader  of  the  orchestra,  and  Messrs. 
Coyle  and  Serra,  very  meritorious  artists,  as  scene-painters. 
The  prices  of  admission  were  at  first  fixed  at  fifty  cents  for 
the  boxes  and  pit,  and  twenty-five  cents  for  the  gallery ;  but 
a  few  nights'  experience  proved  that  to  keep  a  portion  of  the 
house  free  from  admixture  with  the  vulgar  and  unrefined,  it 
would  be  necessary  to  discriminate  between  the  boxes  and 
the  pit,  and  the  admission  was  raised  to  seventy-five  cents  for 
the  former,  and  reduced  to  thirty-seven  and  a  half  for  the 
latter,  which  soon  produced  the  effect  desired. 

The  company  engaged  consisted  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Duff,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Young,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  Barrett,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Roberts ;  Messrs.  E.  Forrest,  Faulkner,  Hyatt,  Stone,  Bernard, 
Lamb,  (the  singer)  C.  Durang,  Logan,  C.  Scott,  Hamilton,  Ken- 
yon,  Essenden,  Laws,  Read  and  Beckwell ;  Mrs.  Gilfert,  Mrs. 
Hughes,  old  Mrs.  Barrett,  Mrs.  Brazier,  Miss  Deblin,  little  Miss 
Kent,  &c.  The  names  of  several  other  individuals  were  an- 
nounced who  failed  to  appear. 

The  Theatre  was  first  opened  to  the  public  on  Monday 
evening,  October  23d,  1826,  and  the  brilliant  experiment  of 
lighting  the  stage  with  gas,  then  first  attempted,  was  hailed 
with  the  greatest  satisfaction  by  an  audience  which  crowded 
the  building  in  every  part. 

The  following  poem,  written  by  Grenville  Mellen,  received 
the  prize  offered  by  the  manager  for  the  best  opening  ad- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


523 


dress,  and  was  recited  by  Mr.  George  Barrett,  previous  to  the 
commencement  of  the  play : 

In  the  old  days  when  Athens  wore  her  crown, 
And  temples  swelled  beneath  her  classic  frown  ; 
When  gods  to  leave  their  starry  thrones  began, 
And  stooped  to  bless  the  infancy  of  man, 
Apollo  claimed  the  empire  of  the  mind, 
And  formed  the  Drama  to  subdue  mankind ; 
Rude  arts  at  first  beguiled  the  ruder  age, 
His  hope,  the  Muse — obscurity,  the  Stage. 
Severe  in  grace,  with  matchless  majesty, 
Curled  his  proud  lip,  and  glanced  his  eagle  eye, 
On  man  he  drew  the  consecrated  bow, 
And  laid  the  Python  of  the  spirit  low  ; 
Then  with  the  glories  of  his  bards  unfurled, 
He  burst  in  radiance  on  a  waking  world, 
And  in  the  vigor  of  undying  youth, 
Unveiled  the  mirror  of  eternal  truth ! 

But  night  came  down  on  Athens,  and  red  "War 

Fired  the  rich  altar  of  the  Conqueror  ; 

The  Sine  in  horror  fled  the  quivering  wire, 

And  Mare'  hoarse  trumpet  drowned  Apollo's  lyre  ; 

Oblivion  stared  o*er  Gnecia*s  desert  seas, 

And  the  winds  moaned  throughout  her  palaces  ; 

Barbarian  hands  impelled  the  doom  of  years — 

Mercy  was  gone,  and  Genius  stood  in  tears. 

Italia  then  grew  beautiful — the  wave 

That  whelmed  all  Greece  in  one  unpitying  grave, 

Rolled  till  a  rainbow  broke  upon  its  gloom, 

And  spanned  the  ashes  of  immortal  Rome  I 

Lo !  here  the  god  unbinds  his  golden  hair, 

And  his  young  presence  fills  the  enchanted  air  ; 

Wild  passion-sounds  the  listening  spirit  thrill, 

And  music  floats  round  each  melodious  hill. 

But  ah  !  thy  palaces  and  halls  and  waves, 

Land  of  bright  souls — too  beautiful  for  graves — 

It  was  not  thine  to  win  with  dew-lit  flowers 

The  Tragic  Maid  to  dally  in  thy  bowers : 

Truth,  like  thy  marbles,  was  as  cold  and  dead — 

The  heart  was  wanting — and  the  drama  fled ! 

Yes  ;  from  that  land  of  heaven-enkindled  fire, 

Where  Maro  tuned  his  harp,  and  Dante  smote  his  lyre. 


524 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Not  long  she  tarried  with  the  troubadour, 
'Mid  souls  as  sparkling  as  the  skies  were  pure — 
Not  yet  her  visioned  hours  had  come — not  yet. 
As  in  her  dreams,  had  Art  and  Nature  met : 
Reason  still  rose  o'er  Fiction's  painted  fears. 
And  gave  but  sadness  where  she  asked  for — tears. 
At  last,  as  Hope,  bright,  sandaled  Hope,  went  by. 
A  high-browed  minstrel  startled  on  her  eye, 
Hurried  through  Heaven — the  silver  summons  run, 
She  calls  on  Shakspeare,  and  her  throne  is  won  ! 
And  ows  is  Shakspeare  :  on  these  splendid  walls 
He — and  his  queen,  shall  hang  their  coronals: 
Here  peerless  Taste  her  wreath  of  buds  shall  twine. 
And  Beauty  bind  it  round  her  fragrant  shrine ; 
Here  Music  bend  above  her  sounding  wires, 
Where  Genius  guards  his  hallowed  altar-fires  ; 
Whilst  wizard  Eloquence  shall  triumph  here. 
And  Poetry  itself  in  steps  of  light  appear. 

The  first  drama  performed  here  was  Holcroft's  comedy  of 
the  "Road  to  Ruin" — an  ominous  title,  which  might  have 
been  regarded  as  prophetic  of  the  subsequent  conflagration 
of  the  theatre,  and  the  utter  bankruptcy  of  its  manager.  The 
comedy  was  thus  cast : 


Goldfinch  . 
Old  Dornton  . 
Harry  Dornton 
Milford  .  . 
Silky  .  . 
Sulky  .    .  . 


Mr.  G.  Barrett. 
"  Young. 
"  Duff. 
"  Bernard. 
"  Faulkner. 
"  Stone. 


Smith  .  .  . 
Jacob  .  .  . 
Widow  Warren 
Sophia  .  .  . 
Jenny  . 
Mrs.  Ledger 


Mr.  Logan. 

"  Hyatt. 
Mrs.  Barrett. 

"    G.  Barrett. 

"  Brazier. 

"  Roberts. 


After  the  comedy,  a  second  prize  Address,  written  by  Dr. 
Farmer,  was  spoken  by  Mrs.  Young,  and  the  evening's  enter- 
tainments concluded  with  the  farce  of "  Raising  the  Wind," 
in  which  George  Barrett  played  Jeremy  Diddler ;  Stone,  Plain- 
way ;  Bernard,  Fainwould ;  Hyatt,  Sam;  Mrs.  Barrett,  Miss 
Durable  ;  and  Mrs.  Brazier,  Peggy. 

The  performers  gave  general  satisfaction,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  elder  Mrs.  Barrett,  who,  thirty  years  before,  had 
been  the  most  stately  of  tragic  actresses,  but  was  now  deemed 
incapable  of  doing  justice  to  the  old  women  of  comedy,  and 
soon  after  withdrew  from  the  company.  The  younger  Mrs. 
Barrett,  who  now  first  appeared  under  her  new  name,  was 
radiant  in  beauty  and  spirits,  and  proved  to  be  one  of  the 
most  attractive  features  of  the  establishment. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


525 


Mr.  Thomas  Faulkner  was  the  only  stranger  of  note.  He 
was  an  Irishman  by  birth,  and  had  first  played  in  America  at 
the  Charleston  Theatre.  He  was  an  excellent  representative 
of  old  men  and  many  Irish  parts,  and  was  afterward  for  many 
years  on  the  Philadelphia  stage.    He  died  in  1847. 

Of  Mr.  Cornelius  A.  Logan  we  have  no  personal  knowledge 
but  Mr.  Wemyss  states  that  he  was  born  in  Baltimore,  Mary- 
land, and  first  appeared  on  the  stage  at  Tivoli  Garden,  Phila- 
delphia, in  1825,  as  Bertram.  He  has  been  manager  of  several 
theatres,  and  as  a  comedian  obtained  considerable  celebrity 
at  the  West.  He  appeared  in  New  York,  at  Burton's,  May, 
1849,  as  Aminidab  Slocum,  in  a  farce  called  "  Chloroform,"  of 
which  we  believe  he  was  the  author.  He  died  of  apoplexy, 
February  23d,  1852,  while  on  board  of  a  steamboat  on  the 
river  Ohio.  He  was  the  author  of  "  Yankee  Land,"  "  Vermont 
Wool  Dealer,"  and  other  dramas.  His  daughters,  Eliza,  Olive 
and  Celia,  have  since  been  well  known  at  the  South  and 
West,  and  have  occasionally  appeared  in  New  York. 

Oct.  24th.  Mrs.  Hughes  made  her  first  appearance  as  Le- 
titia  Hardy. 

Oct.  25th.  Mr.  Roberts  made  his  first  appearance,  with 
great  applause,  as  Doctor  Pangioss,  in  the  "  Heir  at  Law ;" 
Faulkner,  as  Lord  Duberly ;  Barrett,  Dick  Dowlas;  Hyatt, 
Zekiel  Homespun ;  and  Mrs.  Young,  Cicely. 

Oct.  26th.  "  Much  Ado  About  Nothing"  was  performed,  as 
follows: 

Benedick  Mr.  G.  Barrett.  Dogberry  ....    Mr.  Faulkner. 

Don  Pedro     ....     "   Bernard.  Verges  "  Hyatt. 

iLeonato  "   Young.  Beatrice    ....    Mrs.  Gilfert. 

iClaudio  "   Logan.  |     Hero  "  Young. 

Mrs.  Gilfert,  on  this  occasion,  made  her  first  appearance  in 
|four  years,  and  though  somewhat  failing  in  physical  force, 
igave  ample  evidence  that  her  elegance  and  refinement  of 
imanner  were  unchanged,  and  still  entitled  her  to  claim  pre- 
cedence for  the  brilliancy  and  truth  of  her  personations. 

Mrs.  H.  A.  Williams  made  her  first  appearance  on  the  27th 
tas  Mrs.  Malaprop,  in  the  "  Rivals." 

)  A  series  of  fine  comedies  was  presented  in  succession,  with 
'excellent  casts,  one  of  which,  that  of  the  "  School  for  Scandal," 


526 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


as  performed  on  the  30th  October,  we  transcribe  as  being  one 
of  the  most  complete  and  perfect,  as  a  whole,  that  had  then 
been  known  in  New  York : 


Sir  Peter  . 
Sir  Oliver 
Joseph 
Charles 
Crabtree  . 
Sir  Benjamin 
Careless  . 


Mr.  Roberts. 

"  Stone. 

"  Duff. 

"  G.  Barrett. 

"  Faulkner. 

"  Bernard. 

'•  Lamb. 


Rowley .  .  . 
Moses  .  .  . 
Trip  .  .  . 
Lady  Teazle  . 
Lady  Sneerwell 
Mrs.  Candour 
Maria   .    .  . 


Mr.  Laws. 

"  Hyatt. 

"  Logan. 

Mrs.  GlLFERT. 

"  Brazihr. 

"  Williams. 

"  Young. 


Nov.  6th.  Mr.  Forrest  made  his  first  appearance  on  the 
stage  where  he  established  his  fame  as  a  tragedian,  in  the 
character  of  Othello,  supported  by  Duff  as  Iago,  G.  Barrett  as 
Cassio,  Roberts  as  Roderigo,  Mrs.  G.  Barrett  and  Mrs.  Hughes 
as  Desdemona  and  Emilia.  On  the  8th,  he  here  first  played 
Damon,  and  on  the  14th,  Jaffier. 

Mrs.  Gilfert's  benefit,  on  the  16th,  was  the  first  that  oc- 
curred in  the  establishment,  when  she  appeared  as  Miss  Do- 
rillon,  in  "Wives  as  They  Were."  She  also  played  Therese, 
with  Forrest  as  Carwin,  wherein  he  made  a  most  powerful 
impression.  On  this  occasion,  Mr.  Keene  gave  a  song,  and 
Miss  Deblin  a  pas  seul,  being  their  first  appearance. 

Nov.  17th.  First  night  of  the  first  new  play  acted  here — 
being  a  comedy  called  "  Dog  Days  in  Bond  Street,"  which, 
though  popular  in  London,  failed  to  be  successful  in  New 
York.    It  was  thus  cast: 


Tressylian 
Alfred  . 
Flashly 
Dimity  . 


Mr.  Faulkner. 
"  Bernard. 
"    G.  Barrett. 
"  Hyatt. 


Buzz    .  . 
Squeezecrab 
Rosamond 
Mrs.  Gabb  . 


Mr.  Roberts. 

"  Stone. 
Mrs.  Brazier. 

"  Williams. 


Nov.  18th.  Mr.  William  Leggett,  once  editor  of  the  Even- 
ing Post  and  Plaindealer,  a  critic  of  the  highest  intelligence, 
and  a  man  of  eminent  literary  ability,  appeared  as  Bertram, 
making  a  failure  so  decided  that  he  never  again  ventured  to 
tread  the  boards. 

Mr.  Conway  first  appeared  here  on  the  20th,  as  Hamlet}  and 
the  peerless  Mrs.  Duff,  on  the  22d,  as  Jane  Shore. 

Nov.  25th  (Evacuation  Day).  Mr.  Forrest  played  for  the 
first  time  the  Indian  Chief,  in  "  She  Would  be  a  Soldier," 
and  Mr.  Keene  appeared  as  Patrick,  in  the  "  Poor  Soldier." 

Nov.  30th.  "  William  '  Tell"  was  first  played  here,  with 
Forrest  as  the  hero;  and,  on  the  1st  of  December,  "Julius 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


527 


Caesar,"  with  Forrest  as  Marc  Antony,  Conway  as  Brutus,  and 
George  Barrett  as  "  the  lean  and  hungry  Cassius" — the  length 
and  spareness  of  his  person  being  his  best,  if  not  his  only  re- 
commendation for  the  character.  Mr.  Conway  took  his  benefit 
December  11th,  playing  Cardinal  Wolsey,  in  "Henry  VIII.," 
with  Mrs.  Duff's  exquisite  representation  of  Queen  Katharine, 
for  the  first  time  in  New  York. 

Dec.  13th.  Mr.  Hamblin  first  appeared,  where  he  after- 
ward reigned  as  manager  triumphant,  in  the  character  of 
Virginvus, 

Dec.  14th.  Mr.  Forrest  played,  for  the  first  time  in  New 
York,  Earl  Osmond,  and,  on  Christmas  night,  the  youthful 
libertine,  George  Barnwell.  On  the  latter  occasion  a  new 
farce  was  produced,  called  the  "  Smoked  Miser,"  wherein  Mr. 
Roberts  enacted  the  hero,  Spiderlimb. 

Mr.  Hamblin  took  his  benefit  on  the  27th,  when  Forrest 
played  Lear  for  the  first  time,  with  Hamblin  as  Edgar,  Duff 
as  Edmund,  Young  as  Kent,  and  Mrs.  Duff  as  Cordelia.  Mr. 
Hamblin  and  Mrs.  Gilfert  also  appeared  as  Sir  Charles  and 
Lady  Rackett. 

Dec.  29th.  Mr.  Forrest  appeared,  for  the  first  time,  as  Sir 
Edward  Mortimer,  on  the  30th  as  Octavian,  and  on  the  3d  of 
January,  1827,  for  his  own  benefit,  as  Richard  III. 

Jan.  loth,  1827.  Urged  by  the  embarrassments  of  her  hus- 
band, Malibran,  and  tempted  by  the  offer  of  five  hundred  dol- 
lars per  night  from  Mr.  Gilfert,  Signorina  Garcia  returned  to 
the  stage,  aDd  first  attempted  a  character  in  English  opera, 
that  of  Count  Belino,  in  the  "  Devil's  Bridge,"  from  which, 
oddly  enough,  all  the  music  was  cut,  except  the  songs  inci- 
dental to  her  part.  With  a  slight  foreign  accent  in  her  pro- 
nunciation of  the  language,  she  was  as  triumphant  here  as  in 
the  more  familiar  scenes  of  the  Italian  stage. 

Jan.  18th.  Mr.  Dwyer  made  his  first  appearance  as  Fal- 
staff,  in  the  "Merry  Wives." 

Jan.  25th.    Mr.  Forrest  first  played  Rolla. 

Jan.  29th.  The  Signorina  took  a  benefit,  appearing  for  the 
first  time  as  Rosetta,  in  "  Love  in  a  Village,"  with  Denman 


528 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


(late  of  the  Park)  as  Hawthorn,  Keene  as  Young1  Meadows, 
Faulkner  as  Justice  Woodcock,  Hyatt  as  Hodge,  and  Mrs. 
Young,  Lucinda.  The  Signorina  sang  in  this  piece  the  songs 
of  "  My  Heart's  my  Own,"  "  Cush-la-ma-chree,"  and  "  Home, 
Sweet  Home,"  and,  with  Mr.  Keene,  the  duet,  "Begone,  I 
Agree."  She  also  introduced  the  celebrated  scena  from 
"Tancredi,"  "0  Patria,"  with  the  ever-favorite  "Di  Tanti." 

The  talents  of  Mrs.  Gilfert  and  Mrs.  Duff  were  first  com- 
bined in  the  same  play  on  the  31st,  in  an  entertainment  for 
the  benefit  of  the  suffering  Greeks,  then  struggling  for  inde- 
pendence. The  former  played  Hermione,  and  the  latter  Ca- 
lanthe,  to  the  Damon  of  Mr.  Forrest. 

Feb.  5th.  The  Signorina  commenced  a  new  engagement  as 
Rosetta,  aided  by  Mrs.  Blake  as  Lucinda,  her  first  appearance. 

Feb.  7th.  After  the  performance  of  "Much  Ado  About 
Nothing,"  a  grand  Pas  Seul — "  La  Barege  Coquette" — was  exe- 
cuted by  Madame  Francisquy  Hutin,  her  first  appearance  in 
America,  and  the  first  introduction  of  the  modern  French 
school  of  dancing  on  the  American  Stage.  The  house  was 
crowded,  and  an  anxious  look  of  curiosity  and  expectation 
dwelt  on  every  face ;  but  when  the  graceful  danseuse  came 
bounding  like  a  startled  fawn  upon  the  stage,  her  light  and 
scanty  drapery  floating  in  air,  and  her  symmetrical  proportions 
liberally  displayed  by  the  force  of  a  bewildering  pirouette, 
the  cheeks  of  the  greater  portion  of  the  audience  were  crim- 
soned with  shame,  and  every  lady  in  the  lower  tier  of  boxes 
immediately  left  the  house.  But  time  works  wondrous 
changes,  and  though  for  a  while  Turkish  trowsers  were  adopted 
by  the  lady,  they  were  finally  discarded,  and  the  common 
ballet-dresses,  indecent  though  they  be,  were  gradually  en- 
dured, and  are  now  looked  upon  as  a  matter  of  course. 
Madame  Hutin  was  a  skillful,  graceful  and  daring  dancer,  and 
was  greatly  admired  by  the  admirers  of  her  peculiar  school 
of  art.  She  afterward  married  Claudius  Labasse,  the  ballet 
master,  who  did  not  long  survive  the  anion.  Madame  Hutin 
Labasse — a  widow,  and  in  poverty — last  appeared  here  in  1831. 

Mr.  Sarzedas  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York,  on 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


529 


the  9th,  as  Young:  Norval.  He  was  connected  with  this  Thea- 
tre for  several  years.  He  last  appeared  in  New  York  in  1840, 
at  the  Park,  and  has  since  been  connected  with  the  Western 
theatres. 

"  Don  Giovanni "  was  brought  out  on  the  12th,  with  George 
Barrett  as  the  Don,  Denman  as  Octavio,  Roberts  as  Leporello, 
Keene  as  Massetto,  Mrs.  Blake  as  Leonora,  and  the  Signorina, 
Zerlina. 

Feb.  15th.  "  El  Hyder"  was  produced,  with  Mr.  Sandford's 
stud  of  horses,  and  Mr.  Thompson,  from  the  Lafayette  Thea- 
tre, as  El  Hyder. 

Feb.  20th.  Mr.  Blake  made  his  first  appearance  as  Don 
Felix,  in  the  "  Wonder." 

The  Signorina  took  her  benefit  on  the  27th,  with  "Don 
Giovanni "  and  scenes  from  the  "  Barber,"  in  which  she  was 
assisted  by  Signor  Rosich,  his  first  appearance. 

March  1st.  Mons.  and  Madame  Achille  made  their  first 
appearance  in  America  in  a  Grand  Pas  de  Deux.  The  gen- 
tleman was  the  best  male  dancer  yet  seen  in  America,  and 
Madame,  by  some,  was  considered  fully  equal  to  Hutin.  She 
was,  perhaps,  as  graceful,  but  not  so  dexterous  and  daring. 
They  last  appeared  at  Richmond  Hill  in  1832,  but  a  popular 
dancing  academy  was  afterward  kept  for  many  years  by 
Madame  Achille,  who  was  as  great  a  favorite  in  private  as  on 
the  stage. 

Madame  Hutins  benefit  occurred  on  the  2d,  when  she  ap- 
peared, for  th«  first  time,  as  Florio,  in  the  "Forest  of  Bondy.' 

Mrs.  Duff's  benefit  took  place  on  the  5th,  when  she  pre- 
sented Dimond's  play  of  "  Adrian  and  Orilla,"  finely  cast,  her 
husband  representing  Prince  Altenberg,  and  she,  Maddme 
Clermont;  also,  for  the  first  time,  a  new  piece  called  "Re- 
turned Killed,"  thus  cast : 

King  Frederick  .    .    .    Mr.   Stone.  I     Milligan     ....    Mr.  Dufp. 

Baron  Lindorf        .    .     "     Faulkner.  Joseph  ...  "  Kenton. 

Ernest  "    Bernard.  Fritz  M  Hamilton. 

Brummenfeld     ...     "    Logan.  Mad.  Lidberg  .    .    .    Mrs.  Williams. 

Raubvogel    ....     "    Roberts.  I     Victorine  ....     "  Brazier. 

Mrs.  Blake  revived  the  tragedy  of  "Adelgitha"  for  her 
benefit  on  the  7th,  Mr.  Blake  appearing  as  Lothair,  and  Mrs. 

67 


530 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Duff,  for  the  first  time,  in  her  grand  and  thrilling  character 
of  Adelgitha.  The  beneficiary  appeared  as  Marian  Ramsay, 
in  "Turn  Out." 

For  Mr.  Keene's  benefit  on  the  11th,  Mr.  Henry  Wallack, 
from  the  Chatham,  appeared  as  Rob  Roy,  Mr.  Keene  as  Francis, 
Mr.  Roberts  as  the  Baillie,  Mrs.  Blake  as  Diana  Vernon,  and 
Mrs.  Duff,  for  the  first  time,  as  Helen  McGregor.  It  is  re- 
corded as  a  proof  of  Mrs.  Duff's  excellence  in  Helen  McGregor, 
that  Hyatt,  the  comedian,  who  that  night  witnessed  the  per- 
formance from  the  boxes,  familiar  as  he  was  with  the  actress 
in  her  professional  walks,  and  thoroughly  inured  to  the  busi- 
ness of  the  Stage,  was  so  overcome  by  the  cunning  of  the  scene 
that  he  was  unable  to  restrain  his  tears,  and  that  the  entire 
audience  exhibited  the  same  unmistakable  evidences  of  deep 
emotion. 

March  20th.  Mr.  Wilson  made  his  first  appearance  in  this 
theatre  as  Reuben  Glenroy ;  and  on  the  23d,  Alexander  Simp- 
son, from  the  Chatham,  appeared  for  Hyatt's  benefit,  as 
Molino,  in  the  "Blind  Boy." 

April  5th.  Mr.  Forrest  commenced  a  new  engagement  as 
Damon,  and  took  his  benefit  on  the  2d  of  May,  as  King 
Lear.  His  performances  attracted  a  large  share  of  public 
attention,  and  received  the  warmest  eulogiums  of  the  critics, 
interspersed  with  much  sensible  and  well-meant  advice. 

May  21st.  Mr.  Forrest  played  Virginius,  we  believe  for 
the  first  time ;  and  a  new  farce,  called  "  Before  Breakfast,"  (in 
which  the  elder  Mathews  was  very  happy  in  London)  was 
produced,  with  the  following  cast : 

Trefoil,  McLaughlin,  and  Macabau  by  Mr.  Roberts. 

Maj.  Havanna    ...    Mr.  C.  Scott.  I     Buffer  Mr.  Faulkner. 

Lieut.  Havanna  ..."   Bernard.  Fanny  Mrs.  Brazier. 

May  22d.  "Venice  Preserved"  was  performed,  with  Wil- 
son, Forrest  and  Mrs.  Duff  in  the  cast ;  and  in  the  afterpiece 
of  the  "  Sleep  Walker,"  Mr.  Roberts,  as  Somno,  not  only  gave 
admirable  imitations  of  Booth,  Kean,  Macready,  Maywood, 
Hilson,  Barnes,  Cowell,  Hyatt,  Simpson,  Clarke,  Herbert  Keene 
and  Andrew  Allen,  but  greatly  amused  the  audience  by  imita- 
ting Moses  Phillips'  imitations  of  Barnes,  and  Roberts  himself. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


531 


May  24th.  The  nautical  melo-drama  of  the  "  Flying  Dutch- 
man" was  produced  here,  with  the  following  great  cast,  which 
insured  a  great  run : 


Vanderdecken     .    .    .  Mr.  G.  Barrett.  Von  Bummell      .    .    Mr.  Roberts. 

Von  Brunt     ....  "   Faulkner.  Lestelle     ....    Mrs.  G.  Barrett. 

Lieut.  Mowdrey  ...  "    Bernard.  Lucy     .        ..."  Young. 

Tom  Willis     ....  "   Young.  I     Kockalda   ....     "  Doff. 


The  latter  character  soon  descended  to  Mr.  Logan,  and  has 
always  since,  we  believe,  had  a  male  representative. 

June  1st.  For  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Wilson,  who  was  quite 
successful  here,  a  Mr.  Osborne  first  appeared  in  America  as 
Glenalvon,  in  the  tragedy  of  "  Douglas,"  with  Forrest  as  Young 
Norval,  for  the  first  time  in  New  York  ;  Wilson  as  Old  Norvab 
and  Mrs.  Duff  as  Lady  Randolph. 

June  8th.  Mr.  George  Barrett's  benefit,  and  first  night  of 
a  comedy,  called  the  "Wife's  Stratagem,"  modernized  from 
Shirley's  old  play  of  the  "  Gamesters,"  thus  cast : 


Wilding  Mr.  G.  Barrett.  Acreless     ....  Mr.  Logan. 

Volatile  "  Bernard.  Sellaway    ....  "J.  Barrt. 

Barnacle  "  Faulkner.  Mrs.  Wilding  .  Mrs.  Young. 

Bob  Barnacle  .    ..."  Hyatt.  |     Arabella    ....  u  G.Barrett. 


Also  the  first  performance  of  Buckstone's  farce  of  the  "  Lot- 
tery Ticket,"  in  which  Roberts  made  a  great  hit  as  Worm- 
wood, with  G.  Barrett  as  Capias,  C.  Scott  as  Charles,  Mrs. 
Williams  as  Mrs.  Corset,  and  Mrs.  G.  Barrett,  Susan. 

June  9th.  Henry  Wallack  commenced  an  engagement  as 
Roll  a,  and  on  the  11th  appeared  as  Octavian,  in  the  "  Mount- 
aineers" when  Mrs.  H.  Wallack  made  her  first  appearance  as 
Agnes. 

On  the  latter  evening,  a  grand  ballet  of  action,  entitled  the 
"Deserter,"  was  produced,  under  the  direction  of  Mons.  Achille, 
with  the  following  cast : 


Alexis  Mr.     H.  Wallace.     I     Louise   Mme.  Hutin. 

General  "      Young  Jeannette  ....      "    A  chills. 

Jean  Louis    ...                C.  Durang.  Countess    ....  Mrs.  Rouerts. 

Montauciel     ....  Mons.  Achille.  Attendant  ....  Miss  Kent. 

Nica^e  Sig.    Angrisani.        i     Aunt   "  Armstrong. 


On  the  occasion  of  Mr.  Henry  Wallack's  benefit,  Mr.  Hanib- 
lin  appeared  as  Macbeth,  Mr.  Wallack  as  Macduff,  and  his 
sister,  Mrs.  Hill,  from  the  Chatham,  as  Lady  Macbeth.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Wallack  also  appeared  in  "  Of  Age  To-morrow "  as 
Willinghurst  and  Maria. 

June  27th.    In  the  "  School  for  Scandal,"  Mrs.  Gilfert  re- 


532 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


appeared,  after  her  Southern  tour,  as  Lady  Teazle,  and  Mr. 
Quin  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  Moses.  In 
1832,  poor  Quin  died  in  the  Philadelphia  Almshouse. 

Immediately  after  the  comedy,  a  pas  seul,  from  the  ballet  of 
the  "  Twelve  Pages,"  was  executed  by  Mademoiselle  Celeste, 
her  first  appearance  in  America.  This  best  of  melo- dramatic 
actresses  is  said  to  have  been  born  in  Paris,  August  6tb,  1814, 
and  at  a  very  early  age  was  placed  as  a  pupil  in  the  Conser- 
vatoire of  the  Academie  Royale  de  Musique.  While  there,  as  a 
child,  she  appeared  with  Talma,  the  greatest  of  French  tra- 
gedians, and  with  Madame  Pasta,  the  most  sublime  of  singers. 
She  was  a  child  in  years  when  she  first  appeared  here,  but  her 
grace  and  beauty  attracted  universal  admiration,  and  won  for 
her  the  hand  of  Mr.  Elliott,  an  American  gentleman,  to  whom 
she  was  married  in  1828,  and  by  whom  she  became  the  mother 
of  an  only  daughter,  since  united  to  a  gentleman  of  Balti- 
more. After  dancing  with  success  in  the  principal  theatres 
of  the  Union,  she  sailed  from  New  Orleans  for  Liverpool,  and 
there  first  appeared  upon  the  British  stage  as  Fenella,  in 
"  Masaniello,"  in  which  she  achieved  a  signal  success.  She 
went  the  round  of  the  provincial  theatres,  and  then  appeared 
in  London  at  Drury  Lane,  and  at  the  Queen's  Theatre,  where 
she  first  gained  a  metropolitan  repute  by  her  astonishing 
performance  of  Mathilde,  in  the  "French  Spy,"  being  soon 
recognized  as  a  brilliant  star  in  all  the  best  minor  theatres  of 
London.  After  visiting  France,  Italy,  and  Germany,  she  re- 
turned to  London,  and  was  triumphantly  welcomed  at  Drury 
Lane,  where  she  appeared  in  "  La  Bayadere,"  "  Prince  Leboo," 
"  Revolt  of  the  Harem,"  &c.  On  the  17th  of  November,  1834, 
she  again  appeared  in  New  York,  at  the  Bowery,  as  Mathilde, 
and  during  the  season  there  played  some  of  the  most  brilliant 
and  successful  engagements  on  record.  Understanding  the 
value  of  the  puff  preliminary,  she  was  heralded  in  every  paper 
of  the  Union  in  terms  of  unqualified  praise,  and  curiosity  was 
on  tiptoe  to  witness  her  performances  wherever  she  went. 
During  this  tour,  which  extended  to  1837,  it  is  said  that  she 
netted  the  sum  of  forty  thousand  pounds,  with  which  she  re- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


533 


turned  to  England.  She  made  us  a  third  visit  in  1838,  and 
played  her  farewell  engagement  then,  at  the  Park  Theatre,  in 
January,  1840. 

In  1843,  she  managed,  with  the  co-operation  of  Mr.  Webster, 
a  theatre  in  Liverpool,  and  in  1844,  with  the  same  gentleman, 
became  lessee  of  the  Adelphi,  London.  Her  next  visit  to 
America  was  in  the  fall  of  1851,  when  she  made  her  first 
appearance  at  the  Broadway  Theatre,  on  the.  18th  of  Oc- 
tober, as  Miami,  in  "  Green  Bushes,"  and  took  her  farewell 
benefit  there  in  June,  1852.  On  the  25th  of  September,  1865, 
after  an  absence  of  thirteen  years,  Celeste  unexpectedly  pre- 
sented herself  at  the  new  Broadway  Theatre  as  Miriam,  the 
Hebrew  Mother,  in  a  new  play  called  the  "  Woman  in  Red,*' 
and,  as  of  yore,  excited  her  audience  to  the  very  highest  pitch 
of  enthusiasm. 

It  was  rumored  that  her  re-appearance  was  rendered  neces- 
sary by  some  unfortunate  investments  which  had  seriously 
impaired  her  hitherto  ample  fortune. 

In  her  prime,  to  the  greatest  elegance  and  symmetry  of 
person,  she  added  a  handsome  face,  most  eloquent  dark  eyes, 
and  an  expressiveness  of  feature,  beyond  any  actress  of  the 
age.  Every  movement  was  full  of  grace,  and  every  attitude  a 
picture.  The  power,  pathos,  and  effect  of  her  pantomimic 
acting  have  never  been  approached,  while  her  assumptions  of 
male  attire  and  heroic  character,  in  such  parts  as  Vander- 
decken,  in  the  "Flying  Dutchman,"  and  Valentine,  in  "Val- 
entine and  Orson/'  were  marvelous  exhibitions  of  daring  am- 
bition and  successful  achievement.  Her  success  in  America 
has  been  equaled  among  women  only  by  Fanny  Kemble  and 
Jenny  Lind,  and  among  the  multitude  she  was  undoubtedly 
the  most  popular  of  the  trio.  On  her  last  appearance,  her  face 
indicated  the  ravages  of  time,  by  an  increased  sharpness  of 
feature,  and  her  whole  person  seemed  emaciated,  but  her 
powers  as  an  actress  were  in  no  wise  diminished. 

A  fourth  French  danseuse,  who  also  acquired  considerable 
favor,  was  Mademoiselle  Heloise,  who  made  her  first  appear- 
ance on  the  7th  of  July  in  a  grand  pas  seul. 


534 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


July  11th.  Mrs.  Gilfert  had  her  benefit,  playing  Juliana, 
in  the  "  Honeymoon,"  Celeste  dancing  a  pas  seul,  and  Signo- 
rina  Garcia  appearing  in  the  "Tancredi"  landing-scene. 

July  14th.  "Love  among  the  Roses,"  a  farce,  was  first 
played,  as  follows : 


Aid.  Marigold     .    .    .    Mr.  C.  Scott.  Sharpset    ....    Mr.  Bernard. 

Capt.  Gorgon     .    .    .     ''   Faulkner.  Holyhock  ....     "  Kenyon.. 

Edmund  "    Logan  Rose         ....    Mrs.  Brazier. 

The  "Hundred-Pound  Note,"  which  attained  great  popu- 
larity, was  next  played  on  the  18th,  with  the  annexed  cast : 

MontmoreDcy     .    .    .    Mr.  G.  Barrett.  Bilker  Mr.  C.  Durang. 

O'Snocknesey.    ...     "    C.  Scott.  Lady  Pedigree     .    .    Mrs.  Williams. 

Billy  Black    .        .    .     "    Roberts.  Mrs.  Arlington    .    .     "  Hughes. 

Morgan         ....     "   Faulkner.  Harriet  Arlington         "    G.  Barrett. 

Janus  "    Kenton.  Nurse  "  Roberts. 


Roberts  as  Billy  Black,  with  his  batch  of  conumdrums,  and 
his  everlasting  "  D'ye  give  it  up  ?"  was  perfectly  irresistible. 

July  23d.  Mr.  Forrest  played  Shylock  for  the  first  time, 
and  Mr.  Collingbourne  made  his  first  appearance  here  in  the 
part  of  Antonio. 

Aug.  3d.  The  proceeds  of  the  evening  were  for  the  benefit 
of  the  widow  of  William  Spiller,  the  late  favorite  comedian 
of  the  Park  and  Chatham. 

Aug.  8th.  Major  Stevens,  the  dwarf,  first  appeared  as 
Tom  Thumb. 

Aug.  10th.  Andrew  Allen,  the  costumer,  took  a  benefit,  on 
which  occasion  he  slipped  on  the  sock  as  Governor  HeariaH, 
and  Sir  Harry,  in  "  High  Life  Below  Stairs,"  and  introduced 
some  reminiscences  of  the  Stage  for  the  previous  quarter  of  a 
century. 

Aug.  14th.  Mr.  Hamblin  commenced  an  engagement  as 
Brutus,  and  on  the  20th  appeared,  for  the  first  time,  as  Lord 
Townly,  with  Mrs.  Gilfert  as  the  Lady. 

Aug.  22d.  A  benefit  was  given  to  the  widow  of  Mr.  Coyle, 
the  artist,  who  lost  his  life  by  being  accidentally  thrown  from 
a  cart  by  the  sudden  starting  of  the  horse  from  fright. 

Aug.  24th.  Mrs.  Williams  played  Richard  III.  for  her 
benefit,  when  her  husband  made  his  first  appearance  here  as 
Richmond.  No  cessation  of  performance  took  place  during 
the  summer,  but  the  continuance  of  the  season  we  defer  for 
a  future  chapter. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 


Park  Theatre,  1827-8. 


H  E  company  engaged  for  the  new  season  at  the 
Park  included  Messrs.  Barry,  Simpson,  Woodhull, 
Hilson,  Rees,  Placide,  Howard,  Boyle,  Foot,  W. 
Jones,  H.  Williams,  H.  Knight,  Jervis,  T.  Placide,  Povey, 
Nexsen,  Wray,  Wheatley,  Parker  and  Durie  ;  Mesdames  Hil- 
son, Hackett,  Stickney,  Sharpe,  Wheatley,  Barry,  Godey, 
Durie,  Moreland  and  Benjamin,  and  the  Misses  Brundage, 
Bland  and  Julia  Wheatley. 

Barnes  and  Hackett  were  to  appear  occasionally,  and  among 
the  promised  stars  were  Cooper,  Mrs.  Duff,  Miss  Kelly,  Mrs. 
Knight,  Mrs.  Barnes,  Horn  the  vocalist,  and  Miss  Clara  Fisher. 

Clarke,  Lee,  Richings,  Bancker,  Denman,  Miss  E.  Placide, 
(who  retired  on  her  marriage  with  Mr.  Asbury)  Mrs.  De  Luce 
and  Mrs.  Smith,  were  no  longer  on  the  stock  list. 

The  establishment  was  re-occupied  for  the  first  time  by 
the  regular  company,  September  3d,  1827.  "  Paul  Pry"  was 
performed,  with  Hilson  as  Pan/,  Placide  as  Col.  Hardy,  H. 
Williams  as  Frank,  and  Barry  as  Harry  Stanley,  the  remain- 
der of  the  characters  as  originally  performed.  A  ballet  fol- 
lowed, entitled  the  u  Highland  Wedding,''  in  which  Mr.  Parker 
and  Mrs.  Godey  appeared,  and  the  entertainments  terminated 
'with  the  "Burning  of  the  Kent." 

The  French  Opera,  for  a  period,  was  given  twice  a  week,  on 
which  nights  the  comedians  migrated  to  their  old  place  of 
refuge,  the  Broadway  Circus. 


536 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Sept.  5th.  Mr.  Hackett  made  his  first  appearance,  after  his 
return  from  Europe,  as  Richard  III.,  in  imitation  of  Kean ; 
and,  on  the  7th,  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  Barnes,  appeared  in 
the  "  Comedy  of  Errors,"  in  which  he  was  far  more  admired 
and  applauded. 

Mrs.  Moreland  made  her  first  appearance  in  a  fancy  dance 
on  the  5th,  with  great  approbation. 

Sept.  11th.  "The  Will"  was  performed,  with  Miss  Clara 
Fisher  as  Altrina  Mandeville ,  succeeded  by  the  farce  of  "  Old 
and  Young,"  in  which  she  personated  the  four  Mowbrays,  sup- 
ported by  Jones  as  Old  Wilton,  Nexsen  as  Mowbray,  Placide 
as  Peter,  and  Mrs.  Wheatley,  Peggy.  Clara  Fisher's  first  list 
of  characters  on  the  Park  boards,  following  the  above,  con- 
sisted of  Goldfinch,  Maria,  ("Actress  of  All  Work")  Helen 
Worrett,  Letitia  Hardy,  Crack,  Little  Pickle,  Young  Norval, 
Harriet,  ("Is  He  Jealous?")  Priscilla  Tomboy,  Lydia  Lan- 
guish, Cherubino,  Clari  and  Marian  Ramsay,  in  all  of  which 
her  success  was  unprecedented,  and  words  were  wanting  by 
the  critics  to  express  a  due  opinion  of  her  merits. 

Miss  Clara  Fisher  (now  Mrs.  Maeder)  was  born  in  England, 
July  14th,  1811.  Her  father,  Mr.  Frederick  George  Fisher,  a 
gentleman  of  fine  literary  taste,  was,  at  one  time,  proprietor 
of  a  noted  library  at  Brighton,  and  afterward  an  active  auc- 
tioneer in  London.  Displaying  unconsciously,  at  the  earliest 
age,  a  natural  genius  for  dramatic  performance,  she  was 
taken  when  six  years  old  to  witness  a  rehearsal  of  "  Gulliver 
in  Lilliput,"  at  Drury  Lane  Theatre,  the  performers  being 
children  between  the  years  of  six  and  ten,  and  was  so  fascin- 
ated with  the  scene  that  she  eagerly  begged  her  father's  per- 
mission to  join  the  little  troupe,  and  having  recited  a  speech 
from  "  Jane  Shore"  to  the  manager,  she  was  at  once  engaged, 
and  on  her  account  a  masque,  written  by  Mr.  Fisher,  was  added 
to  the  drama,  introducing  the  last  act  of  Richard  III.,"  in 
which  character  (as  Lord  Flimnap)  Miss  Clara  first  came  be- 
fore the  public  with  a  success  so  decided  that  the  burlesque 
was  repeated  seventeen  nights,  and  immediately  after  the 
youthful  Roscia  was  engaged  at  Covent  Garden,  where  she 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


537 


appeared  with  equal  eclat.  It  is  worthy  of  remark  that 
among  the  Lilliputian  army  at  Drury  Lane,  two  eminent 
New  York  favorites,  Mrs.  Vernon  and  Mrs.  Hamblin  (Shaw) 
first  paced  the  boards  of  a  theatre. 

So  marvelous  was  Miss  Fisher's  excellence  in  Richard,  and 
so  intense  the  curiosity  to  witness  her  performance,  that  ap- 
plications for  her  services  poured  in  from  every  quarter,  and 
in  the  course  of  a  few  years  she  had  appeared  with  corre- 
sponding success  in  all  the  principal  cities  and  towns  of  Great 
Britain  and  Ireland;  in  fact,  she  was  the  wonder  of  her  times, 
and  as  a  juvenile  performer,  eclipsed  all  predecessors  and 
successors. 

After  five  years  spent  in  starring,  an  engagement  for  three 
years,  at  a  large  salary,  was  accepted  for  her  at  Drury  Lane, 
where  she  re-appeared  as  Little  Pickle,  December  3d,  1822, 
with  the  most  rapturous  applause,  which  she  commanded  in 
every  succeeding  character  while  she  remained  there. 

On  her  arrival  in  America,  she  had  not  yet  reached  her 
seventeenth  year,  and  though  not  possessing  strict  beauty  of 
feature,  was  certainly  one  of  the  most  bewitching  specimens 
of  feminine  creation  that  eyes  had  ever  looked  on. 

Her  person,  below  the  middle  height,  and  just  reaching, 
but  not  exceeding  a  delicate  plumpness,  was  exquisitely 
formed ;  her  manners  were  sprightly  and  vivacious,  yet  per- 
fectly natural  and  artless;  her  expression  arch  and  intelli- 
gent ;  her  cheeks  dimpling  with  smiles,  and  her  eyes  were 

"  So  modestly  beaming, 
Of  mischief  she  could  not  be  dreaming, 
Yet  many  can  tell  how  fatal  the  spell 
That  lurked  in  the  eyes  of — " 

the  song  says — Kate  Kearney;  but  Truth  might  justly,  if 
not  harmoniously,  substitute  the  name  of  our  fair  heroine. 

Appearing,  as  she  constantly  did,  in  the  characters  of  boys 
and  striplings,  she  had  her  fine  hair  closely  cut  on  the  back 
of  the  head,  while  on  her  brow  she  wore  the  then  fashionable 
rolls  or  puffs,  a  style  that  was  immediately  adopted  by  all 
fashionable  ladies  under  twenty-five,  and  by  some  of  more 

68 


538  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

mature  age ;  while  an  imitation  of  her  delicate  hut  natural 
lisp  was  considered  equally  indispensable.  In  fact,  she  he- 
longed  to  the  royal  family  of  lions,  and  her  name  was  bor- 
rowed to  give  popularity  to  new  fashions  and  old  hotels,  slow 
stages  and  fast  racers ;  and  anything  or  anybody  that  could 
claim  the  most  distant  connection  with  the  "  celebrated  Clara 
Fisher"  was  sure  of  attracting  notice  and  distinction. 

On  her  appearance  as  Albina,  a  feeling  of  disappointment 
was  felt  by  the  audience  during  the  earlier  portion  of  the 
play,  until  she  introduced,  for  the  first  time  in  America,  the 
song  of  "  Hurrah !  for  the  Bonnets  of  Blue,"  which  went  like 
an  electric  flash  through  the  house,  and  drew  down  that 
spirit-stirring  applause  so  necessary  to  give  confidence  to  one 
appearing  for  the  first  time  before  a  crowd  of  strangers.  But 
from  that  moment  all  was  life,  animation  and  success,  and 
her  performance  of  the  soldier,  the  fop,  and  the  glutton,  in 
the  Four  Mowbrays,  stamped  her  the  very  best  of  actresses  in 
light  and  eccentric  comedy. 

For  several  years  her  popularity  was  unbounded,  and  when 
at  last  it  began  to  wane,  it  could  be  attributed  only  to  the 
fickleness  of  public  taste  and  the  immense  influx  of  foreign 
rivals,  for  no  diminution  of  merit  was  at  all  perceptible. 

Her  intellect  was  capable  of  grasping  the  most  masterly 
creations  of  the  most  exalted  minds,  and  in  childhood  her 
success  was  equally  apparent  in  tragedy,  opera,  or  farce,  but 
on  reaching  womanhood,  her  face,  voice  and  person  were 
adapted  principally  to  the  lighter  characters  of  opera  and 
comedy,  and  in  the  latter  line  we  consider  her  the  most  per- 
fect and  finished  actress  that  has  ever  trod  the  American 
Stage. 

Her  best  character  in  tragedy  was  Ophelia,  which  she  played 
with  the  most  touching  grace  and  winning  simplicity ;  her 
Viola,  too,  was  a  beautiful  personation  ;  yet  she  produced  far 
more  effect  in  the  more  e very-day  character  of  Clari,  which 
she  played  with  a  pathos  so  irresistible  and  natural,  that  tears 
were  always  forced  from  every  eye  that  saw  it. 

In  the  fashionable  lady  of  high  comedy,  she  had  all  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


539 


ease  and  grace  and  elegance  requisite  for  the  part,  but  her 
diminutive  figure  lent  no  aid  to  support  its  dignity,  and  she 
often  appeared  the  child  aping  the  woman  ;  yet  her  Lady 
Teazle  was  a  very  charming  performance,  and  we  have  seen 
her  play  Lady  Gay  Spanker  far  more  to  our  liking  than  its 
first  representative,  Miss  Cushman,  who  divested  the  character 
of  everything  like  refinement  or  delicacy.  In  opera,  Clara 
Fisher  appeared  to  every  advantage  that  a  thorough  knowl- 
edge of  music  with  a  limited  extent  of  voice  permitted.  She 
has  personated  with  approbation  the  Prince,  in  "  Cinderella," 
Arbaces,  in  "  Artaxerxes ;"  Susanna,  Liza,  &c,  but  her  best 
vocal  efforts  were  found  in  those  ballads  to  which  her  inimit- 
able expression  gave  a  lasting  popularity.  Among  these  may 
be  enumerated,  "  Fall  not  in  love,  dear  girls,  beware !"  "  I 
should  very  much  like  to  know,"  "  Kate  Kearney,"  "  Love  was 
once  a  little  boy"  "Ah!  I  remember  that  sweet  hour,"  "Merry 
mountain  horn,"  "  Honi  soit  qui  mal  y  pense,"  "  The  girl  that 
I  love,"  and  a  hundred  others.  One  indeed  will  never  be  for- 
gotten by  those  who  heard  it  from  the  lips  of  Little  Pickle, 
"  Since  then  I'm  doomed  this  sad  reverse  to  prove,"  which 
was  given  with  such  plaintive  sadness  as  to  move  every  heart 
to  pity.  Her  Sailors  Hornpipe,  too,  in  this  character,  proba- 
bly gave  more  real  pleasure  than  any  fantastic  pas  ever  exe- 
cuted by  a  French  dancer. 

The  line  of  characters  in  which  Clara  Fisher  appeared  with 
most  success  was  the  same  in  which  Mrs.  Jordan  and  Madame 
Vestris  achieved  their  greatest  triumphs — the  former  as  the 
true  actress  of  nature ;  the  latter  as  the  most  elaborate  ex- 
emplar of  artificial  life.  She  was  nature  itself  in  the  mis- 
chievous boys  and  romping  girls  of  the  Stage,  while  the  pert 
chambermaid  and  the  belle  of  the  saloon  were  hit  off  with  an 
unexampled  fidelity.  What  could  be  more  perfect  than  her 
Vincent,  in  "  John  of  Paris,"  or  her  Cherubino,  or  her  Paul  the 
Pet  ?  Who  could  have  excelled  her  in  Peggy,  the  "  Country 
Girl,"  or  Letitia  Hardy,  or  Helen  Worrett,  or  Harriet  Arling- 
ton ?  Were  there  ever  such  amusing  Abigails  as  her  Betty 
Finikin,  or  PJicebe,  in  "  Paul  Pry,"  or  Virtoire,  in  the  "  Invin- 


540 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


cibles?"  How  different,  yet  equally  admirable,  were  her 
Giovanni  and  Cowslip,  Nell  Gwynne  and  Amanthis,  Dolly 
Bull,  Cicely  Homespun  and  Kate  O'Brien — in  sooth,  one  might 
extend  the  list  indefinitely,  and  arrive  at  the  same  conclusion 
in  the  end,  that  she  was  unequaled. 

One  of  the  best  characters  of  her  later  days  was  the  Fool,  in 
"Lear,r  which  she  made  a  very  important  personage  when 
Macready  brought  out  the  play  as  originally  written;  and 
during  the  last  few  years  she  has  played  with  the  most  con- 
summate ability  such  characters  as  Mrs.  Page,  Mrs.  Trictrac, 
Mrs.  Candour,  Barbara  Manly,  in  "Romance  and  Reality," 
Mrs.  Bob  Crotchet,  the  Widow  Green,  Audrey,  &c.  &c. 

Clara  Fisher  never  sought  vulgar  admiration — she  never 
forced  a  point  and  then  solicited  applause.  Like  Mrs.  Duff 
in  tragedy,  her  unity  of  conception  was  most  remarkable,  and 
she  never  willingly  raised  a  smile  at  the  expense  of  consist- 
ency. Her  attention  to  the  minutiae  of  a  part  was  wonderful, 
and  the  skill  and  carefulness  she  has  evinced  during  the  present 
season  (1866)  prove  that  it  was  not  her  youthful  freshness  alone 
nor  the  credulity  of  her  admirers  that  rendered  her  so  long 
an  idol. 

On  the  6th  of  December,  1834,  she  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Mr.  James  G.  Maeder,  a  distinguished  musician,  and  the 
vocal  preceptor  of  Mr.  Wood,  Charlotte  Cushman,  and  other 
celebrities.  Much  of  the  ample  fortune  she  acquired  in  her 
earlier  years  was  lost  in  the  ruin  of  the  United  States  Bank, 
and  much  in  unfortunate  attempts  at  theatrical  management. 
Her  last  engagement  at  the  Park  was  in  the  disastrous  season 
of  1840-41,  when  she  was  in  the  stock  company.  On  the 
28th  of  September,  1841,  she  had  the  honor  of  receiving  a 
complimentary  benefit  there,  arranged  for  her  by  a  committee 
of  ladies,  the  receipts  of  which  amounted  to  nearly  two  thou- 
sand dollars.  Her  last  appearance  on  that  Stage,  the  scene  of 
her  many  triumphs,  was  in  the  character  of  Lydia  Languish, 
for  the  benefit  of  her  sister,  Mrs.  Vernon,  November  6th,  1844. 
After  a  residence  of  several  years  in  Albany,  she  returned  to 
this  city  in  the  fall  of  1851,  and  appeared  for  one  season  at 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


541 


Brougham's  Lyceum,  and  afterward  occasionally  assisted  in 
Madame  Thillon's  opera  troupe  at  Niblo's.  Of  her  personal 
character,  we  are  assured  by  one  who  knows  her  well  that  in 
private  life  alone  can  her  virtues  and  worth  be  properly  ap- 
preciated, and  that  she  truly  is  the  blessing  and  pride  of  her 
domestic  circle. 

Sept.  15th.  Mr.  C.  W.  Armstrong,  editor  of  the  New  York 
Spy,  had  a  benefit,  on  which  occasion  Mr.  Rees,  who  proved 
to  be  a  valuable  actor  in  comic  old  men,  made  his  first  ap- 
pearance in  America  as  Justice  Woodcock,  in  "  Love  in  a  Vil- 
lage;" Mr.  Richings  made  an  only  appearance  in  Young' 
Meadows ;  Ferdinand  Durang,  ditto,  in  a  hornpipe ;  and  Mr. 
Duff  played  Looney  McTwolter,  his  first  appearance  here  in 
four  years. 

Sept.  19th.  Mr.  Hackett  appeared  as  Paris,  in  Massinger's 
"  Roman  Actor,"  with  his  celebrated  defense  of  the  Stage. 
The  attempt  was  pronounced  "a  little  heavy,  but  no  less 
divine." 

Mr.  Cooper  commenced  an  engagement  on  the  24th,  as 
Virginius,  and  to  strengthen  his  failing  attraction,  the  aid  of 
Mrs.. Duff  was  called  in,  who,  on  the  27th,  made  her  first  ap- 
pearance here  in  four  years  as  Belvidera. 

The  "Hundred-Pound  Note"  was  first  played  here  on  the 
29th,  with  Hilson  as  Billy  Black;  Simpson,  Montmorency; 
Rees,  O'Shaughnessy ;  Mrs.  Wheatley  as  Lady  Pedigree ;  and 
Mrs.  Sharpe,  Harriet. 

Miss  Clara  Fisher's  first  benefit  in  America  occurred  Oc- 
tober 1st,  when  she  appeared  in  "  Clari,"  "Is  He  Jealous?"  and 
"  Turn  Out." 

Miss  Kelly  first  appeared  this  season  on  the  3d;  as  Beatrice 
and  Rosina ;  and  on  the  4th,  for  the  first  time,  personated  Gil 
Bias. 

Oct.  5th.  After  the  performance  of  "  Bertram,"  with  Cooper 
and  Mrs.  Duff,  a  scene  from  the  "Man  of  the  World"  was 
given,  in  which  Mr.  Hackett  first  attempted  the  character  of 
McSycopIiant. 

Oct.  8th.    The  farce  of  "Comfortable  Lodgings"  was  first 


542 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


played,  in  which  Mr.  Rees  made  a  capital  hit  as  Sir  Hipping- 
ton  Miff,  with  Placide  as  Captain  Bonassus,  Hilson  as  Rigma- 
role, Mrs.  Wheatley  as  Mme.  Bonassus,  and  Mrs.  Sharpe,  An- 
toinette. 

Oct.  9th.  Mr.  Henry  Knight  made  his  first  appearance  in 
America  as  Tom,  in  "Intrigue,"  and  Robin  Roughead.  He 
was  a  son  of  the  famous  London  comedian,  and  was  himself 
an  amusing  actor,  though  not  of  the  first  class.  He  married 
the  elder  Miss  Kent,  daughter  of  the  former  comedian  of  the 
Park,  and  is  last  remembered  in  New  York  at  the  Richmond 
Hill,  in  1832.  He  died  at  Elktown,  Maryland,  December 
15th,  1839,  from  the  effects  of  an  injury  received  while  at- 
tempting to  jump  on  a  rail-car  when  in  motion. 

Oct.  11th.  Soane's  legendary  romance  of  "Faustus"  was 
produced  with  great  splendor,  and  the  following  cast : 

Faustus  Mr.  Simpson.  Mephistophiles    .    .  Mr.  Barry. 

Ct.  Orsino     ....     "  Howard.  Adine   Mrs.  Knight. 

Ct.  Cassanova    ..."  Placide.  Rosolia     ....  "  Sharpe. 

Montolio  "  Woodhuli.  Lucetta     ....  "  Hackett. 

Wagner  "  Hilson. 

The  music,  by  Bishop  and  Horn,  had  ample  justice  done  it, 
and  Mrs.  Knight,  who  made  her  first  appearance  this  season, 
gave  especial  satisfaction  in  her  songs,  u  Come,  Love,  to  Me," 
and  « Saul,  0  King!" 

Mrs.  Duff  took  her  farewell  benefit  on  the  12th,  appearing, 
for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  as  Virginia,  to  Cooper's  Vir- 
ginius.  Mr.  Duff  also  appeared  as  Murtoch  Delany,  in  which 
he  gave  the  original  song  and  planxty.  They  sailed  for  Eng- 
land on  the  4th  of  December. 

Oct.  17th.  Mr.  Charles  E.  Horn  made  his  first  appearance 
in  America  as  the  Seraskier,  in  the  "  Siege  of  Belgrade."  He 
soon  after  appeared  as  Prince  Orlando,  Don  Sylvio,  Henry 
Bertram,  and  Trumore,  ("  Lord  of  Manor ")  with  Mrs.  Knight's 
aid  as  Floretta,  Isadora,  &c.  Mr.  Horn  was  born  in  London, 
(of  German  descent)  A.D.  1788.  His  father  was  a  distin- 
guished musician,  and  instructed  him  on  the  piano-forte ;  the 
science  of  music  was  imparted  by  Baumgarten,  and  his  vocal 
tutors  were  Rauzzini  and  T.  Welsh.  He  first  performed  in  the 
orchestra  at  Covent  Garden,  on  the  double  base,  and  afterward 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


543 


at  the  Italian  opera,  on  the  second  violoncello.  He  made  his 
appearance  as  a  singer  at  the  Lyceum  Theatre,  June  26th, 
1809,  and  rising  rapidly  in  favor,  soon  attained  a  high  posi- 
tion on  the  boards  of  Drury  Lane.  While  he  retained  his 
voice,  he  was  equally  admired  here,  but  its  failure  caused 
him  to  leave  the  stage  about  1835,  although  he  afterward 
frequently  appeared  in  the  concert-room  as  vocalist  and  an 
accompanyist  on  the  piano.  He  also  at  one  time  was  engaged 
in  business  as  music-seller  and  publisher.  As  a  composer 
and  adapter,  he  was  very  happy.  Several  of  his  songs,  "  I've 
been  Roaming,"  "  Deep,  deep  Sea,"  "  Cherry  Ripe,"  "  Mermaid's 
Cave,"  "  Dark-eyed  One,"  &c,  attained  great  popularity.  The 
music  of  the  "Bee  Hive,"  "Woodman's  Hut,"  "Ninth  Statue," 
"Lalla  Rookh,"  "Dido,"  &c,  was  of  his  composition,  and  he 
also  arranged  many  foreign  operas  for  the  English  Stage. 
His  last  original  opera,  "  Ahmed  Al  Kamel,  or  the  Pilgrim  of 
Love,"  was  produced  at  the  old  National  Theatre,  in  1840. 
Mr.  Horn  died  at  Boston  of  typhoid  fever,  October  22d,  1849. 
His  first  wife  was  Miss  Ray,  a  London  actress,  and  his  second, 
whom  he  married  here,  was  the  vocalist  Miss  Horton,  who 
survived  him. 

Miss  Kelly  took  her  benefit  on  the  30th,  when  she  appeared 
as  Caroline,  in  the  "  Prize,"  and  Rosantha,  in  "  Brother  and 
Sister,"  aided  by  Horn  and  Mrs.  Knight,  and  Clara  Fisher 
played  the  Mowbrays. 

Mr.  Horn's  first  benefit  came  off  November  5th,  when  he  ap- 
peared as  Lord  Winlove,  in  "  Fontainbleau,"  with  Mrs.  Knight 
as  Rosa,  and  Clara  Fisher  as  Dolly  Bull.  Miss  Kelly  also  ap- 
peared, and  the  musical  farce  of  "Abon  Hassan"  was  first 
played,  with  the  following  cast: 

AboD  Hassan      .    .    .    Mr.  Horn.  Zobeide     ....    Mre.  Stickney. 

Caliph  "   Jones.  Zuliema    ....     "  Knight. 

Mesrour  "    Rees.  Noxamoul ....     "  Wheatlet. 

Zabouc  u  Placide. 

Nov.  7th.  Mrs.  Knight's  benefit,  when  the  "Duenna"  was 
revived,  with  Horn  as  Carlos,  Howard  as  Ferdinand,  Placide 
(first  time)  as  Don  Jerome,  Miss  Kelly,  Clara,  and  Mrs.  Knight, 
Louisa.  Clara  Fisher  likewise  appeared  as  Paul,  to  Mrs. 
Knight's  Virginia. 


544 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Nov.  8th.  A  new  version  of  "  Der  Freyschutz,"  with  Weber's 
music,  was  given,  with  the  following  cast : 

Caspar  Mr.  Horn.  I     Killian  Mr.  Placide. 

Adolph  Miss  Kelly.  Linda  Mrs.  Knight. 

Ottocar  Mr.   Howard.  Rose  "  Sharpe. 

Bernhard  "    Woodhull.  | 

Caspar  was  the  best  part  that  Horn  ever  played  or  sung, 
and  he  has  never  since  been  equaled  in  it,  while  Mrs.  Knight's 
Linda  was  justly  considered  one  of  her  happiest  efforts. 

Nov.  9th.  Mr.  Cooper  commenced  his  farewell  engagement 
in  his  best  part,  Virginius,  Mrs.  Barnes  making  her  first  ap- 
pearance this  season  as  Virginia. 

Nov.  12th.  The  farce  of  "  Bears  not  Beasts"  was  first  played, 
as  follows  : 

Snapall  Mr.  Placide.  Babalonk  ....    Mr.  Jones. 

Puddifat  "   Rees.  Zaida  Mrs.  Sharpe. 

Bashaw  "   "Woodhull.  Fatima  "  Godet. 

Nov.  15th.  The  Frenchy  drama  of  the  "  Gambler's  Fate" 
was  brought  out  with  much  success,  and  was  throughout  ex- 
ceedingly well  played  by  the  following  performers  : 

Old  Germain  ....  Mr.  Jervis.  i     Baalamb    ....  Mr.  Placide. 

Albert   "    Barry.  Julia   Mrs.  Barnes. 

Henry   Mrs.  Sharpe.  Mme.  Belcour.    .    .  "  Sticknet. 

Malcour    ....  Mr.  Woodhull.  I     Mrs.  Baalamb     .    .  "  Wheatlet. 

Nov.  16th.  Mrs.  Hackett's  benefit.  The  "  Marriage  of  Fig- 
aro," with  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Cherubino,  Miss  Kelly  as  Susanna, 
and  Mrs.  Hackett  as  the  Countess ;  also  the  "  Hundred-Pound 
Note,"  with  Hackett,  for  the  first  time,  as  Montmorency,  and 
Barnes  as  Billy  Black. 

Nov.  21st.  Mrs.  Barnes's  benefit.  Adelgitha,  for  the  first 
time,  by  Mrs.  Barnes;  the  "Citizen"  with  Miss  Kelly  as 
Maria,  and  the  "  Gambler's  Fate,"  with  little  Charlotte  Barnes 
as  the  child  Rose. 

Nov.  23d.  First  night  of  "Peter  Wilkins,  or  the  Flying 
Islanders,"  with  Miss  Kelly  as  Peter,  Jervis  as  the  Nondescript, 
Woodhull  as  John  Adams,  Rees  as  O'Scud,  Placide  as  Crow- 
quill,  Mrs.  Sharpe  as  Yourakee,  and  Mrs.  Godey,  Hallicarnia. 
It  did  not  prove  as  popular  here  as  at  the  Bowery. 

Morris's  drama  of  "  Brier  Cliff"  was  first  played  here  on  the 
26th,  with  Barry  as  Onalaska,  Simpson  as  Capt.  Mus grave, 
Placide  as  Doctor  Meredith,  and*  Mrs.  Hilson,  Mary  Jansen. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


545 


Nov.  28th.  The  "  Comedy  of  Errors,"  &c,  for  the  benefit  of 
the  widow  of  the  late  Mr.  Pritchard. 

Nov.  30th.  Mrs.  Hemans's  beautiful  drama,  entitled  the 
"Vespers  of  Palermo,"  was  produced  by  Mrs.  Hilson,  for  her 
benefit,  cast  as  follows : 


Count  di  Procida     .    .  Mr.  Barry.  Anselmo    ....  Mr.  Foot. 

Raimond   "  Simpson.  Vettoria    ....  Mrs.  Babry. 

Ezibert   "  Woodhcll.  Constance  ....  M  Hilson. 

Montalba   "  Jones. 


We  believe  it  was  never  repeated. 

Dec.  3d.  For  Mr.  Simpson's  benefit,  a  trashy  drama,  called 
the  "  Cornish  Miners,"  was  first  represented,  and  Mr.  Hackett 
appeared,  for  the  first  time,  as  Tristram  Fickle,  in  the  "  Weather- 
cock." 

Dec.  8th.  During  the  performance  of  "  Faustus,"  owing  to 
an  accident  haj3pening  to  the  machinery,  Mrs.  Barry  and 
Messrs.  Barry  and  Simpson  were  very  severely  injured  by 
falling — the  lady  having  one  of  her  legs  broken. 

Dec.  10th.  First  night  of  Miss  Clara  Fisher's  second  en- 
gagement. The  "  Will,"  and  "  Old  and  Young,"  were  per- 
formed. 

Dec.  14th.  Mr.  William  Forrest  (brother  of  the  tragedian) 
made  his  first  appearance  in  this  theatre,  as  Harry  Dornton. 

Dec.  18th.  Mrs.  Sharpe  took  her  benefit,  appearing  for  the 
first  time  as  Count  Bel  i  no,  and  reviving  an  old  farce  called  the 
"  Recontre,"  thus  cast : 

Boucueur  Mr.   Rees.  j     Pierre  Mr.  Placide. 

DeCourcy  '*    Woodhull.  lime.  Merville    .    .    Mrs.  Sharpe. 

St.  Leoq  "    Howard.  Justine  "  Hackett. 

Dec.  28th.  For  Miss  Clara  Fisher's  benefit,  Mr.  Archer, 
from  the  Bowery,  appeared  as  Romeo,  the  lady  personating 
Juliet,  for  the  first  time,  and  appearing  in  a  new  piece  called 
the  "  Ten  Mowbrays  ! !" 

Dec.  31st.  Mr.  Barry's  benefit  occurred,  when  he  appeared, 
for  the  first  time  since  his  accident,  on  crutches,  as  Capt. 
Bertram,  in  "  Fraternal  Discord,"  with  Clara  Fisher  as  Char- 
lotte, who  also  played  for  the  first  time  Capt.  All  clack,  in  the 
"Invisible  Girl." 

Jan.  2d,  1828.  The  beautiful  Mrs.  Austin  made  her  first 
appearance  in  New  York  as  Rosetta,  in  "Love  in  a  Village," 

69 


546 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


followed  by  her  subsequent  assumptions  of  Mary  Copp,  Ro- 
sina,  Lucy  Bertram,  Clara,  in  the  "  Duenna,"  &c.  This  bril- 
liant songstress,  who  had  just  concluded  a  successful  engage- 
ment in  Philadelphia,  where  she  had  first  appeared  in  Am- 
erica, on  the  10th  of  December,  1827,  was  more  accom- 
plished in  the  Italian  school  of  music  than  any  vocalist  who 
had  preceded  her,  Malibran  alone  excepted.  Her  voice  ex- 
tended to  nearly  three  octaves,  and  possessed  remarkable 
purity  and  sweetness,  "  its  liquid  tones  coming  as  softly  on 
the  sense  of  hearing  as  snow  upon  the  waters,  or  dew  upon 
the  flowers."  Her  merit  was  confined  exclusively  to  her 
singing  and  to  a  very  lovely  personal  appearance.  She  was 
no  actress,  nor  had  she  the  archness,  expression  or  feeling  re- 
quisite for  a  successful  ballad  singer.  Under  the  skillful 
management  of  her  musical  director,  Mr.  F.  H.  F.  Berkeley, 
she  attained  a  popularity  superior  to  any  English  singer,  Mrs. 
Wood  excepted,  on  whose  appearance  she  was  naturally  thrown 
in  the  shade.  Mrs.  Austin  was  the  original  heroine  here  of 
"Cinderella,"  "  Artaxerxes,"  the  "White  Lady,"  "Caliph  of 
Bagdad,"  "  Fra  Diavolo,"  and  other  operas,  which  owed  their 
success  principally  to  her  exertions.  Her  Ariel,  in  the  "  Tem- 
pest," and  Apollo,  in  "  Midas,"  to  this  day  remain  unajjproached 
in  excellence.  She  played  her  farewell  engagement  at  the 
Park  in  1835,  making  her  last  appearance  there  on  the  8th  of 
April,  but  was  induced  by  liberal  offers  afterward  to  play  a 
few  nights  at  the  Bowery,  where  she  made  her  last  appear- 
ance in  America,  on  the  8th  of  May,  1835,  as  Diana  Vernon 
and  Virginia.    We  believe  she  still  lives  in  Europe. 

Jan.  8th.  The  romance  of  the  "  Sleeping  Beauty"  was  first 
produced,  and  received  much  applause,  with  the  following  cast : 

Aldibert   Mr.  Barry.  Edward  ....  Mrs.  Godey. 

Edgar   "  Howard.  Ethelinde  ....  "  Sharpe. 

Oswin   "  Reed.  Ellen    .  .        .    .  Hackett. 

Launcelot      ....  "  Placide. 

Jan.  11th.  Mr.  Pearman's  first  appearance  this  season,  as 
Trumore,  in  the  "  Lord  of  the  Manor,"  for  the  benefit  of  Mrs 
Austin,  who  played  Annette. 

Jan.  14th.  Miss  Kelly's  first  night,  as  Rosalind,  to  Mr. 
Maywood's  Jacques. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


547 


Jan.  17th.  For  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Barnes,  the  celebrated 
comedy  from  Plautus,  entitled  "  Amphytrion,  or  the  Two 
Sosias, '  with  the  following  cast : 


Shakspeare  doubtless  took  his  "  Comedy  of  Errors"  from 
this  drama,  and,  although  better  adapted  to  the  modern  stage, 
it  lacks  all  of  the  nature  and  probability  of  the  original. 

Jan.  18th.  First  night  of  a  series  of  operas,  embracing 
"  Lionel  and  Clarissa,"  "  Marriage  of  Figaro,"  "  Der  Frei- 
schutz,"  "  Castle  of  Andalusia,"  "  Clari,"  "  Abon  Hassan,"  «  No 
Song,  No  Supper,"  and  "Midas,"  in  which  Mrs.  Austin  ap- 
peared for  the  first  time  as  Clarissa,  the  Countess,  Linda,  Lo- 
renzo, and  Margaretta ;  Mr.  Horn  as  Count  Almaviva,  Miss 
Kelly  as  Alphonso,  Pearman  as  Lionel,  Figaro,  Adolph,  Ferdi- 
nand, and  Apollo,  and  Mrs.  Knight  as  Clari,  Zuliema,  &c. 

Jan.  31st.  Arne's  celebrated  recitative  opera  of  "  Arta- 
xerxes,"  the  first  English  one  of  the  class,  was  produced  with 
great  care,  and  with  a  corresponding  success.  Horn,  Pear- 
man,  and  Mrs.  Austin  were  triumphant  in  the  characters  of 
Artabanes,  Arbaces,  and  Mandane,  and  were  ably  seconded  by 
Mrs.  Hackett  as  Artaxerxes,  and  Mrs.  Sharpe  as  Semira. 

Feb.  4th.  Mrs.  Sloman,  from  Covent  Garden,  made  her 
first  appearance  in  New  York  as  Isabella.  Her  succeeding 
characters  were  Mrs.  Holler,  Belvidera,  Jane  Shore,  (with 
Hackett  as  Glosler)  Juliet,  Evadne,  and  Mrs.  Beverly,  the  latter 
for  her  benefit  on  the  18th,  when  Mr.  Sloman  made  his  first 
appearance  as  Sam  Savory,  and  sung  several  comic  songs  that 
attained  great  popularity.  Mrs.  Sloman's  maiden  name  was 
Whitaker,  and  in  early  life  she  married  Henry  Dowton,  a  son 
of  the  great  comedian.  On  his  death,  she  married  John  Slo- 
man, and  appeared  successfully  in  London  in  1824.  Her 
American  debut  took  place  at  Philadelphia,  December  7th, 
1827,  and  she  there  played  a  triumphant  engagement.  In 
New  York,  she  never  had  the  same  popularity;  although  a 
correct  and  ladylike  actress,  she  was  too  coldly  classical  to 
suit  the  multitude.    Her  declamation  was  remarkably  fine. 


Mercury    .  (as  Sosia)  .  Mr.  Hackett. 

Jupiter   "  Reed. 

Amphytrion  ....  "  Woodhull. 

Sosia    ......  "  Barnes. 


Alcmena 
Phoedra 
Bromia 


MrB-  Sharpe. 
**  Hack>tt. 
"  Wheatley. 


548 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mr.  Sloman,  who  was  a  Christianized  Jew,  possessed  merit  as 
a  farceur,  but  his  forte  was  comic  singing,  wherein  he  de- 
veloped a  burlesque  humor  that  was  very  taking.  His  "  Betsy 
Baker,"  "Major  Longbow,"  "Sweet  Kitty  Clover,"  and  other 
ditties,  were  entertainments  that  during  his  first  visit  never 
failed  to  secure  him  overwhelming  benefits.  After  two  or 
three  years  they  returned  to  England,  but  came  to  America 
again  in  1839,  when  their  attraction  as  stars  was  entirely  gone. 
Mrs.  Sloman  last  played  in  the  Park  stock  company,  A.D, 
1845,  and  after  residing  with  her  husband  in  Charleston, 
S.  C,  for  many  years,  died  there  in  January,  1858.  Their 
daughter,  Miss  Jane  Sloman,  some  years  since  created  a  sen- 
sation here  as  apiauiste  of  the  highest  rank. 

Feb.  13th.    First  performance  of  "  Alfred  the  Great :" 


Alfred  . 
Edwy  . 
Greybald 
Guthrum 


Mr.  Woodhcll.  Gog   Mr.  Hilson. 

"  Williams.  Judith   Mrs.  Sharpe. 

"  Rees.  Blanche    ....     "  Hackett. 

"  Reed.  Bertha  "  Wheatlet. 


Feb.  27th.    First  performance  of  the  "  Goldsmith  :" 


Count  Rosenberg 
Oliver  .... 
Bernard    .    .  . 


Mr. 


Simpson. 

Woodhull. 

Placide. 


Countess 
Isabella 
Margaret 


Mrs.  Stickney. 
"  Sharpe. 
"  Wheatlet. 


March  3d.  Second  benefit  of  Mrs.  Sloman,  who  appeared 
as  the  *  Grecian  Daughter, '  and  Lisette,  in  the  new  and  beau- 
tiful drama  called  the  "  Sergeant's  Wife."  Mr.  Rees  played 
Old  Cartouch ;  Mr.  Woodhull,  Dennis ;  Mr.  Placide,  Robin ; 
and  Mrs.  Hackett,  Margot. 

March  6th.    The  "  Courier  of  Naples,"  for  the  first  time : 


Sorelto 

Ferdinand 

Sanetro 


Mr.  Reed. 
"  Barry. 

"  Simpson. 


Alserno 
Pedro   .  . 
Georgette  . 


Mr.  Woodhcll. 
"  Jones. 
Mrs.  Hilson. 


Major  Stevens,  the  Dwarf,  appeared  as  Tom  Thumb,  on  the 
11th,  which  he  repeated  for  his  benefit  on  the  13th,  with 
Goliah,  in  the  "Young  Quaker." 

March  17th.  First  night  of  a  new  comedy,  called  "Forget 
and  Forgive :" 


Sir  Gregory  Ogle 
Baron  Ledoux  . 
Cameron  .  . 
Sidney      .    /  . 
Rumbold  . 


Mr. 


Rees. 

Placide. 

Barrt. 

Simpson. 

Hilson. 


Georgette  .  . 
Jeannette  . 
Lady  Ogle 
Lady  Radcliff 
Miss  Cateaton 


Miss  Clara  Fisher. 
Mrs.  Hilson. 

"  Wheatlet. 

"  Sharpe. 

"  Hackett. 


Miss  Fisher's  new  characters  during  this  engagement  were 
Marplot,  Maria  Darling-ton,  Amelia  Wiidenheim,  the  Young 
Widow,  and,  for  her  benefit,  Richard  III. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


549 


March  24th.  The  "Knights  of  the  Cross,"  (from  Scott's 
Talisman)  was  first  played  in  New  York,  as  follows : 


March  27th.  Miss  George,  from  the  Bowery,  first  appeared 
here,  for  Mr.  Sloman's  benefit,  as  Lucy  Bertram,  in  "  Guy  Man- 
nering,"  with  Mrs.  Sloman  as  Meg  Merrilies. 

April  1st.  Peake's  amusing  farce  of  the  "Haunted  Inn" 
was  brought  out,  with  Jones  as  Sir  Tomyn  Probe,  Hilson  as 
Tommy  Tadpole,  Simpson  as  Capt.  Levant,  Placide  as  Corporal 
Trot,  Miss  Brundage  as  Angelica,  Mrs.  Wheatley  as  Mrs,  Gristle, 
and  Mrs.  Hackett  as  Jenny  Toft. 

April  8th.  Mr.  Cooper's  first  appearance  since  his  return 
from  Europe,  where  his  unceremonious  condemnation  by  the 
critics  had  caused  his  visit  to  be  brief,  and  had  awakened  here 
a  feeling  which  rendered  his  reception  enthusiastic.  He 
appeared  as  Macbeth,  supported  by  Mrs.  Hill,  from  the  Chatham 
and  Lafayette  Theatres,  her  first  engagement  here. 

April  9th.  The  opera  of  "Dido,"  music  selected  from  Ros- 
sini, and  arranged  by  Horn,  was  first  represented  here  by  Pear- 
man  as  JEneas,  Horn  as  Jasbus,  Howard  as  Ararpas,  Mrs.  Sharpe 
as  Selene,  and  Mrs.  Austin  as  Dido.  It  was  not  very  suc- 
cessful. 

April  15th.  Miss  Hamilton,  a  young  lady  brought  by 
Cooper  to  this  country,  made  her  debut  as  Virginia,  and  Sophia, 
("  Rendezvous")  We  believe  she  appeared  but  once  more, 
on  the  21st,  for  Cooper's  benefit,  as  Desdemona,  when  Mr. 
Forrest  played  Iago,  to  the  veteran's  Othello. 

April  25th.  For  Mr.  Simpson's  benefit,  after  the  perform- 
ance of  the  "  Siege  of  Belgrade/'  a  grand  pas  de  quatre  was 
executed  by  Mons.  and  Mme.  Achille,  Mile.  Heloise,  and  M. 
Angrisani,  for  the  first  time  on  the  Park  boards. 

About  this  time  Mr.  Sloman  concluded  his  third  engage- 
ment,  and  Mr.  Maywood,  Miss  Kelly,  Mr.  Somerville  and 
Master  Collett,  an  excellent  dancer,  were  engaged,  the  two 
latter  appearing  for  the  first  time  on  these  boards. 


King  Richard 
King  Philip 
Sir  Kenneth 
Saladin 


Mr.  Simpson. 

"  Nexsen. 

"  Barry. 

11  woodiiull. 


Charegite  . 

Blondel  . 

Queen  .  . 

Edith    .  . 


Mr.  Jones . 
Mrs.  Hackett. 
"  Hilson. 

"  SllARPE. 


550 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


May  1st.  The  "Red  Rover"  (from  Cooper's  novel)  was  first 
played  here,  as  follows  : 


Red  Rover 
Lieut.  Wilder 
Dick  Fid  .  . 
Nightingale  . 


Mr.  Simpson. 

"  Barry. 

"  Hilson. 

"  woodhull. 


Homespun 
Mrs.  Willys  . 
Gertrude   .  . 
Mme.  De  Lacy 


Mr.  Placide. 
Mrs.  Hill. 

"  Hilson. 

"  Wheatley. 


May  13th.  For  his  benefit,  Mr.  Hackett  first  attempted 
Falstaff,  with  Henry  Wallack's  aid  as  Hotspur. 

May  14th.  Mr.  May  wood,  for  his  benefit,  introduced  a  new 
farce,  called  "  An  Aunt  in  Virginia,"  wherein  he  personated 
Mrs.  Clatterpenny,  an  old  Scotch  lady.  He  also  appeared  as 
Rolamo,  and  Old  Cartouch,  in  the  "  Sergeant's  Wife." 

May  16th.  Miss  Kelly's  benefit,  the  lady  appearing  as 
Mrs.  Banter  and  Lady  Contest,  and  the  first  performance  of 
Moncrieff's  famous  comedy  of  "  Paris  and  London,"  with  its 
celebrated  dioramic  scenery. 


Viscount  Volatil 
Fred.  Froth  . 
Capt.  Gobble  . 
Jeau  Frisacque 
Thomas  Trot  . 


Mr.  Barry. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Jones. 

"  Placide. 

"  Hilson. 


Barney  . 
Viscountess 
Rose     .  . 
Sally  Trot  . 
Coralie  .  . 


Mr.  Barnes. 
Mrs.  Hilson. 

"  Hackett. 

"  Wheatley. 

"  Sharpe. 


May  22d.  Mrs.  Hilson's  benefit,  and  first  night  of  Mon- 
crieff's "  Somnambulist,"  in  which  the  admired  beneficiary 
made  a  deep  impression  as  the  heroine.    It  was  thus  cast : 


Rosambert 
Edmund  . 
Colin  de  Trop 
Oliver  .    .  . 


Mr.  Simpson. 

'*  Barry. 

"  Hilson. 

"  Placide. 


Ernestine  . 
Gertrude   .  . 
Dame  Michaud 


Mrs.  Hilson. 
"  Sharpe. 
"  Wheatley. 


May  24th.  Mr.  C.  E.  Muzzy  made  his  debut  on  the  stage  as 
Rolla. 

May  26th.  Morton's  burletta  of  the  "  Invincibles "  was 
brought  out  with  great  appl/  use,  Miss  Clara  Fisher  as  Victoire, 
one  of  her  best  parts,  Barneys  Gen.  Verdun,  Howard  as  Flori- 
ville,  Woodhull  as  (J Slash,  ^r  JPlacide  as  Brusque. 

The  Bowery  Theatre  ha^ker  »  ->een  destroyed  by  fire  on  the 
24th  inst.,  a  benefit  was  of  a  i  the  suffering  members  of 
the  company  on  the  29th',  be  following  brilliant  bill 

was  presented,  combining  aV  gc  array  of  talent  than  had 
ever  before  been  gathered  tc7  Lar.  Messrs.  Barnes,  Hilson, 
Barry,  Simpson  and  Stevenson,  if  M» Wheatley  and  Mrs.  Hilson, 
appeared  in  the  fourth  act  of  the  xrDoor  Gentleman."  An  act 
of  "  Damon  and  Pythias " 1  followed,  with  Forrest  as  Damon, 
and  Mrs.  G.  Barrett  as  Hermione,    Mfessrs.  Barnes,  Archer  and 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


551 


G.  Barrett,  with  Miss  Kelly,  gave  the  "School  for  Scandal" 
screen-scene.  A  grand  concert  succeeded,  in  which  Mrs. 
Austin,  Mrs.  Knight,  Miss  George,  Miss  Clara  Fisher,  Mrs. 
Hackett,  Mrs.  Sharpe,  and  Messrs.  Horn,  Pearman,  Geo.  Hol- 
land, Sloman  and  Howard  took  part.  The  entertainments 
concluded  with  the  "  Hundred-Pound  Note,"  in  which  Billy 
Black  was  personated  in  the  first  act  by  W.  B.  Chapman,  and 
in  the  second  act  by  Roberts.  George  Barrett  played  Mont- 
morency ;  Coiner,  O  Shaughnessey  ;  Collingbourne,  Morgan; 
Mrs.  Jones,  Lady  Pedigree,  and  Miss  Rock,  Harriet  Arlington. 

June  3d.  Mr.  H.  A.  Williams's  benefit,  and  first  appearance 
on  this  stage,  in  the  character  of  Little  Pickle,  of  Miss  Louisa 
Lane,  aged  eight  years,  since  a  favorite  performer  as  Mrs. 
Henry  Hunt  and  Mrs.  John  Drew. 

June  7th.  Benefit  of  the  little  Misses  Parker,  who,  as 
dancers,  were  great  favorites.  Miss  Wells,  afterward  the  first 
wife  of  John  Sefton,  and  a  danseuse  of  some  pretensions,  as- 
sisted. 

June  9th.  First  night  of  a  new  opera,  "  Isidore  de  Merida," 
with  Horn  as  Isidore;  Hilson,  Benito;  Howard,  Laurens;  Mrs. 
Sharpe,  Mgonda;  and  Mrs.  Austin,  Florimante. 

June  10th.  Mr.  Placide's  benefit.  First  time  in  America 
of  the  play  called  "  John  Rock,"  with  Barry  as  the  hero,  Simp- 
son as  D'Orville,  Placide  as  Dennis  O'Shea;  Mrs.  Sharpe, 
Clara,  and  Mrs.  Hill,  Mary.  On  this  occasion  the  beautiful 
Mile.  Constance  first  appeared  in  America  in  a  grand  pas 
de  deux,  in  conjunction  with  her  fascinating  sister,  Celeste. 

July  14th.  Mile.  Rosalie,  another  favorite  French  dan- 
seuse, made  her  debut  on  the  occasion  of  George  Barrett's 
benefit. 

June  28th.  The  "  Apostate  "  was  performed,  with  Booth  as 
Pescara,  Maywood  as  Malec,  and  Mrs.  Duff  (for  this  night 
only)  as  Florinda,  being,  we  think,  her  last  appearance  on  the 
Park  Stage.  Mrs.  Duff  had  lately  returned  from  England, 
where  she  had  played  a  successful  engagement  at  Brighton, 
and  on  the  1st  of  March  had  appeared  at  Drury  Lane  as  Isa- 
bella, when  her  fright  was  so  excessive  as  to  completely  para- 


552 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


lyze  her  powers.  Being  "damned  with  faint  praise,"  she 
immediately  resolved  to  return  to  the  land  where  she  was 
better  known  and  appreciated,  though  we  believe  a  longer 
trial  would  have  won  her  transatlantic  fame ;  for  certainly  at 
that  time  there  was  no  actress  on  the  British  Stage  who  could 
be  called  her  equal. 

July  1st.  Celeste's  first  benefit  at  this  theatre,  when  Mrs. 
Austin  appeared  for  the  first  time  in  "  Giovanni  in  London." 

July  2d.  Mr.  Booth's  benefit,  when  he  appeared  as  Mac- 
beth and  Geoffrey  Muffincap,  with  Mrs.  Gilfert  as  Lady  Macbeth, 
(her  first  appearance  here  in  five  years)  and  Mr.  John  R. 
Scott  as  Malcolm,  his  first  appearance  in  New  York,  or  indeed 
on  any  stage.  His  next  attempt  was  at  the  Tremont  Theatre, 
Boston,  as  a  servant  in  "  Speed  the  Plough,"  a  part  of  two  lines 
in  length,  which  he  delivered  incorrectly,  and  for  three 
months  after  was  not  allowed  to  speak  at  all,  being  confined 
solely  to  walking  in  processions,  filling  up  groupings,  &c. 
He,  however,  persevered  there  with  such  indomitable  spirit 
that  he  was  rewarded  with  high  promotion  the  next  season, 
and  a  year  or  two  after  was  allowed  to  attempt  leading  char- 
acters in  tragedy  at  the  Arch  Street  Theatre,  Philadelphia, 
where  he  made  a  very  favorable  impression.  Mr.  Scott  made 
his  second  appearance  in  New  York  at  the  great  Payne  benefit, 
as  Titus,  in  "  Brutus,"  November  29th,  1832,  and  soon  after 
became  a  great  favorite  at  the  Bowery  and  other  minor  thea- 
tres as  a  principal  tragic  and  melo-dramatic  actor.  Possessing 
a  fine  personal  appearance  and  great  natural  abilities,  he 
might,  with  proper  caution  in  his  personal  habits  and  a  closer 
application  to  study,  have  ranked  among  the  very  highest  of 
our  actors.  His  school  was  that  of  Forrest,  but  he  was  not  a 
servile  imitator,  and,  like  Booth,  in  the  latter  part  of  his 
career  he  was  apt  to  disappoint  his  audiences  by  sudden  dis- 
appearances. 

In  1847,  Mr.  Scott  appeared  in  London  at  the  Princess's 
Theatre.  He  was  a  native  of  Philadelphia,  born  October 
17th,  1808,  and  died  suddenly  in  New  York  in  the  summer  of 
1856. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


553 


Mr.  Rees'  benefit,  and  last  night  of  the  season,  occurred  on 
the  5th  of  July,  when  Master  Mercer,  a  lad  of  much  vocal 
ability,  first  appeared  in  New  York.  A  summer  season  im- 
mediately followed. 

Mr.  Jones,  on  the  15th,  (his  benefit  night)  introduced  Mr. 
Grey,  from  the  Southern  and  Western  Theatres,  as  Gen.  Tar- 
ragon,  in  the  "  School  of  Reform."  He  was  an  able  repre- 
sentative of  old  men,  and  a  great  favorite  in  his  usual  circuit. 
He  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  September  30th,  1796,  and  died 
in  1837. 

Mr.  Hutchings,  an  indifferent  English  tenor,  from  Phila- 
delphia, appeared  on  the  16th  as  Patrick,  taking  his  place  in 
the  stock  company. 

Little  Miss  Lane  was  engaged  as  a  star,  and  appeared  as 
Albert,  in  «  William  Tell ;"  the  Actress  of  All  Work,  Goldfinch, 
Doctor  Pang-loss,  Prince  Arthur,  Amelia  Wildlove,  in  "  Twelve 
Precisely,"  &c. 

A  Miss  Sibley  about  this  time  made  her  debut,  and  played 
Emily  Worthington,  on  the  23d,  for  her  benefit. 

July  17th.  First  night  of  the  very  amusing  farce  called 
the  "  Poachers :"- 

Count  Eberfelt   .    .    .    Mr.  Barry.  I     Countess  de  Lisle    .    Mrs.  IIilson. 

Wolfenstein  ....     "    Woodhull.  Countess  Eberfelt    .     "  Sharpe. 

Sourcrout      ....     "   Barnes.  Grisette    ....     "  Hackett. 

July  18th.  Blind  Sinclair  appeared  as  Dorlin,  in  "Ade- 
line," for  his  benefit. 

July  19th.  Mr.  C.  E.  Muzzy's  second  appearance  on  the 
stage  as  Achmet,  in  "  Barbarossa."  He  took  his  benefit  on  the 
25th,  as  Rolla. 

July  21st.  Benefit  of  Mile.  Constance,  who  appeared  as 
Myrtillo,  in  the  "  Broken  Sword,"  with  Celeste  as  the  Dumb 
Girl  of  Genoa. 

July  22d.  "  Barber  of  Seville,''  with  Pearman  as  the  Count, 
and  Mrs.  Pearman  as  Rosina,  her  first  appearance  on  the  New 
York  Stage.  On  the  24th  she  played  Diana  Vernon,  and  for 
her  benefit,  on  the  28th,  repeated  Rosina.  This  lady  was  an 
accomplished  singer,  but  rarely  came  before  the  public. 

July  29th.    u  Valentine  and  Orson"  was  played,  with  Ce- 

70 


554 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


leste  as  Valentine,  and  Constance  as  the  Princess  Eglantine, 
first  time. 

Aug.  2d.    Last  night  of  the  season. 

On  the  occasion  of  various  benefits  during  the  year,  Miss 
Jane  Placide,  Madame  Hutin  Labasse,  Mr.  John  Woodhull, 
and  Mr.  John  Sefton,  appeared  for  the  first  time  on  the  Park 
Stage,  and  Mrs.  Hamblin,  Messrs.  Cowell,  Stanley,  and  Lud- 
low, were  brought  forward  in  favorite  characters. 

The  novelty  and  variety  of  the  entertainments  exceeded 
any  previous  season,  but  the  powerful  opposition  at  the 
Bowery  and  other  theaties  rendered  them  unprofitable. 
Stars  absorbed  the  larger  portion  of  the  receipts,  and  the 
reduction  of  admission  to  seventy-five  cents  for  the  boxes 
had  but  little  effect  in  replenishing  the  treasury. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 


Bowery  Theatre,  1827-8 — Sans  Souci — Chatham — Lafayette. 


L  T  H  0  U  G  H  there  had  been  no  cessation  of  per- 
formances at  the  Bowery  Theatre  during  the  summer 
months,  we  may  consider  the  1st  of  September,  1827, 
as  dating  the  commencement  of  a  new  season,  on  which  occa- 
sion "  Richard  III."  was  played — Richard  by  Mr.  Archer,  his 
first  appearance  in  America. 

Though  not  equal  to  the  part  of  Richard,  Mr.  Thomas 
Archer  was  nevertheless  a  respectable  and  valued  actor  in 
the  second  line  of  tragedy  and  the  more  serious  parts  of 
comedy.  Born  at  Bath,  in  1789,  he  occupied  a  favorable  posi- 
tion on  the  stage  of  that  city,  and  of  Birmingham,  until  1823, 
when  he  appeared  at  Drury  Lane  in  such  characters  as  Henry 
IV.,  Collalinus,  Baron  Steinfort,  &c.  He  was  afterward,  at 
one  time,  manager  of  the  Arch  Street  Theatre,  Philadelphia 
in  conjunction  with  May  wood  and  Walton.  He  returned  to 
London,  and  died  in  1848. 

Sept.  3d.  For  the  first  time  in  America,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Mods.  Labasse,  was  performed  the  grand  ballet,  en- 
titled the  "  Caliph  of  Bagdad ;"  the  music  selected  from  Ros- 
sini, and  the  cast  as  follows : 


Caliph  .  .  . 
Cadi  .  .  . 
Yelniadin  I  . 
Chief  Arab  j  . 
Chief  Eunuch 


Moob.  Aohille. 

"  DtRANQ. 

'•  Anqrisani. 
"  schinotti. 


Zelulbe 
Fatime 
Kessie  . 
Favorite 
Lemaide 


Mile.  Celeste. 

"  Heloise. 
lime.  Achille. 

"  HCTIN. 

"  Passage. 


Sept.  7th.  After  the  performance  of  "  Venice  Preserved," 
with  Archer  as  Pierre,  Forrest  as  Jaffier,  and  Mrs.  Gilfert, 


556 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Belvidera,  Mr.  Thomas  Comer  made  his  first  appearance  in 
America  as  Forage,  in  "  Turn  Out."  Mr.  Comer  was  born  at 
Bath,  England,  and  there  first  appeared  upon  the  boards  of  a 
theatre.  He  was  a  reputable  actor  in  many  comic  parts,  a 
singer  of  considerable  ability,  of  great  science  and  skill  as  a 
musician,  and  a  man  of  personal  respectability.  In  the  fall 
of  1828,  he  was  called  to  Boston  to  take  the  musical  direction 
of  the  new  Tremont  Theatre,  and  in  that  city  he  has  since 
principally  resided,  as  occasional  actor,  leader  of  orchestra,  or 
general  musical  director,  in  various  establishments. 

Mrs.  Jones  was  now  engaged  as  a  substitute  for  Mrs.  Wil- 
liams in  old  ladies. 

Sept.  10th.  Mr.  Forrest  played  Rolla ;  Mr.  Wilson,  Pizarro ; 
Mr.  Archer,  Alonzo ;  Mrs.  George  Barrett,  Cora ;  and  Mrs. 
Gilfert,  Elvira.  Mr.  Wilson  attracted  a  fair  share  of  atten- 
tion, and  had  become  quite  a  favorite  with  the  audience. 

Sept.  11th.  The  night  that  Clara  Fisher  made  her  debut  at 
the  Park,  her  brother  and  sister,  Mr.  John  Fisher  and  Miss 
Jane  Fisher,  together  with  her  future  brother-in-law,  Mr. 
George  Vernon,  first  appeared  in  America  at  this  Theatre  in 
the  several  characters  of  Zekiel  and  Cicely  Homespun,  and 
Lord  Duberly.  Mr.  Vernon  possessed  undoubted  comic 
abilities,  and  secured  many  admirers  during  his  brief  con- 
nection with  the  New  York  Stage.  He  married  Miss  Jane 
Fisher,  October  6th,  1827,  and  died  at  Woodstock  farm,  near 
Albany,  June  13th,  1830,  aged  33  years.  He  possessed  a  fine 
architectural  taste,  and  designed  the  beautiful  pulpit  in  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Albany. 

John  Aubrey  Fisher  was  born  at  Brighthelmstone,  England, 
and  possessed  a  large  share  of  his  family's  heritage — genius 
and  comic  talent.  After  various  vicissitudes  in  America,  he 
happened  to  be  in  New  York  at  the  re-opening  of  the  Park 
Theatre,  in  the  cholera  season  of  1832,  when  the  opportunity 
offered  of  appearing  as  the  Chevalier  Renard,  in  the  "  National 
Guard,"  as  the  substitute  of  Placide,  who  had  fallen  suddenly 
ill,  and  in  that  character  he  first  came  upon  the  Park  stage 
on  the  29th  of  August,  with  such  success  that  Mr.  Simpson 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


557 


immediately  engaged  him  for  the  season.  From  that  stage  he 
never  after  separated  until  he  was  summoned  to  another 
world. 

Poor  John  Fisher  will  be  remembered  with  the  fondest 
pleasure  by  all  who  ever  saw  his  comic  phiz,  or  knew  his 
many  excellent  points  of  character,  either  as  man  or  actor. 
Comedian  never  possessed  greater  versatility,  nor  good  nature 
a  more  devoted  disciple.  To  accommodate  his  manager  and 
gratify  his  audience  seemed  his  only  ambition,  and  whatever 
his  part,  or  how  often  changed  to  suit  the  whims  or  abilities 
of  new-comers,  he  always  gave  it  with  all  his  ability,  and 
rarely  without  success.  In  the  "Heir  at  Law"  we  have 
known  him  to  appear  as  Lord  Duberly,  Doctor  Pangloss,  and 
Zekiel  Homespun  ;  in  the  "  Rivals,"  as  Bob  Acres,  Old  Absolute, 
Sir  Lucius  O'  Trigger,  and  David  ;  and  in  the  "  Rent  Day,"  as 
Old  Crumbs,  Toby  Heywood,  Silver  Jack,  Hyssop,  and  Bull- 
frog! Testy  old  gentlemen,  and  vapid  young  ones — friv- 
olous fops,  or  Shakspearean  clowns — simple  Yorkshiremen, 
or  chattering  Frenchmen — bluff  sailors,  tough  soldiers,  in- 
triguing valets,-  or  forward  pages,  all  fell  into  good  hands 
when  trusted  to  his  care.  If  he  seldom  rose  pre-eminently 
great,  he  as  rarely  fell  into  dull  mediocrity,  and  with  justice 
he  was  entitled  to  be  called  as  valuable  an  artist  as  ever 
walked  the  Park  boards.  Mr.  Fisher  was  a  man  of  fine  lite- 
rary attainments,  and  a  thorough  Shakspearean  scholar.  He 
was  small  in  person,  plain  in  features,  and  of  limited  power 
of  voice,  wLich,  however,  in  early  life,  he  managed  with  much 
ability,  even  in  music  of  considerable  difficulty.  He  died  in 
New  York,  from  bleeding  of  the  lungs,  July,  1847. 

Of  the  three  debutants,  Miss  Jane  Marchant  Fisher  un- 
doubtedly possessed  the  greatest  amount  of  talent,  although 
her  audience  was  slow  to  discover  it,  and  several  years  elapsed 
before  she  was  acknowledged  as  the  best  comic  actress  in  her 
line  upon  the  New  York  Stage,  and  the  worthy  successor  of 
the  well-remembered  Mrs.  Oldmixon,  whose  place  upon  the 
boards  had  never  before  been  adequately  filled. 

Miss  Fisher  became  Mrs.  Vernon  soon  after  her  arrival  in 


558 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


this  country,  and  after  playing  at  the  Bowery  and  old  Chat- 
ham Theatres,  was  engaged  for  country  girls  and  chamber- 
maids at  the  Park,  where  she  first  appeared  on  the  21st  of 
December,  1830,  as  Minette,  in  the  "  Bold  Stroke  for  a  Hus- 
band." By  her  great  comic  humor,  her  keen  perception  of 
the  ludicrous,  her  clear  understanding  of  her  author,  her  in- 
imitable skill  in  rendering  prominent  every  point  of  wit  or 
satire,  her  easy  assumption  of  the  graces  and  affectations  of 
the  extra  fashionable,  and  her  equally  happy  faculty  of  mim- 
icking to  the  life  the  parvenu  airs  of  the  vulgar  rich,  together 
with  the  greatest  tact  in  managing  the  intrigues  of  chamber- 
maids, and  adopting  the  coarser  mannerisms  of  the  lowest 
class  of  servants  and  rustics — she  at  length  attained  the 
highest  regard  of  the  public,  by  whom  she  was  ranked 
among  actresses  as  Placide  and  Burton  are  among  actors. 
With  but  a  few  months'  exception,  when  she  visited  New 
Orleans  for  the  benefit  of  her  health,  Mrs.  Vernon  continued 
faithful  to  her  post  until  the  17th  of  December,  1847,  when 
she  played  there  for  the  last  time  as  Miss  Pickle  and  Mrs, 
Bundle.  The  wretched  poverty  of  the  management,  then  on 
the  verge  of  dissolution,  and  the  necessity  of  earning  a  liveli- 
hood, alone  drove  her  from  its  walls,  and  since  its  destruction, 
with  the  exception  of  one  or  two  seasons,  she  has  been  en- 
gaged at  Burton's,  the  old  Broadway,  or  Wallack's  Theatre, 
where  she  still  retains  the  approbation  of  the  public,  who 
probably  have  for  her  a  degree  of  personal  regard  deeper  than 
for  any  other  lady  on  the  stage. 

In  early  life,  Mrs.  Vernon  was  better  capable  of  personating 
Lady  Teazle,  and  Lelitia  Hardy,  than  many  actresses  who 
were  recognized  as  stars,  and  we  have  seen  her  Mrs.  Candour, 
(which  was  unmatched  in  merit)  and  her  Widow  Rackett  (al- 
most equally  excellent)  throw  them  entirely  in  the  shade.  In 
the  dissipated  women  of  fashion,  like  the  Ladies  Mary  Raffle, 
Susan  Courtly,  and  Caroline  Braymore,  her  portraitures  were 
inimitable ;  while  attempt  to  imitate  who  might,  no  one  ever 
approached  her  excellence  as  Madame  Marabout,  or  Madame 
Mantalini,  or  Niece  Hawk,  or  Clementina  Allspice,  or  Eveleen 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


559 


Moonshine,  or  Mrs.  Pontifex,  or  any  similar  part.  •  No  one  who 
ever  saw  her  Mrs.  Dove,  in  "  Married  Life,"  or  her  Miss  Biggs, 
in  the  "  Boarding  School ,"  or  Caroline  Coy,  in  "  Single  Life," 
can  ever  forget  their  incomparable  drollness,  nor  her  Barba- 
rina,  in  the  "  Marriage  of  Figaro,"  nor  Pert,  in  "  London  Assur- 
ance," without  wondering  how  it  was  possible  to  create  such 
irresistible  effect  from  such  trifling  materials.  Her  Nelly,  in 
"  No  Song,  No  Supper,"  was  a  perfect  gem ;  so  was  her  Pa- 
tience Pipkin,  in  the  "May  Queen,"  and  her  Nancy  Strap,  in 
the  "  Pleasant  Neighbor while,  with  the  slightest  dash  of 
a  melo-dramatic  tinge,  how  capital  was  her  representation  of 
Elise,  in  "  Victorine."  In  opera,  for  many  years,  Mrs.  Vernon 
was  capable  of  giving  due  effect  to  second  parts.  She  was 
the  original  Thisbe  in  "  Cinderella,"  and  the  Stage  of  the 
Union  has  never  produced  its  equal  for  singing  and  acting 
combined.  She  also  gave  the  characters  of  Lady  Allcash, 
Zanini,  ("Native  Land")  and  Teresa,  (" Sonnambula ")  with 
much  skill,  and  when  voice  was  lacking,  the  excellence  of  her 
acting  compensated  in  a  great  measure  for  the  deficiency. 

In  burlettas  and  burlesques  of  any  kind,  she  gave  a  more 
heightened  effect,  a  more  brilliant  and  fantastic  coloring  than 
any  actress  we  have  had  the  fortune  to  see.  Among  this  class 
of  characters,  we  would  enumerate  her  Tilberina,  Distqffina, 
My  sis,  ("Midas")  Amphitrite,  ("Deep  Sea")  Mrs.  Venus  Smith,  in 
Jack  Reeve's  "  Cupid,"  and  several  others.  With  her  Kitty,  in 
"High  Life  Below  Stairs,"  we  associate  all  the  Jane  Chatterlys, 
Sally  Giggles  and  Susan  Twists,  of  that  position  in  society, 
and,  as  a  body,  can  assure  them,  that  never  did  a  representa- 
tive do  them  better  justice.  For  several  years  past,  Mrs. 
Vernon  has  had  antiquated  dowagers,  and  spinsters  in  the  last 
stage  of  desperation,  exclusively  in  her  charge,  and  in  that 
line  she  still  maintains  her  well-earned  position  of  supe- 
riority. Her  temperament  is  exceedingly  lively  and  viva- 
cious, and  in  some  plain  and  unassuming  old  ladies  she  lacks 
the  repose  and  quiet  humor  that  distinguished  the  favorite 
Mrs.  Wheatley;  but  this  bustling  activity  is  her  only  fault, 
and  is  nothing  compared  with  the  sharp  snappishness  of  man- 


560 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


ner,  the  dull,  languid  indifference,  and  the  hard,  stiff  and  stony 
style  of  some  prominent  "  old  ladies,"  at  present  or  lately  on 
the  Stage.  Like  the  other  members  of  her  gifted  family,  in 
literary  culture,  Mrs.  Vernon  has  been  most  assiduous.  Pos- 
sessing a  thorough  knowledge  of  Shakspeare's  mighty  dramas, 
we  are  informed  that,  during  her  connection  with  the  Park 
Theatre,  her  opinion  in  all  passages  of  disputed  reading  was 
considered  final.  In  private,  her  kindness  of  heart  and  self- 
forgetfulness  are  proverbial,  and  no  one  in  the  profession  is 
more  generally  respected  and  esteemed.  Mrs.  Vernon  is  tall, 
and  still  retains  a  graceful  figure,  and  if  never  noted  for 
beauty,  possessed  an  intelligent  and  expressive  face  and  a 
polished  manner  that  at  once  denoted  the  woman  of  intellect 
and  refinement. 

The  next  novelty  was  the  appearance  of  Mr.  George  Hol- 
land, the  present  well-known  comedian,  who  made  his  first 
bow  on  the  American  Stage,  September  12th,  as  Jerry,  in  the 
burletta  called  "  A  Day  After  the  Fair,"  in  which,  as  a  smart 
servant,  he  assumed  the  characters  of  a  drunken  cobbler,  an 
old  ballad-singer,  a  drummer,  a  French  songstress,  and  a  mad- 
man, with  the  greatest  possible  success.  In  the  first  perform- 
ance of  this  piece  he  was  assisted  by  Mr.  Comer  as  Clod,  and 
Mrs.  G.  Barrett  as  Polly,  who  likewise  assumed  the  parts  of 
Sukey  Scrub,  a  washerwoman,  and  Mrs.  Maypole,  a  manageress. 
Mr.  Holland's  next  character  was  Thomas,  in  the  "  Secret," 
wherein  he  has  never  been  equaled.  He  was  a  very  amusing 
comic  singer,  and  occasionally  introduced  ventriloquial  ex- 
periments and  barnyard  imitations  with  great  spirit  and 
gusto.  Mr.  Holland,  after  being  in  New  York  a  few  seasons, 
went  South,  and  was  long  a  favorite  at  New  Orleans.  He 
returned  to  New  York  in  1843,  and  became  a  principal  at- 
traction at  Mitchell's  Olympic,  where  he  remained  six  years. 
After  another  long  Southern  trip,  he  became  a  valued  mem- 
ber of  Wallack's  Theatre,  where  he  continued  until  the  great 
depression  in  the  winter  of  1857,  when  the  desire  for  re- 
trenchment on  the  part  of  the  management  caused  him  to  re- 
sign his  situation,  and  join  the  minstrel  troupe  of  Wood  and 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


561 


George  Christy,  where  his  irresistible  drollery  rendered  him 
an  especial  favorite  in  their  various  Ethiopian  burlesques. 
He  has  since  re-appeared  at  Wallack's  with  undiminished  ap- 
plause. Mr.  Holland  is  a  native  of  England,  born  December 
6th,  1791,  and  we  know  of  no  other  comedian  of  equal  age 
who  retains  so  large  a  share  of  popularity.  His  present  wife 
is  the  daughter  of  Mrs.  De  Luce,  formerly  of  the  Park. 

Another  candidate  for  public  favor  appeared  on  the  13th, 
as  Cracky  and  Billy  Lackaday.  This  was  Mr.  William  B. 
Chapman,  an  excellent  comedian,  and  a  member  of  a  most  re- 
markable Thespian  family,  to  whom  we  shall  hereafter  more 
particularly  allude.  He  made  his  first  appearance  on  the 
London  Stage  in  1823,  as  Crack,  and  was  well  known  through- 
out the  Union,  particularly  at  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore, 
on  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  Rivers,  and  in  California,  where 
he  resided  several  years.  He  died  after  a  fortnight's  illness, 
at  San  Francisco,  November,  1857,  aged  about  56  years. 

The  press  of  San  Francisco  accorded  to  Mr.  W.  B.  Chapman 
the  credit  of  being  the  finest  comedian  who  had  appeared  in 
California,  and  spoke  of  him  as  u  a  most  meritorious  citizen  ; 
as  a  gentleman,  kindly-hearted,  urbane,  and  universally  es- 
teemed ;  an  industrious,  abstemious,  and  most  worthy  member 
of  society." 

Mr.  De  Camp,  who  was  now  engaged  to  take  charge  of  the 
stage,  made  his  first  appearance  here,  on  the  17th,  as  Gos- 
samer, and  Sylvester  Dag-gerwood.  He  had  not  improved 
since  his  appearance  at  the  Park,  and  failed  to  give  satis- 
faction either  as  manager  or  actor. 

Mons.  Barbiere,  a  good  French  dancer,  made  his  debut  on 
the  18th,  in  a  pas  de  trois,  with  Hutin  and  Celeste. 

A  petite  drama  called  "  Love  and  Reason"  was  first  played 
on  the  26th,  as  follows : 

Gen.  Dornton     .    .    .    Mr.  Youno.  Dingle  Mr.  Holland. 

Adjt.  Vincent     ...     "    De  Camp.                Mrs  Dingle    .    .    .    Miss  J.  Fisueb. 
Col.  Albert    ....     "   Stevenson.        I    Alice  Mrs.  G.  Barrett. 

Mr.  Forrest  having,  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  Wilson,  gone 
through  a  very  successful  engagement,  took  his  benefit  on  the 
8th  of  October,  as  Lucius  Brutus,  with  Mrs.  Gilfert  as  Tullia. 

71 


562 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


In  the  farce  of  "No  Song,  No  Supper"  he  appeared  as  End- 
less! with  Mr.  Wilson  as  Robin. 

Signorina  Garcia  was  again  engaged,  and  appeared  on  the 
9th  as  Rosina,  in  the  "  Barber,"  with  Signor  Rosich  as  Barlolo, 
and  Mr.  Comer  as  Figaro.  On  the  12th,  she  appeared  as  Tan- 
credi ;  on  the  16th  as  Roselta,  with  Keene  as  Young'  Meadows, 
(his  first  night) ;  on  the  19th  as  Zerlina,  with  Keene  as  Mas- 
setto ;  and  on  the  28th  took  her  farewell  benefit,  and  made 
her  final  appearance  on  the  American  Stage,  in  Boildieu's 
opera  of  "  John  of  Paris,"  which  was  thus  cast  : 

John  Mr.  Keene.  |     ViDcent  Mrs.  G.  Barrett. 

Chamberlain.    ..."    Comer.  Princess  Signorina  Garcia. 

Pedrigo  "    W.  Chapman.     j     Rose  Miss  J.  Fisher. 

A  selection  of  music  followed,  and,  when  the  programme 
had  been  completed,  the  Signorina  came  forward  and  seated 
herself  at  her  harp,  but,  seemingly  overcome  with  emotion, 
again  rose,  and  Mr.  Etienne,  the  pianist,  took  up  the  pre- 
lude to  a  farewell  song,  written  for  the  occasion,  which, 
on  regaining  her  composure,  she  sang  in  a  most  touching 
and  effective  manner.  So  ended  the  American  career  of 
this  young,  beautiful,  and  brilliant  child  of  song. 

"  Peter  Wilkins,  or  the  Flying  Islanders,"  was  produced  on 
the  22d  (a  month  before  its  representation  at  the  Park)  with 
very  great  success,  every  performer  making  a  hit.  Peter 
was  represented  in  the  dialogue  by  Mrs.  Young,  and  in  the 
dances  by  Madame  Hutin ;  Vernon  was  John  Adams ;  W. 
Chapman,  Crow  quill ;  Comer,  O'Scud;  John  Fisher,  the 
Nondescript;  Mrs.  George  Barrett,  Yourakee ;  and  Celeste, 
Hallicarnia. 

For  Mr.  W.  Chapman's  benefit,  on  November  6th,  he 
sang  the  duet  called,  "  When  a  Little  Farm  we  Keep," 
with  Miss  Amelia  Fisher,  (another  of  Clara's  sisters)  her 
first  appearance  in  America.  With  highly  respectable  abil- 
ities, both  as  singer  and  actress,  this  young  lady  never  at- 
tained the  prominent  place  in  the  profession  accorded  to 
her  more  brilliant  and,  perhaps,  more  talented  sisters. 
She  last  appeared  in  New  York  at  the  Park  Theatre,  in 
the  fall  of  1840. 


RECORDS   OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


563 


The  lively  comedy  of  "Spring  and  Autumn"  was  first 
played  on  the  7th,  with  the  following  cast : 

Rattle  Mr.  G.  Barrett.  Clara  Mrs.  Roberts. 

Maj.  Ormond  ....     *•    Stevenson.  Mrs.  Dartmouth  .    .     "  Young. 

Sir  Simon  Slack  .    .    .     "   Vernon.  Mrs.  Rattle     ..."  Vernon. 

the  latter  lady  assuming  her  marital  title  for  the  first  time. 

Nov.  13th.  For  the  benefit  of  Jared  W.  Bell,  printer  of  the 
establishment,  Mr.  Wm.  Forrest  first  appeared  in  New  York  as 
Matthew,  in  the  "Warlock  of  the  Glen."  He  was  afterward 
at  different  times  connected  with  the  management  of  the 
Albany  Theatre,  and  of  Arch  Street,  Philadelphia.  He  was 
born  in  the  latter  city,  and  died  there  suddenly  about  the 
year  1833. 

A  very  charming  and  versatile  actress,  Miss  Rock,  from 
Dublin,  made  her  first  appearance  in  New  York,  on  the  19th, 
as  Letitia  Hardy,  and  Miss  Jenny  Transit,  in  the  first  per- 
formance of  the  burletta  called  "  Winning  a  Husband,"  in 
which  she  was  supported  by  De  Camp  as  Sir  Roderick, 
Holland  as  Davy,  and  Mrs.  Schinotti  as  Lucinda.  Miss 
Rock  had  just  made  a  brilliant  debut  at  Boston,  and  now 
performed  in  succession  Albina  Mandeville,  Widow  Cheerly, 
Therese,  Juliana,  Maria,  ("  Citizen")  Rosina,  and  Marian  Ram- 
say, with  such  decided  ability,  that  had  not  Clara  Fisher's  star 
been  already  in  the  ascendant,  paling  by  its  brilliant  light  all 
other  glittering  orbs,  she  would  have  been  regarded,  per- 
haps, as  the  brightest  luminary  of  the  season.  As  it  was,  she 
proved  a  powerful  rival,  although  in  New  York  she  never  at- 
tained equal  popularity.  She  had  not  the  advantages  of  a  fine 
face  or  person,  nor  was  her  taste  in  costume  according  to  the 
prevailing  mode,  but  the  spirit,  naivete  and  archness  that 
she  displayed  made  one  forget,  as  trifling,  all  minor  defects. 
She  sang  with  great  taste  and  sweetness  the  ballads  of  the 
day,  to  which  her  manner  lent  a  peculiar  charm.  After 
a  few  starring  engagements,  Miss  Rock  resided  generally 
at  Boston,  where  she  was  regarded  as  one  of  the  principal 
ornaments  of  the  drama.  She  last  playe  d  in  New  York  at  the 
Bowery  Theatre,  October  2d,  1840,  as  Julie  de  Mortemar,  and 
Violante.    In  private  life  she  is  known  as  Mrs.  Murray. 


564 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Nov.  21st.  "  Love  in  a  Village"  was  performed,  with  Keene 
as  Young  Meadows,  Comer  as  Hawthorn,  Mrs.  Gill's  first  ap- 
pearance in  New  York  as  Lucinda,  and  Miss  George  (her  first 
appearance  in  America)  as  Rosetta.  Miss  George  followed  up 
her  debut  by  personating  Floretta,  Isadora,  Norah,  Clari,  and 
Princess  of  Navarre,  and  was  fully  entitled,  by  her  science, 
taste  and  skill,  to  rank  with  the  best  English  vocalists  then 
known  to  our  Stage.  She  was  young  and  prepossessing  in 
appearance,  and  though  of  small  account  as  an  actress,  was 
admired  for  her  fine  voice  and  brilliant  execution.  Miss 
George  last  sang  at  the  Park  Theatre,  in  1830,  and  shortly 
after  returned  to  Europe. 

Dec.  10th.  Mr.  Pearman  made  his  first  appearance  in  four 
years  as  Count  Belino,  to  Miss  George's  Countess,  and  the  two 
afterward  appeared  conjointly  as  Henry  and  Lucy  Bertram, 
Jocoso  and  Vespina,  Capt.  Seymour  and  Rosa,  in  "Fontain- 
bleau,"  Prince  Orlando  and  Floretta,  Robin  and  Margaretta ; 
and  on  the  24th,  in  the  new  opera  of  the  "Freebooters," 
which  was  produced  as  follows : 

Edwardo  Mr.  Peafman.  Gianni  Mr.  De  Camp 

Uberto  "   Cosier.  Isabella     ....    Miss  George. 

Oggera     ...  "   Keene.  |     Lena    .    .        .    .     '     Amelia  Fishee. 

Mr.  Pearman  had  in  no  wise  deteriorated,  and  his  hand- 
some person  and  finished  style  of  singing  added  greatly  to 
the  attractions  of  the  operas  he  appeared  in. 

Mr.  Forrest,  on  the  completion  of  his  second  engagement, 
took  his  benefit  on  the  18th,  as  Lucius  Brutus ;  and  on  the 
20th,  for  Mr.  Wilson's  benefit,  "Evadne"  was  performed  in  a 
very  satisfactory  manner,  the  beneficiary  receiving  great  ap- 
plause for  his  excellent  delineation  of  Colonna.  He  was 
supported  by  Forrest  as  Ludovico,  Archer  as  Vincentio,  Mrs. 
Young  as  Olivia,  and  Mrs.  Gilfert,  Evadne.  Mr.  Faulkner,  on 
this  occasion,  made  his  first  appearance  this  season  as  Totter 
ton,  in  "  Love  Laughs  at  Locksmiths."  . 

Dec.  28th.  Mr.  De  Camp  for  his  benefit  brought  out,  for 
the  first  time,  the  drama  called  "  One  Hundred  and  Two,  or 
the  Veteran  and  His  Progeny,"  the  hero  of  which  was  after- 
ward poor  Finn's  exclusive  property.    De  Camp  now  played 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


565 


Philip  Garbois ;  Faulkner,  Jerome;  Youug,  Pierre;  Mrs. 
Jones,  Madame  Leronde ;  and  Mrs.  G.  Barrett,  Isabel. 

Jan.  5th,  1828.  "Alfred  the  Great"  was  announced,  (some 
weeks  previous  to  its  production  at  the  Park)  with  the  fol- 
lowing cast : 


Alfred   Mr.  G.  Barrett. 

Oddune   "  Stevenson. 

Edwy    "  Archer. 

Greybauld     ....  "  Faulkner. 

Guthrum   44  Wilson. 

Gog   44  Comer. 


OsirJc   Mr.  John  Fisher. 

Hatgar  44  Read. 

Judith   Mrs.  Younq. 

Elswitha    ....     44    G.  Barrett. 

Bertha  44  Jones. 

Blanche     ....  Miss  Amelia  Fisher. 


Jan.  12th.  Master  Macredy,  aged  13,  and  Master  Henry, 
aged  15,  severally  made  their  first  appearance  on  the  stage 
as  Norval  and  Glenalvon,  with  the  aid  of  Mrs.  Entwistle  as 
Lady  Randolph,  her  first,  and  we  believe,  her  only  appearance 
on  the  Bowery  Stage. 

About  this  time,  the  grand  ballet  of  "Cleopatra"  was 
brought  out,  with  Mme.  Hutin  as  Cleopatra,  Mile.  Celeste  as 
Julius  Ccesar,  Schinotti  as  Ptolemy,  Barbiere  as  Apollodorus, 
and  Achille  as  Achyllas. 

Mr.  Forrest  was  again  entitled  to  a  benefit  on  the  30th, 
when  he  played,  for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  Macbeth,  sup- 
ported by  Archer  as  Macduff,  and  Mrs.  Gilfert  as  Lady  Mac- 
beth. 

Feb.  12th.  Miss  Rock  commenced  a  new  engagement, 
during  which  she  appeared,  for  the  first  time,  as  Helen  Wor- 
rett,  Annette,  Zephyrina,  Harriet  Arlington,  &c. 

A  very  amusing  farce,  called  "Mr.  Tibbs,"  was  played  on 
the  19th,  with  George  Barrett  as  Mr.  Tibbs,  John  Fisher  as 
Vacant,  Coringbourne  as  Crankey,  Mrs.  Jones  as  Mrs,  Tibbs, 
and  Mrs.  Roberts,  Mrs.  McSnalchet. 

The  beautiful  drama  from  Scott,  called  the  "Bride  of  Lam- 
mermoor,"  was  first  played,  for  Mr.  Young's  benefit,  on  the 
20th,  receiving  the  warmest  marks  of  approval.  It  was 
thus  cast : 

Caleb  Balderstone    .    .    [first  appearance]    .    .    Mr.  Pomerville. 


Lady  Ash 
Sir  W.  Ashton 
Col.  Ashton  . 
Arthur  Bucklaw 
Craigenfelt 
Raimond  . 


on  ...    .    [first  appearance]    .    .    Mrs.  Hill. 

Mr.  Young.  Henry  Miss  Kent. 

"    Lindslet.  Lucy  Ashton  ...     44  Rock. 

"   G.  Barrett.  Alice  Mrs.  Jones. 

44   Stevenson.  Mysie  44  Roberts. 


44  Reed. 

Dunlap's  drama,  taken  from  the  French,  called  "Thirty 


566 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Years,  or  the  Life  of  a  Gamester"  was  first  put  upon  the 
stage  February  20th,  and  attracted  considerable  attention 
Mr.  George  Barrett  played  George  St.  Germain;  Mr.  Archer, 
Warner;  Mrs.  G.  Barrett,  Albert;  Mrs.  Gilfert,  Amelia  St. 
Germain ;  and  Mrs.  Jones,  Mrs.  Burman. 

Mr.  Forrest  commenced  a  new  engagement  on  the  26th,  as 
Virginius,  and  Miss  Rock  re-appeared  on  the  1st  of  March. 

Celeste  took  the  first  of  her  oft-repeated  "farewell"  benefits 
on  the  4th  of  March,  appearing  as  Julio,  in  "Deaf  and  Dumb." 
The  same  night,  Payne's  farce  of  the  "Lancers"  was  first 
played,  and  with  great  success,  as  follows : 

Ad.  Etiquette     .    .    .    Mr.  Faulkner.         I     Peter    ....        Mr.  John  Fisher. 

Frank  Lenox     ..."    G.Barrett.  Louisa  Miss  Amelia  Fisher. 

Chas.  Bel  con  ....     "   Stevenson.  I 

Little  Stevens  appeared  for  one  night  on  the  19th,  in  his 
characters  of  Goliah  and  Tom  Thumb. 

Mr.  Holland,  for  his  benefit  on  the  22d,  brought  out  the 
celebrated  travestie  of  "  Hamlet,"  wherein  he  appeared  as  the 
Gravedigger  and  Ophelia,  with  De  Camp  as  Hamlet,  and  Mrs. 
Young  as  the  Queen. 

On  the  28th,  Miss  Louisa  Lane  made  her  first  appearance 
in  New  York  as  Little  Pickle,  and  on  the  31st  personated  the 
Four  Mowbrays.  Miss  Lane  was  born  in  England,  January 
10th,  1820,  and  made  her  entree  on  the  stage  at  Liverpool, 
in  1826,  as  Agib,  in  "  Timour  the  Tartar."  She  soon  after 
came  to  this  country  with  her  mother,  Mrs.  Kinloch,  and 
made  her  debut  at  the  Walnut  Street  Theatre,  Philadelphia,  in 
1827,  as  little  York,  in  "  Richard  III."  For  one  of  her  years, 
she  displayed  considerable  skill,  and  after  playing  as  a  juve- 
nile star,  was  at  length  attached  to  the  Bowery  stock  com- 
pany during  the  season  of  1833. 

After  a  long  absence  at  the  South  and  West,  she  re-appeared 
at  the  Park,  in  1842,  as  Mrs.  Henry  Hunt,  in  the  prime  of 
womanly  beauty,  and  exhibiting  talents  that  soon  caused  her 
to  be  acknowledged  as  one  of  the  very  best  actresses  in  light 
comedy  and  burletta  known  to  the  stage.  Nor  was  she  defi- 
cient in  merit  in  a  more  elevated  range,  her  Ophelia,  Portia, 
and  Julie  de  Mortimar  being  very  beautiful  specimens  of  act- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


567 


ing.  On  the  Park  Stage  she  was  the  original  representative 
of  Fortunio,  in  the  burletta  of  that  name,  and  of  Graceful,  in 
the  "  Fair  One  with  the  Golden  Locks,"  and  her  capital  acting 
and  singing  in  those  parts  rendered  them  the  mainstay  ot 
the  theatre  during  the  season.  About  the  year  1847,  she 
separated  from  Mr.  Hunt,  and  became  the  wife  of  Mr.  Mossop, 
who,  dying  in  1849,  gave  her  the  opportunity  of  again  chang- 
ing her  name,  which  she  did  soon  after  by  marrying  Mr.  John 
Drew,  whose  widow  we  believe  she  still  remains.  She  last  ap- 
peared in  New  York  at  Niblo's,  in  1852,  and  has  since  played 
principally  at  Philadelphia. 

Mrs.  Sloman  made  her  first  appearance  at  this  establish- 
ment on  the  1st  of  April,  as  Belvidera,  Mr.  Forrest  playing 
Jaffier,  and  George  Barrett,  Pierre. 

April  2d.  Mr.  Wilson's  benefit,  when  he  appeared  as  Pyth- 
ias, playing  the  character,  according  to  the  critics,  better 
than  any  previous  representative.  Mr.  Forrest  was  the 
Damon,  and  Miss  Emery,  from  the  Chatham,  Calanthe.  In 
the  afterpiece  of  "Mons.  Tonson,"  Mr.  Wilson  played  Mor~ 
bleau,  and  Mr.  Crooke,  (also  from  the  Chatham)  Tom  Xing'. 

After  nearly  six  months'  absence  from  the  company,  Mr. 
Roberts  resumed  his  old  position  about  this  time,  repeating 
with  success  his  favorite  characters  of  Wormwood,  Bill?/  Black, 
Doctor  Pangloss,  Gaby  Grim,  &c. 

Mrs.  Sloman's  benefit  occurred  on  the  14th.  She  appeared 
as  Evadne,  and  Mr.  Sloman  made  his  first  appearance  as  Tom, 
in  "Intrigue." 

Mr.  Forrest  again  had  a  benefit  on  the  16th,  when  he  ap- 
peared as  Othello,  with  Wilson  as  Iago,  Mrs.  Sloman  as  Des- 
demona,  and  Mrs.  Hughes  (her  first  appearance  in  eight 
months)  as  Emilia.  He  was  again  engaged,  playing  Sir 
Giles  Overreach,  &c,  and  on  the  23d  again  took  a  benefit 
in  the  character  of  Othello,  when  Mr.  Cooper  made  his  first 
appearance  on  these  boards  as  Iago. 

April  26th.  Miss  Rock  commenced  another  engagement 
as  Htlen  Worrett. 

April  29th.    George  P.  Morris  had  a  benefit  night,  when 


568 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


his  drama  of  "Brier  Cliff"  was  performed,  with  Roberts, 
Thayer,  and  Anderson  in  their  original  parts;  Archer  as 
Alfred  Leslie,  Mrs.  G.  Barrett  as  Mary  Jansen,  and  Mrs. 
Hughes,  Crazy  Bet. 

April  30th.  First  night  of  Mr.  Hamblin,  who  appeared  as 
Hamlet,  with  Miss  Bock  as  Ophelia.  The  latter  took  her 
benefit  May  5th,  playing  Juliet  to  his  Romeo. 

Little  Miss  Lane's  benefit  was  announced  on  the  6th,  when 
she  perpetrated  Goldfinch,  in  the  "  Boad  to  Ruin." 

Mr.  Hamblin's  benefit  came  off  on  the  8th,  when  "  A  Bold 
Stroke  for  a  Husband  "  and  "  Is  He  Jealous  ?"  were  performed, 
with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hamblin  as  Don  Julio  and  Donna  Olivia ; 
Belmour  and  Harriet. 

May  9th.  Commenced  a  joint  engagement  with  Cooper  and 
Forrest,  during  which  the  former  played  Pierre,  Othello,  Bru- 
tus, Leon,  and  Iago,  and  the  latter,  Jqffier,  Iago,  Marc  Antony 
and  Othello.  On  their  benefit  nights,  "Damon  and  Pythias" 
was  performed,  one  time  with  Cooper  as  Damon,  and  Forrest 
as  Pythias,  and  on  the  other  with  the  characters  reversed. 

On  the  12th,  Seiltanzer  Herr  Cline,  as  he  was  dubbed,  ap- 
peared for  the  first  time  in  America,  in  his  graceful  exercises 
on  the  elastic  cord.  He  was  a  most  daring  and  dexterous  per- 
former in  the  various  feats  of  his  profession,  in  which  he  was 
entirely  unrivaled  until  the  appearance  of  the  Ravel  troupe. 

He  occupied  a  very  profitable  starring  position  for  several 
seasons,  at  Castle  Garden,  Niblo's,  Barnum's  Museum,  &c. 

The  same  night,  the  amusing  "Invincibles"  took  their 
stand  on  the  Bowery  boards,  with  Miss  Rock  as  Victoire, 
Roberts  as  Gen.  Verdun,  De  Camp  as  Brusque,  and  Comer  as 
O Slash.  The  musical  farce  called  "No,  or  the  Glorious 
Minority,"  was  also  first  played  about  this  time,  with  the  fol- 
lowing cast: 

Sir  G.  Doubtful  .    .    .    Mr.  Archer.  Lady  Doubtful    .    .    Mra.  Young. 

Com.  Hurricane ..."   Faulkner.  Maria  "    G.  Barrett. 

Frederick     ....     "   Stevenson.        j     Deborah    ...»     "  Jones. 

Miss  Rock  took  her  benefit  on  the  23d,  appearing  as  Vic- 
toire, and  presenting,  for  the  first  time,  the  beautiful  drama 
of  the  "  Somnambulist,"  in  which  she  appeared  as  Ernestine. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


569 


For  Monday  evening,  May  26th,  Mrs.  Gilfert  announced  her 
benefit,  and  intended  appearance  as  Amelia,  in  the  "Life  of  a 
Gamester,"  with  her  little  daughter  Sophia  as  Georgette  ;  but 
early  on  that  evening,  before  the  audience  and  performers 
had  assembled,  the  theatre  was  discovered  to  be  on  fire,  and 
in  a  short  time  was  totally  destroyed.  Fortunately  the 
owners  and  lessees  suffered  little,  their  interest  being  princi- 
pally covered  by  insurance,  but  many  of  the  performers  lost 
valuable  wardrobes,  and  being  thrown  out  of  employment, 
suffered  great  inconvenience.  For  their  benefit,  an  entertain- 
ment was  given  at  the  Park,  on  the  31st,  and  the  manager  of 
the  Lafayette  politely  assigned  a  night  at  his  establishment 
for  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Gilfert. 

As  soon  as  the  necessary  preparations  could  be  completed, 
a  little  theatre,  dubbed  the  Sans  Souci,  was  opened  by  Mr. 
Gilfert  at  Niblo's  Garden,  corner  of  Broadway  and  Prince 
Street.  On  the  opening  night,  July  4th,  the  "Hundred- 
Pound  Note"  was  performed,  with  George  Barrett,  W.  B.  Chap- 
man, Anderson,  Stone,  Mrs.  G.  Barrett,  Mrs.  Jones  and  Mrs. 
Stevenson  in  the  cast.  Herr  Cline  followed  on  the  tight-rope, 
and  M.  Barbiere,  Mme.  Labasse,  and  Mile.  Rosalie  gave  a  pas 
de  trois. 

Holland  took  a  benefit  on  the  24th,  when  he  introduced  his 
celebrated  entertainment  called  the  Whims  of  a  Comedian, 
interspersed  with  ventriloquism. 

The  farce  of  "  Is  it  a  Lie  ?"  was  first  played  in  New  York  on 
the  26th,  as  follows : 

Chatterton     ....    Mr.  G.  Barrett.  Trance  Mr.  W.  Chapman. 

Credulous  "    Stone.  Maria  Mrs.  Stevenson. 

Lord  Stately  ....     "    Someryille.  Lucy  "  G.Barrett. 

Aug.  6th.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blake  and  Mr.  Roberts  made  their 
first  appearance  here,  and  the  season  terminated  on  the  19th, 
when  the  opera  of  "  Rosina"  was  performed,  with  Howard  as 
Belville,  Walton  as  Mr.  Belville,  W.  Chapman  as  William,  Mrs. 
Lacombe  as  Rosina,  and  Mrs.  Blake,  Phcebe. 

After  the  failure  of  Mr.  Henry  Wallack,  the  lease  of  the 
Chatham  Theatre  passed  into* the  hands  of  Mr.  Megary,  who 
opened  it  on  the  6th  of  June,  1827,  with  the  comedies  of  the 

72 


570 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


"Road  to  Ruin,"  and  "Catharine  and  Petruchio,"  in  which 
Messrs.  Dwyer,  Blake,  Stone,  Moses  Phillips,  Mrs.  Bernard, 
Mrs.  Turner  and  Mrs.  Dinneford,  took  the  principal  parts. 

June  7th.  Brought  out  "Pizarro,"  with  Mrs.  Blake  as  Cora, 
Mr.  Thompson,  from  the  Lafayette,  as  Pizarro,  and  Mr. 
Charles  Webb,  his  first  appearance  in  New  York,  as  Rolla. 
The  latter  was  long  a  favorite  at  the  Philadelphia  and  South- 
ern theatres.  He  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  large  and 
portly  in  person,  and  unfortunately  addicted  to  habits  of  in- 
temperance. He  played  an  engagement  at  the  Park,  with 
Miss  Vos,  in  1835,  and  was  found  drowned  near  Washington, 
D.  C,  March  6th,  1851. 

Mr.  William  Conway  made  his  first  appearance  in  America 
on  the  8th,  as  Lord  Duberly.  He  soon  subsided  into  a  lower 
range  of  parts,  and  was  afterward  in  the  Park  company. 
He  was  found  dying,  from  the  effects  of  strong  drink, 
at  the  age  of  35,  in  a  public  street  of  this  city,  February 
11th,  1833. 

A  more  important  personage  was  announced  on  the  11th, 
as  Euphrasia.  This  was  Mrs.  Hill,  (originally  Mary  Wallack) 
from  the  London  Theatres,  where  she  at  one  time  played  as 
Mrs.  Stanley.  She  was  a  sister  of  James  and  Henry  Wallack, 
and  possessed  very  superior  abilities  for  the  heavier  walks 
of  tragedy  and  melo-drama.  She  was  in  New  York  for  two 
or  three  seasons,  and  then  went  South,  where  she  married 
a  wealthy  planter,  and  died  at  New  Orleans,  in  1834. 

June  12th.  Mr.  J.  J.  Adams  commenced  an  engagement  as 
Hamlet. 

June  14th.  "  Love  in  a  Village  "  was  performed,  with  Mr. 
Denman  as  Hawthorn,  Mr.  Keene  as  Young  Meadows,  and 
Signora  Papanti  as  Rosetta  (the  first  appearance  of  the  latter 
in  New  York).  We  believe  she  was  an  English  lady,  with  an 
Italian  musician  for  her  husband.  Her  singing  was  ap- 
plauded, and  she  was  also  a  very  clever  actress,  appearing 
during  her  engagement  as  Morgiana,  Julia  Mannering, 
Blanche  of  Devon,  Jessica,  Marian  Ramsay,  Diana  Vernon,  &c. 
At  Boston  she  was  favorably  received  for  several  years. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


571 


Frederick  Brown  made  his  first  appearance  this  season  as 
Shylock,  on  the  20th. 

Mrs.  Hill  took  her  first  benefit  on  the  25th,  when  she  appeared 
as  Helen  McGregor,  with  her  brother  Henry  as  Rob  Roy. 

Mr.  Moreland  and  Miss  Riddle  were  now  added  to  the  com- 
pany, and  Mr.  Barry,  from  the  Park,  with  Williamson,  the 
singer,  appeared  for  Moses  Phillips'  benefit,  July  9th.  Mrs. 
Jefferson  (late  Burke)  sung  for  a  few  nights.  Fred.  Brown 
took  his  benefit  on  the  16th,  and  soon  after  the  season  ended, 
and  the  Theatre  was  subjected  to  a  thorough  process  of  altera- 
tion and  repair.  The  proscenium  was  raised  twelve  feet,  the 
stage  enlarged,  the  front  of  the  boxes  was  painted  in  fresco, 
divided  into  panels,  and  displayed  basso  relievo  heads  of 
Byron,  Scott,  and  other  distinguished  poets.  The  house  was 
lighted  with  gas  throughout,  and  a  magnificent  glass  chande- 
lier hung  from  the  center  of  the  dome.  In  point  of  elegance 
and  comfort,  it  was  supposed  to  be  unsurpassed  in  the  Union. 
Mr.  Megary,  the  lessee,  employed  Mr.  Maywood  as  his  stage- 
director,  and  the  company  included  Messrs.  W.  Forrest,  Kel- 
sey,  Moreland,  Vernon,  M.  S.  Phillips,  Sarzedas,  Edwards, 
Quin,  Mrs.  Entwistle,  Mrs.  Vernon,  Mrs.  H.  A.  Williams,  Mrs# 
Turner,  (for  old  ladies)  the  beautiful  Miss  Twibill,  Mrs.  Ste- 
venson, &c.  Mr.  Kelsey  was  the  only  stranger  of  any  note. 
He  was  a  very  fair  melo-dramatic  actor,  and  is  last  remem- 
bered here  in  1833. 

The  Theatre  was  re-opened  on  the  3d  of  December,  1827, 
and  the  "  Man  of  the  World/'  with  Maywood  as  McSycophant, 
and  "Family  Jars,"  with  Phillips  as  Delph,were  the  initial 
performances. 

Dec.  4th.  Mr.  Finn  made  his  first  appearance  in  two  years 
in  his  great  characters  of  Paul  Pry  and  Buskin.  He  also 
personated  Dr.  Ollapod,  Baron  Willing-hurst,  Baillie  Jarvie, 
Looney  McTwoller,  Bob  Logic  and  Doctor  Lenitive,  with 
great  ability,  omitting,  for  the  first  time,  all  attempts  at 
tragedy. 

Dec.  11th,  occurred  the  first  appearance  in  New  York  of 
Mr.  John  Woodhull,  (brother  of  the  well-known  Park  actor) 


572 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


in  the  character  of  Rolla.  He  had  a  fine  personal  appearance, 
but  possessed  little  merit  as  an  artist.  He  died  of  consump- 
tion, in  this  city,  in  1838. 

The  same  evening,  Miss  Jane  Placide  made  her  first  ap- 
pearance in  New  York,  since  childhood,  as  Elvira  and  Pris- 
cilia  Tomboy.  We  have  before  alluded  to  this  lady,  and  her 
present  engagement,  during  which  she  also  appeared  as  Flo- 
rinda,  Mrs.  Haller,  and  Belvidera,  confirmed  the  high  opinion 
of  her  merits  expressed  by  Southern  critics.  We  are  not 
aware  that  she  ever  after  appeared  in  New  York,  but  at  New 
Orleans  she  was  long  pre-eminently  the  star  of  the  drama. 
In  1833,  for  the  benefit  of  her  health,  Miss  Placide  made  a 
trip  to  Europe,  and  played  Elvira  twice  at  Covent  Garden. 
The  voyage  was  but  of  temporary  .benefit,  and  soon  after  her 
return  to  New  Orleans,  her  disorder  returned  with  increased 
violence,  and  she  expired  there  in  May,  1835. 

Dec.  14th.  Mr.  Fielding,  from  the  Boston  Theatre,  made 
his  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  Hemeya,  in  the  "  Apos- 
tate." He  never  attained  popularity  here.  He  was  last  at 
Richmond  Hill,  in  1835. 

Mr.  Charles  W.  Taylor,  the  well-known  actor  and  dramatist, 
made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York  on  the  22d,  as  Somer- 
ville,  in  "  Turn  Out.5'  This  gentleman  was  born  in  England, 
and  made  his  first  appearance  in  America  in  1819,  at  Norfolk, 
Va.  He  was  a  good-looking  young  man,  with  a  voice  of  fine 
quality,  which,  had  it  received  proper  training,  would  have 
given  him  a  high  standing  as  a  vocalist.  He  became  ulti- 
mately a  very  respectable  representative  of  a  hearty  country 
squire,  or  any  frank,  open  and  honest  character  suited  to  his 
increasing  years,  and  was  long  a  favorite  actor  in  such  parts 
at  the  National  Theatre,  Chatham  Street.  He  retired  from 
the  Stage  with  a  farewell  benefit  at  Wallack's  Theatre,  Sep- 
tember 3d,  1860,  when  he  appeared  as  Max  Harkaway,  in 
"London  Assurance."  Mr.  Taylor  still  lives,  and  must  be 
nearly  70. 

He  was  the  dramatizer  of  the  "Water  Witch,"  which  had 
an  immense  run  at  the  Bowery  Theatre  in  1831,  and  has  also 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


573 


written  and  arranged  many  other  pieces  that  have  enjoyed 
temporary  popularity. 

Mr.  John  Mills  Brown,  an  Englishman  by  birth,  and  a  popu- 
lar comedian  of  Boston,  where  he  had  first  appeared  in  1821, 
came  out  on  the  31st,  as  Farmer  Ashfield  and  Risk.  He  had 
already  played  at  the  Lafayette  Theatre,  and  though  an  actor 
of  much  humor,  failed  to  gain  a  permanent  footing  on  the 
New  York  boards.  He  occasionally  appeared  until  1838. 
After  a  retirement  of  several  years,  Mr.  Brown  died  at  his 
residence  at  Cold  Spring,  New  York,  on  the  15th  of  April, 
1859,  aged  77  years. 

Mrs.  H.  Williams  took  her  benefit  on  the  28th  of  January, 
1828,  when  she  appeared  as  Rolla,  and  Billy  Black ! ! 

Jan.  31st.  Poor  Tom  Flynn  made  his  first  appearance  in 
New  York,  as  Rover. 

This  humorous,  eccentric,  and  unfortunate  man  was  born 
December  22d,  1804,  and  made  his  debut  at  the  Surrey  Theatre, 
London,  as  Florian,  in  the  "Foundling  of  the  Forest,"  March, 
1822.  For  several  months  after,  Mr.  Flynn  was  in  a  provincial 
circuit,  until  he  was  engaged  by  Mr.  Elliston  for  Drury  Lane, 
but  on  that  gentleman's  withdrawal  from  the  establishment, 
he  followed  him  to  the  Surrey  again,  where,  in  1826,  he 
opened  in  the  characters  of  Floriville  and  Humphrey  Grizzle. 
From  this  stage  he  was  taken  by  Mr.  Finn  for  the  Federal 
Street  Theatre,  Boston,  where  he  made  his  American  debut  as 
Capt.  Absolute,  September  10th,  1827.  He  came  thence  to 
New  York,  where  he  for  a  while  managed  the  Chatham.  In 
1833-4,  he  was  stage-manager  of  the  Bowery — afterward  had 
the  Richmond  Hill  for  a  short  time.  In  1836,  he  opened  the 
National  Theatre,  (late  Italian  Opera  House)  corner  of  Church 
and  Leonard  Streets,  where  he  brought  out  Mitchell,  the  fa- 
mous Olympic  comedian,  Charles  Howard,  Morley,  the  singer, 
and  others.  He  also,  with  Mr.  Willard,  built  the  New  Chat- 
ham Theatre,  (afterward  called  Purdy's  National)  which  was 
first  opened  in  1839.  He  did  not  long  continue  its  manage- 
ment, but,  joining  the  great  Temperance  movement  of  the 
day,  became  an  ardent  public  advocate  of  the  cause.  For- 


574 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


tunate  would  it  have  been  for  him  had  his  strength  of  reso- 
lution equaled  his  force  of  conviction.  He  knew  that  the 
"  social  glass" — that  demon  in  disguise — was  hurrying  him  to 
destruction,  and  though  he  made  one  long  and  hopeful  halt 
upon  the  journey,  it  finally  drove  him  to  the  bitter  end,  in 
poverty,  shame  and  degradation.  Mr.  Flynn  married  Matilda 
Twibill,  at  that  time  the  belle  and  beauty  of  the  stage,  March 
30th,  1828.  He  died  in  New  York,  of  cholera,  June  23d, 
1849.  He  was  noted  for  his  strong  friendship  to  Mr.  Booth, 
and,  in  his  own  better  days,  was  almost  the  only  man  who 
could  control  the  latter  in  his  fits  of  wildness.  As  an  actor, 
in  his  best  estate,  he  was  inferior  to  most  of  those  who  sus- 
tained the  same  lines  of  character,  and  for  several  years  his 
corpulence  unfitted  him  for  appearing  in  his  favorite  range 
of  light  comedy.  In  private,  he  was  a  jovial  companion, 
free,  easy  and  generous,  taking  no  heed  for  the  morrow ;  and 
though,  from  his  wife's  brilliant  talents,  and  his  own  success 
in  management,  he  was  at  times  supposed  to  be  accumulating 
a  fortune,  yet  his  career  ended,  as  before  stated,  in  neglect  and 
wretchedness. 

Mr.  Higgs,  the  proprietor  of  the  saloons  of  the  Theatre,  and 
also  well  remembered  as  the  host  of  the  old  Star  Coffee 
House,  took  a  benefit  on  the  14th  of  February,  when  Miss 
George  made  her  first  appearance  here  as  Diana  Vernon,  and 
Mr.  E.  Metz  as  Francis  Osbaldi stone.  Mrs.  Gill  also  appeared 
as  Virginia,  with  Miss  George  as  Paul,  in  the  operetta  of 
"  Paul  and  Virginia." 

Feb.  20th.  Mr.  Crooke  made  his  first  appearance  in  Amer- 
ica as  Goldfinch  and  Tristram  Fickle.  We  have  no  knowledge 
of  his  merits.  He  married  Mrs.  Entwistle,  and  went  South, 
where  he  soon  after  died. 

The  season  was  brought  to  a  conclusion  early  in  March. 

On  the  17th  of  the  same  month,  it  was  re-opened,  we  be- 
lieve, by  Messrs.  Ryder  and  Stevenson,  with  Mr.  Flynn  as 
manager,  and  with  the  principal  members  of  the  former  com- 
pany. "Fazio"  was  performed,  with  Mr.  Crooke  as  Fazio, 
and  Miss  Emery  (her  first  appearance  in  New  York)  as  Bianca. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


575 


The  afterpiece  was  "  Don  Juan,"  with  Crooke  as  the  libertine, 
and  Wood,  the  famous  pantomirnist,  as  Scaramouch,  Miss 
Emery,  in  scenes  of  intense  passion,  was  an  actress  of  great  skill 
and  power.  She  was  brought  from  the  Surrey  Theatre,  by  Mr. 
Wemyss,  for  the  Chestnut  Street  Theatre,  Philadelphia,  where 
she  first  appeared,  November  1st,  1827,  as  Belvidera,  and  her  en- 
gagement throughout  created  a  marked  sensation.  In  New 
York,  the  Stage  being  already  crowded  with  favorites,  and  her 
debut  occurring  in  a  declining  theatre,  she  did  not  attract  gene- 
ral attention,  but  the  few  who  saw  her  fully  acknowledged  her 
great  merit.  Her  career  was  short  and  disastrous.  In  1831, 
she  played  a  few  nights  under  the  name  of  Mrs.  Burroughs. 
In  1832,  according  to  the  record  of  Mr.  Wemyss,  she  perished 
in  abject  misery,  in  that  sink  of  wretchedness  and  vice,  the 
Five  Points  of  New  York.  During  her  first  engagement  here, 
she  played  Belvidera,  Alicia,  Bellamira,  Elvira,  and  Crazy 
Jane,  in  the  drama  of  that  name,  which  was  first  played  on 
the  28th  of  March,  with  the  following  cast : 

Lord  Raymond   .        .  Mr.  Crooke.  Frauds      ....  Mr.  Quin. 

Henry    "   W.  Fokeest.  Lady  Jane  ....  Mrs.  Entwistle. 

Edwin   "    Wood.  Crazy  Jane     .    .    .  Miss  Emery. 

Walter  J.  Woodhull.  Robinette   ....     "  Twibill. 

Mr.  Scott,  from  the  Lafayette,  opened  an  engagement  on 
the  24th,  as  Othello  and  Rob  Roy. 

Miss  Emery  took  her  benefit  on  the  31st,  appearing  very 
successfully  as  Evadne  and  Mrs.  Simpson.  In  the  tragedy, 
she  was  assisted  by  Mr.  Wilson  (his  first  appearance)  as  Colonna, 
and  in  the  farce,  by  Mr.  W.  B.  Chapman  as  Mr.  Simpson.  The 
"  divine  Celeste"  also  contributed  a  pas  seul. 

April  17th.  "  Rob  Roy"  was  performed,  with  Wilson  as 
Rob,  Garner  as  Francis,  (his  first  appearance  in  two  years) 
and  Mrs.  Kinloch  as  Diana  Vernon,  her  first  appearance  in 
New  York.  Mrs.  Kinloch  was  the  mother  of  Miss  Lane,  here- 
tofore alluded  to,  and  possessed  some  merit  as  a  light 
singing  actress.  She  was  a  native  of  London,  and  first 
appeared  in  America,  at  Walnut  Street,  Philadelphia,  as 
Margaretta,  July,  1827.  She  was  the  representative  of  old 
ladies  at  the  Bowery  Theatre  in  1833,  and  was  well  known  in 
that  line  in  several  cities  of  the  Union.    Mr.  Turnbull  and  his 


576 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


daughters  were  in  the  company  at  this  period,  and  we  first 
note  Miss  Julia  Turnbull's  appearance  on  the  26th  of  April, 
when  she  sung  the  popular  song  of  the  "Dashing  White  Ser- 
geant." She  was  probably  about  six  years  old.  She  after- 
ward became  widely  known  as  a  danseuse  of  merit.  Mr. 
Flynn's  season  terminated  previous  to  May  1st. 

Notwithstanding  the  continued  failures  of  its  managers, 
another  attempt  was  made  to  restore  the  fortunes  of  the 
Chatham  Theatre  by  Messrs.  Kilner  and  Maywood,  who  as- 
sumed its  direction,  and  again  opened  its  doors  to  the  public 
on  the  9th  of  June,  1828,  with  a  company  composed  of  Scott, 
Blake,  Roberts,  Herbert,  George  Andrews,  Thomas  Walton, 
Crooke,  Vernon,  Stevenson,  Charnock,  John  Fisher,  Colling- 
bourne,  and  Quin ;  Mesdames  Blake,  Hughes,  Vernon,  Turner, 
Kinloch  and  Roberts,  Miss  Amelia  Fisher,  Miss  Kent,  and  Mr. 
and  Miss  Wells,  the  two  latter  dancers.  These,  with  the  two 
managers,  formed  a  powerful  and  efficient  corps  for  every  de- 
partment of  the  drama- 
June  10th.  In  the  farce  of  "  Turn  Out,"  Mr.  Walton  made 
his  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  Somerville,  creating  a  very 
favorable  impression  by  the  excellence  of  his  singing  and  the 
ease  and  finish  of  his  acting,  which  was  far  superior  to  the 
usual  style  of  vocalists.  His  person  also  was  distingue,  and 
his  face  handsome.  He  was  a  native  of  England,  and  had 
first  appeared  in  America,  at  Boston,  as  Henry  Bertram,  in  the 
fall  of  1827.  He  was  afterward  connected  with  the  manage- 
ment of  the  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore  theatres.  He  first 
appeared  at  the  Park  Theatre,  in  the  opera  of  the  "  Maid  of 
Judah,"  as  Cedric,  in  company  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wood,  No- 
vember 11th,  1833.  We  last  remember  him  here  in  the  fall 
of  1836.  He  returned  to  England,  and  became  stage-manager 
of  the  Princess's  Theatre,  London.  Mr.  Walton  died  July  19th, 
1847,  from  the  effects  of  poison,  improperly  administered 
during  an  attack  of  illness. 

June  11th.  Mr.  George  Andrews  made  his  first  appearance 
in  New  York  as  Zekiel  Homespun,  and  John  Lump.  This  gentle- 
man was  also  born  in  England  in  1798,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STACK. 


577 


made  his  debut  on  the  stage  at  Manchester,  as  Lot  hair,  in 
"  Adelgitha."  He  came  to  America  in  1827,  and  first  ap- 
peared at  the  Federal  Street  Theatre,  Boston,  in  October  of 
that  year,  as  Bob  Acres.  He  was  a  good  low  comedian,  and  in 
the  character  of  a  Yorkshireman,  either  serious  or  comic,  has 
probably  not  been  surpassed  on  our  Stage.  He  married  Miss 
Woodward,  a  favorite  songstress  of  Boston,  and  was  himself  a 
vocalist  of  no  mean  repute.  In  1845-6-7,  Mr.  George  An- 
drews was  in  the  Park  company,  afterward  at  the  Broadway 
Theatre,  and  Burton's,  and  played  at  the  Winter  Garden  as 
lately  as  1865  in  the  character  of  Polonius  to  Edwin  Booth's 
Hamlet.  He  died  in  New  York,  April  7th,  1866,  leaving  an 
enviable  reputation,  both  private  and  professional. 

Mrs.  Duff  made  her  first  appearance,  since  her  return  from 
Europe,  in  the  character  of  Mrs.  Haller,  June  17th,  supported 
by  Maywood  as  the  Stranger,  and  Scott  as  Barm  Steinfort, 
their  first  appearance. 

Miss  George  was  brought  out  on  the  18th,  as  Diana  Vernon, 
and  Georgette  Clairville.  On  the  20th,  she  appeared  as  Rosina, 
when  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Geo.  Barrett  were  announced  as  stars,  as 
Belmour  and  Harriet,  in  "Is  He  Jealous?"  Mr.  George  An- 
drews, on  that  night,  also  made  a  powerful  impression  as 
Luke  the  Laborer,  a  character  in  which  he  remained  un- 
rivaled. 

July  1st.  Mrs.  Duff'  played  Belvidera  for  her  benefit,  sup- 
ported by  Wilson  as  Pierre,  and  Booth  as  Jqffier.  In  the 
afterpiece  cf  the  "Citizen,"  Miss  Rock  played  Maria,  and 
Kilner  and  G.  Barrett  Old  and  Young  Philpot. 

Miss  Emery  was  the  next  luminary,  appearing  on  the  7th 
as  Bianca,  in  "  Fazio." 

July  8th.  A  drama  from  the  French,  called  the  "  Prodi- 
gal Son,"  was  produced  with  considerable  applause,  thus 
cast : 

Azael  Mr.  Blake.  I     Siostris     ....    Mr.  Lindsley. 

Ozonath  "    Scott.  Zorai  Mrs.  Huohes. 

Naboth  "   Crooke.  Jeptha  ....     "  Blake. 

Laban  "   Stevenson.  Naphtali    ....     "  Turner. 

A  version  of  the  same  piece  was  played  at  the  Broadway, 
in  1851. 

73 


578  RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 

July  9th.  Mr.  William  Duffy,  of  Albany  (where  he  was 
born  in  1801,  and  first  appeared  upon  a  Thespian  stage  in 
1822),  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York,  as  Colonna,  in 
"  Evadne."  He  was  a  better  actor  in  a  light  comedy  part,  and 
at  Albany  and  Philadelphia  was  quite  a  favorite.  In  the  latter 
city  he  was,  at  one  time,  manager  of  the  Arch  Street  Theatre, 
in  conjunction  with  Jones  and  Forrest.  In  an  affray  with  Mr. 
James  Hamilton,  an  actor,  at  Albany,  in  1835,  he  received  a 
dagger  wound,  which  caused  his  death. 

July  11th.  The  interesting  drama  of  "  Charlotte  Temple" 
was  first  performed  here  for  Mr.  Herbert's  benefit,  thus  cast: 

Temple  Mr.  Scott.  Charlotte  Temple         Mrs.  Hughes. 

Capt.  Montreville    .    .     "    Crooke.  Mme.  Larue    ..."  Stevenson. 

Belcour  "    Stevenson.  Mme.  Dupont  ..."  Kinloch. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hilson,  on  this  occasion,  appeared  for  the  first 
time  on  this  stage,  as  Paul  Pry,  and  Phcebe. 

Mr.  Henry  Wallack  was  engaged  as  a  star,  opening,  on  the 
16th.  as  Macbeth,  with  Miss  Emery  as  Lady  Macbeth.  On  the 
28th,  for  his  benefit,  he  appeared  as  Falconbridge,  to  May- 
wood's  King-  John,  with  Mrs.  Gilfert  as  Constance. 

The  popular  Mr.  Higgs,  of  the  Saloons,  took  a  benefit  on  the 
4th  of  August,  when  he  appeared  on  the  stage  for  the  first 
time,  as  Count  Romaldi,  in  the  "  Tale  of  Mystery." 

Notwithstanding  the  spirit  and  energy  of  the  managers,  the 
excellence  of  the  company,  and  the  variety  in  the  entertain- 
ments, the  season  soon  after  terminated  for  want  of  a  remu- 
nerative support. 

The  Lafayette  Theatre  was  entirely  rebuilt  this  season, 
by  Mr.  Sandford,  from  the  plans  of  Mr.  Grain,  and  on  its 
completion  was  acknowledged  to  be  the  largest  and  most 
splendid  theatre  in  the  Union.  The  front  was  of  Eastern 
white  granite,  presenting  a  novel  and  beautiful  appearance, 
and  the  interior  was  decorated  in  a  style  equally  chaste  and 
elegant.  The  boxes  were  supported  by  bronze  columns,  with 
Ionic  capitals  carved  and  gilded,  and  a  superb  glass  chan- 
delier hung  from  the  center  of  the  dome — the  latter  attract- 
ing universal  admiration  for  the  beauty  and  harmony  of  its 
proportions.    The  stage  was  one  hundred  and  twenty  feet 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


579 


deep,  and,  in  part,  one  hundred  feet  wide,  being  larger  than 
any  then  existing  in  England  or  America.  It  was  considered 
a  vast  improvement  that  it  was  lighted  from  above,  and  thai 
the  stage  machinery  was  also  managed  from  the  same  ele- 
vated position. 

Mr.  Burroughs  was  retained  as  stage-manager,  Mr.  Godey  was 
treasurer,  and  Messrs.  Grain  and  Jones,  scene-painters.  The 
acting  company  consisted  of  Messrs.  H.  Wallack,  Burroughs, 
Scott,  Thayer,  Faulkner,  Hyatt,  Anderson,  J.  M.  Brown,  H. 
Eberle,  Fisher,  Walstein,  Richings,  Denman,  Somerville,  Din- 
neford,  Doyne,  Collins,  D.  Eberle,  B.  Blaike,  Tatnall,  Stick- 
ney,  Carr,  Hamilton,  Richards,  T.  Placide,  W.  Conway,  E.  H. 
Conway,  and  Katen ;  Mesdames  Hill,  Stone,  H.  Wallack,  Fisher, 
Walstein,  Green,  Edstrom,  Morgan,  Spiller  and  E.  H.  Conway ; 
Misses  Twibill,  S.  and  E.  Eberle,  Deblin,  Alexina  Fisher,  &c. 
The  season  commenced  on  the  29th  of  September,  1827.  The 
opening  address  was  admirably  delivered  by  Mrs.  Hill.  It 
was  the  production  of  Prosper  M.  Wetmore,  Esq.,  and  in  point 
of  merit,  is  certainly  far  superior  to  the  general  run  of  similar 
poems : 

In  legend  lore  and  history's  radiant  page, 

The  rich  memorials  of  a  classic  age, 

Bright  o'er  the  hallowed  records  shines  a  ray, 

The  herald  of  the  Drama's  after  day  : 

Its  morn  arose  with  envious  clouds  oppressed, 

The  noon  appears  in  rainbow  splendors  dressed, 

Far  distant  be  the  shadows  of  that  night 

Which  shrouds  in  gloom  these  visions  of  delight. 

In  vernal  groves,  the  Paradise  of  earth, 

Were  sung  the  tidings  of  the  Drama's  birth  ; 

From  rose-wreathed  harps  the  sounds  of  rapture  came, 

And  thrilled  to  ecstasy  the  minstrel's  frame ; 

Then  youthful  Taste,  with  her  attendant  train, 

Assumed  the  sceptre  and  began  her  reign  ; 

The  sylvan  scene  was  gemmed  with  choicest  flowers, 

Which  sweetly  blushed  thro'  tears  from  summer  showers 

Forth  from  her  bower,  in  radiant  splendor  bright, 

The  Queen  appeared,  arrayed  in  robes  of  light ; 


580 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


And  soft-voiced  Music  breathed  upon  her  lute, 

Each  sound  was  hushed,  and  every  hp  was  mute. 

Young  Genius  threw  his  eagle  glance  around, 

And  moved  with  eager  step  that  spurned  the  ground  ; 

He  seized  the  pen  and  traced  in  lines  of  light, 

The  glowing  thought  with  Fancy's  visions  bright ; 

Chaste  Truth  beheld — her  magic  wand  displayed, 

Her  sacred  signet  on  the  tablets  laid — 

That  seal  to  Nature's  reigning  impulse  true, 

Its  silver  lustre  o'er  the  pages  threw  ; 

Then  forth  the  mandate  came — "  Through  every  age 

Be  Truth  the  guardian  of  the  moral  stage  ; 

Each  line  be  dra^n  to  strengthen  Virtue's  cause, 

And  every  scene  be  true  to  Nature's  laws." 

This  fiat  given — in  one  rude  crash  of  sound 

The  harps  were  struck,  and  music  breathed  around. 

To  fairy  lands,  where  gay  illusions  dwell, 

Those  forms  have  fled  who  lived  in  Fancy's  spell ! 

Behold  !  where  moves  with  melancholy  mien, 
The  tearful  mistress  of  the  tragic  scene  ; 
Her  laboring  bosom  heaves  the  trembling  sigh — 
The  glance  of  madness  flashes  from  her  eye ! 
With  blanched  cheek  and  wildly  streaming  hair, 
She  calls  on  Death !  and  rushes  in  despair ! 
The  pointed  steel  is  drawn  with  sudden  gleam — 
It  strikes ! — she  falls ! — life  yields  its  purple  stream. 

What  fairy  form  glides  through  the  distant  grove  ? 
With  pleasure's  step,  and  looks  of  joy  and  love 
It  comes  ;  and  now,  a  shade  of  sadness  steals 
Across  that  brow — the  falling  tear  reveals 
The  soul  of  feeling,  shrined  where  mirth  resides, 
Gay,  sportive  "  Mirth,  which  wrinkled  Care  derides." 
Those  eyes  of  sparkling  light — that  winning  grace — 
And  all  the  thrilling  eloquence  of  face, 
Are  thine,  Thalia — thine  the  witching  power 
To  shade  with  grief,  or  gild  the  passing  hour. 

In  yon  dark  form,  the  deepest  passions  dwell, 

In  this,  the  gentler,  softer  charms  excel ; 

Through  these,  Life's  varied  scenes  are  shadowed  forth — 

Vice  drops  her  crest — Truth  crowns  neglected  Worth  ; 

And  thus,  with  intellectual  power,  the  Stage 

Guards  with  its  shield  the  morals  of  the  age. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


581 


Matrons !  with  joy  we  trend  the  mimic  scene, 
In  Wisdom's  robes — or  clad  in  sportive  mien — 
Our  steady  aim  is  still  to  win  your  smile  ; 
That  sun-lit  beam  can  all  our  cares  beguile  : 
Vain  were  our  hopes  to  aid  the  Drama's  cause, 
Unless  our  efforts  win  your  kind  applause. 
The  Temple  reared — the  envied  task  is  ours 
To  light  the  mind  with  god-like  Reason's  powers  ; 
And  yours  the  glory  to  create  a  name 
For  this  fair  dome,  upon  the  scroll  of  Fame ! 

The  entertainments  consisted  of  the  "Honeymoon,"  with 
Henry  Wallack  as  Duke  Aranza,  and  Mrs.  Stone  as  Juliana, 
and  the  drama  of  the  "  Wandering  Boys,"  with  Mrs.  Wallack  as 
Paul,  and  Mrs.  Fisher  as  Justin.  Monday,  October  1st,  how- 
ever, presented  a  better  display  of  the  resources  of  the  estab- 
lishment, when  the  opera  of  "Rosina"  was  performed,  with 
Richings  as  Mr.  Belville,  Denman  as  Capt.  Belville,  H.  Eberle 
as  William,  Anderson  as  the  Irishman,  Mrs.  Green  as  Rosina, 
and  Mrs.  Wallack,  Phoebe.  The  "  Bride  of  Abydos"  was  also 
brought  out  with  a  degree  of  splendor  hitherto  unattempted, 
and  the  excellence  of  its  performance  secured  general  appro- 
bation. Burroughs  played  Selim ;  Scott,  Giaffir ;  Rich- 
ings, Osman  Bey ;  Mrs.  Wallack,  Zulieka ;  and  Mrs.  Green, 
Zobeide. 

A  succession  of  standard  comedies,  operas  and  melo- 
dramas was  presented  with  fine  effect: — Mrs.  Hill  played 
Lady  Randolph,  Meg  Merrilies,  Stella  di  Procida,  Mill- 
wood, &c.  ;  Miss  Twibill — Rosalie  Somers,  Cicely  Home- 
spun, &c. ;  Mrs.  Green — Lucy  Bertram,  Lodoiska  and  Nor  ah  ; 
Mrs.  Stone  —  Bisarre,  Mrs.  Glenroy  and  Miss  Hardcastle ; 
Mrs.  Walstein— all  the  respectable  old  ladies;  and  Mrs. 
Fisher,  a  little  of  everything,  from  deepest  tragedy  to 
broadest  farce. 

Among  the  principal  masculines  of  the  company,  Henry 
Wallack  played  Reuben  Glenroy,  Dick  Dowlas,  Kera  Khan, 
Harvey  Birch  and  Tekeli ;  Burroughs  went  on  for  Young 
Norval,  Leporello,  Fitz  James  and  Earl  of  Leicester  ;  Thayer 
delighted  everybody  with  his  Seoul,  Splash,  Docl.  Pangloss, 


582 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Young  Marlow  and  Belmour ;  while  Scott  gave  the  ruffian 
Hatteraick,  the  miller  Grindoff,  the  stern  Glenalvon,  the 
savage  Onalaska,  and  the  sailor  Jack,  with  almost  equal  merit 
and  success.  Bichings  and  Denman  divided  the  principal 
vocalization;  Anderson  was  the  "boy"  for  the  Hibernians; 
Faulkner  took  charge  of  the  bluff  old  gentlemen ;  while 
Hyatt,  Mills  Brown  and  Harry  Eberle  raised  many  a  merry 
laugh  by  their  irresistible  drolleries. 

The  "  Pringles  in  Town,"  an  amusing  farce,  was  brought 
out  November  12th,  with  the  following  cast : 


Old  Pringle  . 
Old  Dingle  . 
Jacky  Pringle 
Pumkinhead  . 


Mr.  Faulkner. 
"  Fisher. 
"   H.  Eberle. 
"   J.  M.  Brown. 


Flourish  . 
Trumps 
Betsy  Pringle 
Maggy  .  . 


.   Mr.  Collins. 

•'  Denman. 
.    Miss  Eberle. 
.    Mrs.  Fisher. 


"Brier  Cliff"  was  played  during  the  latter  part  of  the 
month.  Its  author,  George  P.  Morris,  had  a  benefit  on  the  8th 
of  December.  From  his  numerous  benefits,  Mr.  Morris  must 
have  realized  a  handsome  sum  from  his  first  dramatic  at- 
tempt. 

Dec.  11th.  For  Mr.  H.  Wallack's  benefit,  the  drama  called 
"  Joan  of  Arc  "  was  first  played  with  the  following  cast : 


Prince  Charles 
Beauvais  .  . 
Scales  . 
Richemont 
Chalons    .  . 


Mr.  Scott. 
"  Collins. 
"  Denman. 
"  Stickney. 
"   B.  Blaike. 


De  Camora 

Valianto 

Florine 

Joan 

Lucille 


Mr.  Walstein. 

"    J.  M.  Brown. 

"  Thayer. 
Mrs.  Hill. 

"  Wallace. 


Jan.  11th,  1828.  For  Mr.  Bichings'  benefit,  a  drama  called 
the  "  Blood  Red  Knight"  was  first  played,  as  follows : 


Sir  Rowland 
Oliver  .  . 
Charles 


Mr.  Richings. 
"  Scott. 
"  Stickney. 


Peter  .  . 
Lady  Isabel 
Emma  .  . 


Mr.  SOMERVILLE. 

Mrs.  Hill. 
"  Green. 


"  Dolly  and  the  Bat,"  a  new  farce,  was  brought  out  about 
this  time,  with  Somerville  as  Dicky  Scragg  ;  Walstein,  Jere- 
miah Dip;  Stickney,  Tom  Brisket;  Mrs.  Walstein,  Mrs. 
Brisket ;  and  Mrs.  Fisher,  Dolly.  "  Gilderoy"  was  also  pro- 
duced, with  the  following  cast : 


Gilderoy  .  . 
Walter  Logan 
Johnie  Howie 


Mr.  H.  Wallace. 
"  Walstein. 
"  Richings. 


Bailie  McNab 
Andrew 
Jessy  Logan 


Mr.  Somerville. 

"  H.  Eberle. 
Mrs.  Wallace. 


March  3d.  For  Mr.  Burroughs'  benefit,  Mrs.  Sandford  made 
her  first  appearance  this  season  as  Diana  Vernon. 

Mr.  Mestayer  played  Will  Steady,  in  the  "  Purse,"  on  the 
11th,  his  only  appearance. 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


583 


The  celebrated  drama  called  the  "  Sons  of  Erin"  was  played 
on  St.  Patrick's  Day,  cast  as  follows : 


Sir  Frederick     .    .    .  Mr.  Thayer.  Patrick     ....    Mr.  Anderson. 

Rivers   "    Walstein.  Lady  Lovell    .    .    .    Mrs.  Stone. 

Capt.  Rivers  ....  "   Riciiings.  Miss  Rivers    ..."  Walstein. 

Fitzedward    ....  "  Scott. 


After  the  22d,  the  Theatre  was  closed  for  a  fortnight,  during 
which  time  the  company  played  at  Mount  Pitt  Circus. 

Re-opening  April  7th,  Mrs.  Sandford  was  made  a  promi- 
nent attraction. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blake  were  added  to  the  company,  making 
their  first  appearance  May  5th,  as  Wildlove,  and  Zephyrina. 

The  same  night  the  "  Battle  of  Waterloo"  was  first  played, 
in  which  Mr.  Kinloch  made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York 
as  Napoleon.  Mr.  Kinloch  "  made  up "  the  character  admi- 
rably, and  the  piece  had  a  run. 

The  "  Red  Rover"  was  played  on  the  26th,  and  had  likewise 
considerable  success,  with  the  following  cast : 


Red  Rover     ....    Mr.  Burroughs.  Homespun ....  Mr.  Walstein. 

Dick  Fid  "  H.  Wallace.  1     Mrs.  Wyllys    .    .    .  Mrs.  Stone. 

Lieut.  Wilder     ..."  Richings.  Mine,  de  Lacy.    .    .  "  Walstein. 

Scipio  "  Soott.  Gertrude    ....  "  Sandford. 


June  2d.  For  Mr.  H.  Wallack's  benefit,  Mr.  Hilson  appeared 
as  Falstaff,  and  Mr.  Hackett  as  Morbleau,  besides  repeating  his 
Yankee  stories. 

Mrs.  Gilfert's  benefit,  which  she  was  prevented  from  taking 
at  the  Bowery  by  the  conflagration  of  that  establishment,  came 
off  here  on  the  6th  of  June,  when  Mr.  Cooper  played  Damon  ; 
Mr.  Forrest,  Pythias ;  Mrs.  Gilfert,  Hermione ;  and  Mrs. 
Hughes,  Calanthe.  Messrs.  G.  Barrett,  Roberts,  Hackett, 
Pearman,  Holland,  Burroughs,  Hyatt  and  Barbiere,  with 
Mrs.  Sandf  jrd,  Mme.  Labasse,  and  Mile.  Celeste,  appeared 
in  a  melange  of  recitation,  music  and  dancing. 

June  7th.  For  Mrs.  Kinloch's  benefit,  the  old  farce  called 
"  Miss  in  Her  Teens  "  was  revived,  with  her  daughter,  little 
Miss  Lane,  as  Flash;  John  Sefton  (his  first  appearance  in 
New  York)  as  Fribble,  Mrs.  Blake  as  Miss  Biddy  Bellair,  and 
Mrs.  Kinloch,  Tag.  Mr.  Sefton  had  little  versatility  of  talent, 
and  could  not  be  called  a  good  general  comedian,  but  in  some 
particular  parts  he  has  displayed  a  degree  of  merit  scarcely 
approached  by  any  other  actor.    He  struggled  with  neglect, 


584 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


or  bare  toleration,  for  several  years,  till,  against  his  own  will, 
he  was  forced  into  the  character  of  Jemmy  Twitcher,  at  the 
Walnut  Street  Theatre,  Philadelphia,  and  his  performance  of 
the  part  at  once  established  his  fame  and  fortune.  Nothing 
like  its  perfection  had  appeared  upon  our  stage.  In  dress, 
voice,  slang  and  manner,  he  was  the  very  vagrant  himself, 
and  the  simple,  but  oft-repeated  ejaculation,  "Veil,  vot  ov  it?" 
invariably  convulsed  the  house  with  laughter.  His  Silky,  in 
the  "Road  to  Ruin,"  we  have  never  seen  equaled,  and  in 
Doctor  Cams  he  is  excelled  only  by  Placide.  In  Cupid,  Tom 
Twigg,  Billy  Downy,  and  several  other  of  John  Reeve's  great 
parts,  he  was  also  very  happy.  Mr.  Sefton  was  born  in  Liver- 
pool, January  15th,  1805,  and  first  appeared  on  the  American 
Stage  at  Philadelphia,  June,  1827.  .He  was  long  employed  by 
Mr.  Niblo  as  director  of  his  dramatic  entertainments,  and  has 
been  (under  Mr.  E.  A.  Marshall)  manager  of  the  Walnut  Street 
Theatre,  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Sefton  has  been  twice  married ; 
his  first  wife  was  Miss  Wells,  a  dancer,  and  his  second  the 
well-known  Mrs.  Watts,  of  this  city.  He  has  been  for  several 
seasons  past  at  Wallack's. 

Mr.  De  Camp  commenced  a  star  engagement  on  the  9th,  as 
Gossamer,  and  took  his  benefit  on  the  17th,  as  Kera  Khan  and 
Corinthian  Tom. 

About  this  time,  the  pretty  Sophy  Eberle  was  first  an- 
nounced, as  Mrs.  Laforest. 

June  20th.  Mr.  A.  W.  Jackson,  from  the  Western  theatres, 
made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  Col.  Rigolio,  in  the 
"Broken  Sword"  He  was  for  several  years  connected  with 
our  minor  theatres,  but  displayed  little  merit  as  an  actor.  He 
became  manager  of  the  Bowery  Theatre  in  1845,  where,  in  a 
short  time,  he  accumulated  a  fortune.  He  also  had  the  man- 
agement of  the  Winter  Garden  for  one  or  two  seasons.  Mr. 
Jackson  died  in  New  York,  May,  1866. 

June  23d.  For  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Wallack,  Mrs.  John 
Greene,  from  the  Philadelphia  theatres,  made  her  first  ap- 
pearance in  New  York  as'  Elvira,  in  "  Pizarro."  This  lady 
was  born  at  Boston,  March  23d,  1800.    Her  maiden  name  was 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


585 


Ann  Nuskey.  She  made  her  stage  debut  at  Norfolk,  Va,,  with 
Beaumont's  company,  in  1815,  and  soon  after  married  Henry 
Lewis,  a  son  of  Lewis,  the  great  London  comedian,  from  whom 
she  separated  on  account  of  ill-treatment  and  learning  that  he 
had  a  wife  and  children  living  in  Europe.  She  married  Greene 
in  1818,  and  endured  with  him  an  innumerable  variety  of  in- 
cidents, joyful  and  sorrowful,  in  their  mutual  long  theatrical 
career.  She  was  for  many  years  attached  to  the  Chestnut 
Street  Theatre,  Philadelphia,  and,  after  passing  through 
nearly  every  city  of  the  Union,  finally  settled  at  Nashville, 
Tenn.,  where  her  husband  was  manager  for  several  seasons. 
She  survived  him  about  two  years,  dying  on  the  19th  of 
January,  1862,  aged  nearly  62  years.  She  possessed  no  great 
diversity  of  talent,  but  in  the  highest  range  of  walking  ladies 
— the  serious  mothers,  the  distressed  wives,  and  stately  bar- 
onesses of  the  stage — we  have  never  seen  her  surpassed.  Her 
Hermionej  in  "  Damon  and  Pythias,"  was  a  fine  performance ; 
her  Queen  Elizabeth,  in  "  Richard  III.,"  we  have  never  seen 
excelled,  and  her  Queen  Gertrude,  in  "  Hamlet,"  we  have  never 
known  equaled.  In  personal  appearance  she  was  tall  and 
commanding,  and  her  costume  was  generally  elegant  and  ap- 
propriate. Mrs.  Greene  has  been  well  known  at  our  minor 
theatres,  where  she  often  moved  like  a  goddess  among  the 
mortals  that  surrounded  her. 

July  2d.  For  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Walstein,  Mr.  Barnes  made 
his  only  appearance  on  this  stage  as  Dro?nio,  (doubled  by  Bur- 
roughs) Mawworm,  and  Johnny  Atkins  ("Mogul  Tale"). 

July  7th.  The  ballet  called  the  "  Marriage"  introduced  to 
the  American  Stage  an  entirely  new  troupe  of  French  dancers, 
composed  of  Miles.  Estelle,  Ravenot,  Clara,  Louise,  Esther,  and 
Hyacinthe,  with  Messrs.  Feltman,  Duruissell,  and  Benoni. 
With  considerable  merit  among  its  different  members,  it 
failed  to  create  the  sensation  produced  by  its  predecessors 
at  the  Bowery. 

July  19th.  George  W.  Dixon  made  his  first  appearance  in 
New  York  as  a  singer  of  comic  songs.  He  attained  consider- 
able notoriety  with  his  "  Coal-Black  Rose,"  and  other  negro 

74 


586 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


ditties,  before  Rice  and  his  "  Jim  Crow"  popularity  had  had 
their  day.  Dixon  afterward  made  himself  odious  in  New 
York  by  his  publication  of  a  scurrilous  paper  called  the 
Polyanthos,  whose  slanders  became  so  gross  and  outrageous 
that  he  was  finally  compelled  to  leave  the  city. 

In  August,  Mr.  Burroughs  took  his  farewell  benefit ;  Mr. 
Garner  appeared;  Mrs.  Hamblin  had  a  star  engagement; 
Rice  played  his  first  prominent  character  in  New  York  on 
the  23d,  (Johnny  Atkins)  and  early  in  September  we  find  on 
the  bills  of  the  establishment  the  additional  names  of  Laid  ley, 
Grey,  Blakely,  Neilson,  Miss  Costar,  &c. 

Before  the  end  of  the  month  the  season  was  brought  to  a 
termination. 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 


Park  Theatre,  1828-9— Bowery— Chatham  and  Lafayette  Theatres. 

N  its  re-opening,  September  1st,  1828,  the  Park 
Theatre  astonished  and  delighted  its  friends  by  the 
elegance  of  its  interior,  which  had  been  entirely 
renewed  during  the  vacation.  A  new  drop-curtain  was  not 
the  least  important  of  its  very  tasteful  embellishments. 
.  The  opening  pieces  were  the  "  Rivals"  and  "  'Twas  I !"  with 
their  well-known  and  favorite  casts — Mrs.  Wallack's  first  ap- 
pearance in  the  character  of  Julia  being  the  only  variation. 

Sept.  2d,  introduced  to  the  New  York  public  Mr.  James  H. 
Caldwell,  as  Belcour,  in  the  "West  Indian,"  and  the  Three 
Singles,  in  "  Three  and  the  Deuce !" 

Of  this  gentleman  we  are  unable  to  speak  from  personal 
knowledge,  never  having  had  the  fortune  to  witness  his  per- 
formances, but  the  critics  of  New  York  have  not  awarded  him 
that  distinguished  position  in  the  profession  which  he  en- 
joyed in  the  South  and  West,  where,  as  a  genteel  comedian, 
he  surpassed  all  rivalry,  and  in  New  Orleans,  especially,  was 
pre-eminently  the  favorite  of  the  public.  Born  in  England, 
in  1793,  he  first  appeared  as  a  child  in  the  Manchester 
Theatre.  He  was  brought  to  this  country  by  Mr.  Holman, 
and  first  appeared  in  America  at  Charleston,  S.  C,  November, 
1816,  as  Belcour  and  the  Singles.  In  1817,  he  managed  a 
theatre  in  Washington,  and  in  1818  built  the  theatre  in 
Petersburg,  Va.  In  January,  1820,  he  engaged  the  French 
Theatre  in  New  Orleans  for  English  performances,  and  im- 
parted a  degree  of  respectability  to  the  drama  there  hitherto 


588 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


unknown.  He  commenced  building  the  first  American  theatre 
there  in  1822,  and  opened  it  January  1st,  1824.  In  1826,  he 
built  the  Nashville  Theatre.  In  1827,  he  converted  a  build- 
ing at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  into  a  theatre.  In  1828,  he  completed  a 
deserted  theatre  at  Natchez,  Miss.  He  built  a  fine  theatre  at 
Cincinnati,  and  opened  it  on  the  4th  of  July,  1832.  In  1833, 
he  sold  out  his  theatrical  circuit  to  Messrs.  Russell  and  Rowe, 
and  devoted  his  time  and  energies  to  the  introduction  of  gas 
at  New  Orleans.  He  commenced  the  great  St.  Charles  Theatre 
in  that  city  on  the  9th  of  May,  1835,  and  opened  it  on  the 
30th  of  November  in  the  same  year.  In  point  of  size  and 
elegance,  it  surpassed  every  theatre  in  the  Union,  and  rivaled 
the  most  famous  of  the  old  world.  It  was  destroyed  by  fire, 
March  13th,  1842,  and  its  enterprising  proprietor  finally  aban- 
doned his  interest  in  the  cause  of  the  drama,  and  retired  from 
the  profession  January  14th,  1843,  making  his  farewell  bow 
as  Vapid,  in  the  "Dramatist."  He  afterward  occupied  im- 
portant public  stations  in  New  Orleans,  where  he  long  con- 
tinued his  residence,  his  untiring  industry  having  secured 
him  a  very  handsome  fortune.  Mr.  Caldwell  was  twice  mar- 
ried, first  to  Mrs.  Twomley,  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  and,  second, 
to  Miss  Rowe,  daughter  of  the  Southern  manager  of  that  name. 
He  died  during  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  while  temporarily  re- 
sident in  New  York,  September  11th,  1863,  at  the  age  of  70. 

Mr.  Caldwell's  first  series  of  characters  in  New  York  in- 
cluded Doricourt,  Willinghurst,  Duke  Aranza,  Benedick,  Young" 
Wilding,  Charles  Surface,  Frank  Heartall,  Felix,  ("  Hunter  of 
the  Alps")  and  Gossamer,  in  most  of  which  he  was  ably  sup- 
ported by  the  spirited  Miss  Kelly,  who  commenced  her  en- 
gagement September  3d,  as  Letitia  Hardy. 

Sept.  11th.  Little  Miss  Russell,  (now  Mrs.  Farren)  hereto- 
fore alluded  to,  made  her  first  appearance  on  this  stage,  as 
Young  Norval  and  Little  Pickle. 

Sept.  13th.  The  French  ballet  troupe,  late  of  the  Lafayette 
Theatre,  comprising  Messieurs  Benoni,  Duruissell,  St.  Clair, 
and  Feltman,  and  Miles.  Estelle,  Ravenot,  Louise,  Hyacinthe, 
&c,  made  their  debut  at  this  establishment. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


589 


A  new  comedy,  called  "  Ups  and  Downs,"  was  produced  on 
the  16th,  with  the  following  cast,  but  was  not  very  successful : 


Mammenton 
Mulberry  . 
Higgins  . 
Jack  Pointer 
Delainere  . 


Mr.  Barry. 

"  Barnes. 

"  WoonnuLL. 

"  Simpson. 

"  RlCHINQS. 


Countess  . 
Lady  Charlewood 
Amelia 

Kitty  .  .  . 
Mrs.  Corduroy  ■ 


Mrs. 


SlIARPE. 

Wallace. 
Hilson. 
Hackett. 
Wheatley. 


Mr.  James  Wallack,  in  the  full  zenith  of  his  fame,  returned 
from  Europe,  and  made  his  first  appearance  in  six  years,  on 
the  17th,  as  Roll  a,  in  "  Pizarro,"  supported  by  Mrs.  Drake,  as 
Elvira,  her  first  appearance  in  New  York  in  three  years. 

Mrs.  Sandford,  from  the  closed  Lafayette  Theatre,  appeared, 
on  the  18th,  as  Vespina,  and  Mr.  Thompson,  from  the  same 
establishment,  on  the  23d,  as  Reuben  Glenroy. 

The  ever-favorite  Mrs.  Barnes,  having  returned  from  an 
English  tour,  made  her  first  appearance  on  the  26th,  as  Juliet, 
to  the  Romeo  of  Mr.  Wallack,  who  also  personated  Walter,  in 
the  "  Children  in  the  Wood."  On  this  occasion,  as  one  of  the 
Children,  we  first  remember  noticing  Miss  Emma  Wheatley, 
afterward  highly  distinguished  in  the  profession  by  the  amia- 
bility of  her  personal  character  and  her  eminent  theatrical 
ability.  Her  natural  genius  displayed  itself  even  at  this  early 
period,  when  she  had  not  yet  completed  her  sixth  year,  all 
characters  suited  to  her  age  being  portrayed  by  her  with  a 
fidelity  to  nature  almost  unexampled. 

As  her  years  increased,  she  was  intrusted  with  parts  of  more 
importance,  until,  in  1832,  her  excellent  representation  of 
Arthur,  in  "King  John,"  attracted  the  admiring  notice  of 
Fanny  Kemble,  (the  Constance  of  the  play)  who  aided  and 
encouraged  her  by  advice  and  suggestion,  and  ere  she  had  at- 
tained her  thirteenth  year,  for  the  benefit  of  her  mother, 
June  25th,  1834,  she  made  what  may  be  termed  her  regular 
debut,  as  Julia,  in  the  "Hunchback,"  with  triumphant  success. 
She  soon  after  appeared  as  Bianca,  Mariana,  and  Juliet,  in  all 
of  which  she  deepened  the  favorable  impression  she  had 
created.  During  the  visit  of  Sheridan  Knowles  to  this 
country,  she  played  in  company  with  him  here,  and  at  the 
first  establishments  in  our  sister  cities.  Until  the  fall  of  1837, 
Miss  E.  Wheatley  was  under  the  control  of  the  Park  manage- 


590 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


ment,  but  the  offers  of  Mr.  Wallack,  then  manager  of  the  old 
National  Theatre,  induced  her  to  accept  an  engagement  there, 
and  on  the  4th  of  September  in  that  year  she  first  appeared 
on  that  stage  as  Julia,  in  the  8  Rivals,"  and  was  thereafter  in- 
stalled as  the  leading  actress  of  the  establishment,  although 
not  yet  sixteen  years  of  age.  The  elder  Vandenhoff  was  then 
playing  his  first  engagement  in  this  country,  and  Miss  Wheat- 
ley  supported  him  with  a  brilliancy  and  force  that  surprised 
her  warmest  friends.  Her  whole  engagement  was  a  continuous 
triumph — she  became  the  paramount  favorite  of  the  theatre, 
and  was  still  improving  as  an  actress,  when  she  retired  to  pri- 
vate life  in  the  spring  of  1838,  previous  to  the  close  of  the 
season. 

Having  married  Mr.  James  Mason,  on  the  9th  September, 
1837,  she  continued  on  the  stage  until  his  father  (then  Presi- 
dent of  the  Chemical  Bank)  purchased  for  them  a  pleasant 
rural  residence,  and  with  a  liberal  allowance  placed  them  in 
circumstances  which  rendered  life,  for  a  while,  a  paradise. 

On  the  death  of  the  elder  Mr.  Mason,  a  will  was  produced 
which  gave  her  husband  a  trifling  annuity,  and  distributed  a 
large  fortune  among  other  heirs  who  were  already  abounding 
in  riches. 

To  contest  the  legality  of  this  will,  Mr.  James  Mason  de- 
voted his  time,  energy  and  means,  while  Mrs.  Mason,  though 
in  ill  health,  resumed  her  profession,  and  made  her  first  ap- 
pearance in  nine  years,  at  the  Park  Theatre,  January  11th, 
1847,  in  the  character  of  Juliet.  In  the  spring  she  played  a 
second  engagement,  which  terminated  with  a  complimentary 
benefit  on  the  4th  of  June,  tendered  her  by  Messrs.  Hone, 
Laight,  Ogden,  Emmett,  Duer,  Livingston,  Schuyler,  Clinton, 
King,  Costar,  Hamilton,  Brevoort,  Robertson,  Leroy,  Newbold, 
&c,  an  array  of  names,  appended  to  a  written  testimonial,  of 
which  the  recipient  might  well  be  proud.  She  played  Julia, 
in  the  8  Hunchback,"  being  her  last  appearance  on  the  stage. 
Justice,  though  slow,  at  last  rewarded  their  efforts  with  suc- 
cess. Mr.  James  Mason  was  declared  to  be  entitled  to  an 
equal  share  of  his  father's  estate,  and  came  into  possession 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


591 


of  a  handsome  fortune,  which,  had  life  and  health  been  spared, 
would  have  crowned  the  future  with  ease  and  comfort.  But 
in  the  full  fruition  of  hope,  when  wealth  was  showered  upon 
her,  and  years  of  happiness  might  have  been  confidently  anti- 
cipated, an  insidious  disease  that  had  long  preyed  in  secret, 
(a  chronic  ulceration  of  the  bowels)  seized  Mrs.  Mason  with 
renewed  violence,  and  terminated  her  existence  on  the  16th 
July,  1854,  at  the  age  of  32. 

Exemplary  in  all  the  relations  of  life,  a  devoted  daughter, 
an  affectionate  sister,  a  true-hearted  wife — treading  the  dan- 
gerous walks  of  her  profession  without  once  raising  a  whisper 
of  reproach — she  lived  an  ornament  to  the  Stage  and  to  society, 
and  died  bewailed  by  her  family  and  friends,  and  sincerely  re- 
gretted by  an  admiring  public,  in  whose  memory  her  name  will 
ever  be  enshrined  as  one  of  those  whose  lives  have  given  di<r- 
nity  and  beauty  to  the  profession. 

Sept.  30th.  Mr.  Horn  and  Mrs.  Austin  commenced  an  en- 
gagement as  AureJio  and  Biondina,  in  "  Native  Land." 

Mr.  Wallack  took  his  benefit  on  the  6th  of  October,  appear- 
ing as  Don  Felix,  in  the  "  Wonder,"  supported  by  Mrs.  Barnes 
as  Violante,  and  Mr.  May  wood  as  Gibby,  his  first  appearance 
this  season. 

The  fascinating  Clara  Fisher  opened  on  the  8th,  as  Albina 
Mandeville,  and  Vict  aire. 

On  the  9th,  for  Mrs.  Austin's  benefit,  "Weber's  opera  of 
"  Oberon,  or  the  Charmed  Horn,"  was  performed  for  the  first 
time  in  America,  cast  as  follows : 

Sir  Huon  Mr.  Horn.  Puck  Mrs.  Wallace. 

Sherasmin     ....     44   Hilson.  Reiza  "  Austin. 

Bubekir  "   Porter.  Fatima  "  Sharpe. 

Almanzor  M    Woodhull.  Naniouna  ....     "  Wheatley. 

Oberon  "  Richinqs. 

Mr.  Wallack  commenced  a  new  engagement  on  the  13th,  as 
Richard  III. 

On  the  17th,  MoncriefFs  touching  drama,  called  the  "Lear 
of  Private  Life,"  was  first  played  in  New  York,  with  the  fol- 
lowing cast : 


Fitzarden   Mr.  Maywood.  i     Mowbray       ...  Mr.  Povby. 

Rattleton   M  Richings.  Saunter    ....     "    T.  Placide. 

Alvanly   "  Woodqull.  Adder  44  Nexsen. 

Goodall   "  Porter.  Agnes   Miss  C.  Fisher. 

Gilbert   "  Placidi.  Emily   Mrs.  Sharpe. 

Michaelmas       .    .  "  Wray.  Meriel   44  Hackett. 


592 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mr.  Maywood  took  a  farewell  benefit  on  the  29th,  previous 
to  visiting  Europe,  when  he  appeared  as  Fitzarden  and  Jock 
Howison. 

Oct.  30th.  Mr.  Caldwell  commenced  a  second  engagement 
as  Gossamer,  and  the  Three  Singles. 

Oct.  31st.  Mr.  John  J.  Adams  announced  his  benefit,  and 
only  appearance  during  the  season,  when  he  played  Jaffier,  in 
"  Venice  Preserved,"  supported  by  Cooper  as  Pierre,  (his  first 
appearance)  and  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Belvidera ;  little  Miss  Rus- 
sell also  appeared  as  Crack !  The  latter  played  Darby,  in 
the  "  Poor  Soldier,"  November  1st,  and  Albert,  in  "  William 
Tell,"  for  her  benefit,  November  3d,  when  she  had  the  im- 
portant aid  of  Mr.  Forrest,  from  the  Bowery,  as  the  Swiss 
hero.  Her  brother,  Master  Russell,,  also  appeared,  for  the  first 
time  in  New  York,  as  Tom  Thumb. 

Miss  Kelly  commenced  an  engagement  on  the  4th,  as 
Beatrice,  to  Caldwell's  Benedick,  and  on  the  5th  was  pro- 
duced, for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  the  melo-drama  called 
the  "Dumb  Savoyard  and  his  Monkey,"  with  the  following 
cast: 

Count  Maldicini  ...    Mr.  Woodhull.  Marmazette    .    .    .    Mast.  Zerbino. 

Herr  Vatchwell  ..."   Placide.  Pipino  Mrs.  Hilson. 

Sturmwald    ....     "   Porter.  Countess   ....     "  Wallace. 

Speilsburg    ....     "  T.  Plaoide.  Teresa  "  Wheatlet. 

Leopoldatadt.    ..."  Wray. 

Mrs.  Hilson  made  an  interesting-looking  mute,  but  was  in- 
ferior in  action  to  Mrs.  Barnes  and  Celeste,  both  of  whom 
afterward  played  the  part. 

The  tragic  play  of  the  "  Serf,"  by  Talbot,  was  first  repre- 
sented in  America  on  the  7th,  for  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Barnes, 
thus  cast : 

Ossim  Mr.  Barry.  Petrow  Mr.  Porter. 

Isidore  "   Simpson.  Countess  Olga    .    .    Mrs.  Barnes. 

Vladimir  .....     "  "Woodhull. 

Mrs.  Drake's  benefit  occurred  on  the  11th,  when  Hamblin 
played  King-  John,  and  Forrest,  Falconbridge, — the  beneficiary 
appearing  as  Constance,  and  also  in  the  broad  comedy  part  of 
Liddy  Lorigan,  in  "  Family  Jars." 

A  tragedy,  called  "  Giordano,"  by  James  Lawson,  a  well- 
known  and  esteemed  poet  and  editor  of  New  York,  was  first 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


593 


put  upon  the  stage  on  the  13th.  It  was  repeated  once  or 
twice,  and  then  withdrawn.    The  cast  stood  as  follows : 

Giordano  Mr.  Barry.              |     Colloni   Mr.  Richings. 

Conradine      ....     "    Simpson.                 Inelda   Mrs.  Hilson. 

Duke  "   Phillips.               Bella   14  Hackett. 

Neri     .    .        ..."  Wooduull. 

Mr.  Caldwell  announced  his  benefit  on  the  14th,  when  he 
appeared  as  Frank  Heartall  and  Col.  Freelove,  and  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Richard  Russell  as  Timothy  Quaint  and  Widow  Cheerly, 
being  their  first  appearance  on  the  New  York  boards. 

Mr.  Russell  was  a  comedian  of  merit,  playing  every  line  of 
humorous  character  with  general  success,  and  at  Boston,  Cin- 
cinnati, New  Orleans,  &c,  where  he  was  connected  with  the 
management  of  different  theatres,  ranked  high  in  public  favor. 
He  was  the  first  manager  of  the  Richmond  Hill  Theatre,  in 
this  city,  which  opened  under  his  direction  in  the  fall  of  1831, 
and  where  he  last  appeared  in  New  York,  in  April,  1832.  At 
the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  about  1840,  he  was  a 
resident  of  New  Orleans,  where  he  had  made  his  American 
debut,  under  Caldwell's  management,  in  1822.  Mrs.  Russell, 
his  versatile  and  accomplished  consort,  also  made  her  first  ap- 
pearance at  New  Orleans,  in  1822,  and,  wherever  he  went, 
proved  a  valuable  auxiliary,  and  enjoyed  her  full  proportion 
of  public  esteem.  Mrs.  Russell  continued  to  live  in  New  Or- 
leans long  after  she  became  a  widow,  but  is  now  dwelling  in 
New  York  with  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Farren  (1866). 

Clara  Fisher  was  again  brought  out  on  the  19th,  in  the 
character  of  Helen  Worrett,  and  played  an  engagement  which 
terminated  "December  1st. 

Madame  Feron.  a  renowned  vocalist,  made  her  first  appear- 
ance on  the  27th  November,  as  Florelta,  in  the  "  Cabinet,"  and 
on  the  29th  sung  the  music  of  Adela,  in  the  "  Haunted  Tower.'' 
No  songstress  of  equal  European  repute  had  previously  ap- 
peared here,  Malibran  not  having  achieved  her  transatlantic 
triumphs  when  she  entranced  our  western  world.  But 
Madame  Feron  failed  to  create  an  equal  sensation ;  although 
a  lady-like  actress,  and  a  brilliant  singer  of  the  most  florid 
Italian  school,  with  a  voice  of  equal  power  melody,  she 
lacked  the  graceful  form,  the  face  divine,  and  the  inexpres- 

75 


594 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


sible  charm  of  girlhood,  which  rendered  her  fair  predecessor 
so  irresistible. 

Madame  Feron  was  the  daughter  of  a  French  refugee  of 
that  name.  She  was  born  in  London  in  1797.  At  the  age  of 
eight  she  astonished  the  visitors  of  Vauxhall  by  her  facility  of 
executing  the  most  difficult  music,  and  was  familiarly  spoken 
of  as  the  infant  Billington,  a  name  that  then  stood  for  all  that 
was  admirable  in  the  art.  In  November,  1811,  she  first  ap- 
peared at  Covent  Garden,  as  Rosetta.  On  approaching  wo- 
manhood, Mile.  Feron  visited  Italy,  Germany,  and  France, 
where  she  received  the  instructions  of  Pucitta  and  Rossini, 
and  sung  in  company  with  Pasta  and  Catalani,  whose  most 
exalted  efforts  were  not  sufficient  to  prevent  her  sharing  in 
their  triumphs.  She  married  a  Mr.  Glossop  during  her  con- 
tinental residence,  but  the  union  proved  unhappy.  She  re- 
turned to  her  native  land,  and  resuming  her  maiden  name, 
with  the  foreign  title  of  Madame,  made  her  debut  at  Drury  Lane, 
November  29th,  1827,  as  Florimante,  in  "Isidore  de  Merida." 

Madame  Feron  was  acknowledged  by  all  to  stand  in  the 
first  rank  of  astonishing  vocalists,  but,  during  her  sojour 
here,  the  country  was  filled  with  musical  strangers,  who  s 
distracted  the  patronage  of  the  public,  that  her  skill  was  no 
rewarded  with  the  pecuniary  success  it  merited.  She  last  sung 
at  Niblo's  Garden  in  1833,  and  shortly  after  returned  to  Eng- 
land, and,  with  declining  powers  and  advancing  years,  gradu- 
ally took  a  receding  walk  in  her  profession,  and  we  last  saw 
her  name  on  an  opera-bill,  as  the  representative  of  Teresa,  in 
"  La  Sonnambula."    She  died  in  London  in  1853. 

On  the  3d  of  December,  for  Mrs.  Hackett's  benefit,  Col- 
man's  comedy  of  "Who  Wants  a  Guinea  ?"  with  the  character 
of  Solomon  Gundy  transformed  into  Solomon  Swop,  the  Yankee, 
was  first  played,  under  the  title  of  "  Jonathan  in  England," 
with  great  success,  and  with  the  following  cast : 

Solomon   Mr.  Hackett.  Henry   Mr.  Richings. 

Torrent   "   Woodhull.  Andrew  Bang     .    .  "  Barnes. 

Barford   "    Barry.  Fanny   Mrs.  Hilson. 

Sir  Larry   "    Simpson.  Mrs.  Glastonbury     .  "  Wheatlet. 

Dec.  6th.  The  "  Lord  of  the  Manor"  brought  Mr.  Horn  and 
Mrs.  Austin  again  before  the  public. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


595 


Dec.  15th.  For  Mrs.  Austin's  benefit,  "  John  of  Paris"  was 
first  given,  with  all  the  music,  in  admirable  style  throughout: 

John  Mr.  Horn.  i     Vincent     ....    Mr.  Richinqs. 

Chamberlain  ....  "  Plaoidb.  Princess  ....  Mrs.  AutTiN. 
Pedrigo  Potts     ...     11   Barnes.  Rosa  "  Sharpe. 

Also,  the  celebrated  melo-drama,  called  "  Knights  of  the 
Cross,"  founded  on  Scott's  "  Talisman,"  and  cast  as  follows : 

Richard  I   Mr.  Simpson.  Saladin     ....    Mr.  Wooduull. 

King  Philip  ....  "    Nexsen.  Charegite  ....     "  Jones. 

Leopold   "   Phillips.  Blondel     ....    Mrs.  Austin. 

Sir  Kenneth  ....  "    Barry.  Berengaria     ..."  Hilson. 

Conrad   "    Riohings.  Edith  M  Sharpe. 

Beauseant     ....  "   T.  Plaoidb.  Calista      ....     "  Durie. 

Mrs.  Durie,  long  a  useful  fixture  of  the  Park,  was  sister  to 
Mr.  Hanna,  the  celebrated  flutist,  and  wife  of  the  prompter, 
after  whose  death  she  married  a  Mr.  Shepherd,  and  in  1855 
was  living  retired  in  California. 

Lord  Byron's  tragedy  of  "  Werner"  was  first  played  on  the 
16th,  for  Mr.  Barry's  benefit,  and  afterward  repeated  for  Mrs. 
Hilson's,  with  the  following  cast : 


Werner   Mr.  Barry.  Idenstein  ....  Mr.  Placide. 

Stralenheim  ....     "    Woodhull.  Fritz  "  Wheatley. 

Ulric  "   Simpson.  Josephine  ....  Mrs.  Wallace. 

Gabor  11    Hilson.  Ida  Stralenheim  .    .     "  Hilson. 


Mr.  Rees,  the  comedian,  who  met  with  an  accident  that 
took  him  from  the  stage  last  season,  re-appeared  for  his 
benefit  on  the  20th,  as  Old  Wrongward,  in  the  "  Deaf  Lover," 
and  thenceforward  his  name  disappears  from  the  bills. 

Mr.  Pearman  was  now  engaged  to  support  Madame  Feron, 
and  the  two  made  their  first  joint  appearance  on  the  24th  as 
the  Seraskier  and  Lilla.  They  were  combined  with  Horn  and 
Mrs.  Austin  in  the  "  Marriage  of  Figaro,"  for  Mr.  Simpson's 
benefit,  January  6th,  1829,  Madame  Feron  singing  and  acting 
Susanna  with  perfect  skill  and  abandon,  while  Mrs.  Austin  as 
the  Countess,  Horn  as  the  Count,  Pearman  as  Figaro,  Placide 
as  Antonio,  and  Mrs.  Hilson  as  Cherubino,  left  nothing  to  be 
desired  in  the  way  of  excellence. 

•  A  drama  called  the  "  Temple  of  Death"  was  produced, 
January  1st,  1829,  thus  cast : 

Canute.    .    .    .    .    .    Mr.  Simpson.  Roldan  Mr.  Phillips. 

Osric  "    Barry.  Ethelinde  .    .        .    Mrs.  Hilson. 

Oldebert  "   Richinqs.  Urania  "  Wallace. 

Theobald  "    Placide.  Adela  M  Shabpe. 

Mr.  Wallack  was  engaged,  and  early  in  the  month  brought 
.  out,  for  the  first  time,  Miss  Mitford's  beautiful  tragedy  of 


596 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


"  Kienzi,"  in  which  he  personated  the  hero  with  great  spirit 
and  effect.    We  subjoin  its  cast: 

Cola  di  Rienzi    .    .    .    Mr.  "Wallace.  Ursini  Mr.  Richings. 

Stephen  Colonna     .    .     "   Phillips.  Claudia    ....    Mrs.  Hilson. 

Angelo  "    Barkt.  Lady  Colonna     .    .     "  Sharpe. 

Savelli  *'   Woodhull.        J     Teresa  "  Durie. 

For  Madame  Feron's  benefit,  on  the  13th,  "  Henri  Quatre  " 
was  performed,  with  Wallack  as  Henri,  Pearman  as  St.  Leon, 
Madame  Feron  as  Louison.  Also  the  third  act  of  the  Italian 
opera  of  "  Otello,"  with  Pearman  as  Otello,  and  Madame  Feron 
as  Desdemona. 

Jan.  15th.  A  great  cast  of  the  "  Merry  Wives  of  Windsor  " 
was  presented  for  Pearman's  benefit — Wallack  as  Ford,  Pear- 
man as  Fenton,  Hilson  as  Falstaff,  Placide  as  Cams,  Madame 
Feron  as  Mrs.  Ford,  Mrs.  Hackett  as  Mrs.  Page,  and  Mrs. 
Pearman  as  Anne  Page,  introducing  a  variety  of  music. 

Fanny  Wright's  tragedy  of  "  Altorf "  was  revived  on  the  22d, 
but  met  with  no  success.  Barry  personated  Altorf ;  Hilson, 
Erlach  ;  Simpson,  De  Rheinthal ;  and  Mrs.  Hilson,  Giovanna. 

Miss  Rock  commenced  an  engagement  on  the  26th  as  Rosa- 
lind and  Miss  Jenny  Transit,  but  theatricals  had  become  dull, 
and  performances  were  soon  suspended  for  the  purpose  of 
giving  several  grand  masquerade  balls,  which,  from  their 
novelty,  were  found  very  attractive. 

Feb.  14th.  A  melo-drama,  called  the  "  Bottle  Imp,"  was 
first  played  as  follows  : 

Bottle  Imp    ....    Mr.  Barry.  Waldeck   ....    Mr.  Horton. 

Albert  ......     "   Woodhull.  Marcella   ....    Mrs.  Sharpe. 

Wilikind  "   Barnes.  Lucretia    ....     "  Hackett. 

Nicolo  "   Richings.  Philippa   ....     "  Wallack. 

Also,  the  favorite  farce  of  the  "  Green-Eyed  Monster,"  thus 
cast  : 

Baron  Speyenhausen    .    Mr.  Barnes.  j     Baroness   ....    Mrs.  Sharpe. 

Col. Arnsdorf     ..."   Barry.  Amelia  "  Wallace. 

Marcus  "   Richings.  Louise  "  Hilson. 

Krout  "  Hilson. 

The  beautiful  petite  drama,  written  by  C.  Shannon,  and  en- 
titled the  "Youthful  Queen,"  was  first  played  here  on  the 
19th,  with  the  annexed  cast: 

Count  D'Oxenstern  .    .    Mr.  Hilson.  Christine  ....    Mrs.  Hilson. 

Steinburg  "   Simpson.    ,  Emma  "  Sharpe. 

Fred'k  Bury  ....     "   Barry.      '  | 

Miles.  Celeste  and  Constance  were  next  engaged,  and  on  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


597 


23d,  a  drama  called  the  "  Foulah  Slave"  was  brought  out,  with 
the  following  cast : 

Cato  Mr.  Barry.  i     Emily  .'  .    .    .    .    Mrs.  Sharpe. 

Old  Worthy  ....     "    Horton.  Orra  "  Hilson. 

Capt.  Worthy     ..."  Woodhull. 

On  the  2d  of  March,  Horn  and  Mrs.  Austin  commenced  a 
new  engagement  in  "  John  of  Paris." 

Planche's  excellent  drama  called  "  King  Charles  XII."  was 
first  played  on  the  9th,  with  a  cast  never  since  surpassed  in 
merit,  and  was,  of  course,  triumphantly  successful : 

Charles  Mr.  Plaoide.  Adam  Brock  .    .    .    Mr.  Hilson. 

Maj.  Vanberg    ..."   Barry.  Muddlewerk  ..."  Barnes. 

Col.  Reischell     ..."   Richings.  Ulrica  Mrs.  Sharpe. 

Gustavus  "   Woodhull.  Eudiga    ....     "  Hilson. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hilson's  and  Placicle's  parts  fitted  them  exactly, 
and  their  excellence  drew  enthusiastic  applause. 

Celeste  took  one  of  her  numerous  farewell  benefits  on  the 
13th,  appearing  as  the  Dumb  Girl  of  Genoa. 

Madame  Feron  was  again  added  to  the  opera  troupe,  and 
appeared  on  the  24th  as  Susanna;  and  on  the  25th  the  bloom- 
ing Miss  George  made  her  first  appearance  as  Cherubino,  and 
as  Vincent,  in  "  John  of  Paris." 

The  "  Duenna "  was  performed  on  the  27th,  with  Horn  as 
Ferdinand ;  Miss  George,  Carlos  ;  Mrs.  Austin,  Louisa  ;  and 
Madame  Feron,  Clara.  Mrs.  Austin's  benefit,  on  the  30th, 
produced  "Native  Land,"  and  "Brother  and  Sister,"  with 
Horn  and  Mrs.  Austin  as  before,  Madame  Feron  as  Clymante, 
and  Miss  George,  Isadora.  Madame  Feron  again  produced 
the  "  Merry  Wives  "  on  the  31st,  assisted  by  Horn  as  Fenton, 
and  Mrs.  Austin  as  Mrs.  Page.  Madame  Feron  also  gave  a 
charming  representation  of  Caroline,  in  the  "  Prize." 

April  2d.  Miss  George,  for  her  benefit,  gave  the  "  Marriage 
of  Figaro,"  and  brought  out  the  old  romance  of  "  Blue  Beard," 
with  Horn  as  Selim,  Mrs.  Austin  as  Fatima,  and  the  fair  bene- 
ficiary as  Beda.  These  were  glorious  times  for  the  lovers  of 
old-fashioned  melody. 

April  3d.  Mr.  Wallack  commenced  a  new  engagement,  as 
Rienzi. 

Mr.  John  T.  Norton,  a  very  superior  performer  on  the 
trumpet,  had  become  a  great  favorite  at  this  Theatre,  and 


598 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mador  Mr.  Riohings. 

Eva  Mrs.  Barnes. 


took  a  benefit  on  the  4th,  with  the  aid  of  all  the  prominent 
vocalists  before  mentioned. 

Mrs.  Barnes  re-appeared  on  the  8th,  as  Cora,  in  the  "  Virgin 
of  the  Sun." 

For  Mrs.  Henry  Wallack's  benefit,  on  the  9th,  her  husband 
appeared  as  Kilmallock,  in  the  "Mountaineers,"  with  James 
Wallack  as  Octavian. 

April  11th.  A  farce  called  the  "Scapegrace"  was  thus 
produced : 

Col.  Aubrey  ....    Mr.  Richings.  i     Charles  DarliDgton  .    Mrs.  Hilson. 

Bustle  "   Povey.  Mrs.  Aubrey  ..."  Wallaok. 

I     Tucker     ....     "  Wheatley. 

April  13th.  For  .Mr.  Wallack's  benefit,  "Julius  Csesar" 
was  performed,  with  Mr.  Hamblin  as  Antony,  J.  Wallack  as 
Brutus,  and  his  brother  as  Cassius. 

April  15th.  A  tragedy,  called  ".  Caswallon,"  by  Walker, 
acted  at  Drury  Lane,  in  January,  was  first  played : 

Caswallon     ....    Mr.  Barry. 

Mortimer  "  Woodhull. 

Fitz  Edward  ....     "  Simpson. 

Master  Sam.  Cowell,  a  son  of  the  favorite  comedian,  first 
appeared  in  New  York  on  the  21st,  in  his  father's  great  part 
of  Crack.  He  afterward  resided  in  Great  Britain,  and  became 
a  valuable  comic  actor,  well  known  in  London  and  Edin- 
burgh. After  thirty  years'  absence,  he  re-appeared  in  New 
York  in  the  fall  of  1859,  in  a  series  of  comic  drawing-room 
concerts,  and  after  a  prosperous  American  tour,  returned  to 
England,  where  he  died  March  11th,  1864,  aged  nearly  44, 
having  been  born  April  5th,  1820. 

Charles  Robert  Thorne,  son  of  a  respectable  citizen  of  New 
York,  and  since  widely  known  as  an  actor  and  manager,  made 
his  stage  debut  on  the  23d,  as  Octavian,  being  simply  an- 
nounced as  "  a  young  gentleman."  On  the  28th,  he  appeared 
as  Pierre,  and  on  the  30th,  for  his  benefit,  as  Bertram,  with 
the  able  support  of  Mrs.  Barnes  in  the  female  characters,  and 
to  her  kindness  he  was  indebted  for  much  of  his  transient 
success.  With  a  good  face  and  person,  and  considerable 
previous  drilling,  he  managed  to  secure  the  attention  of 
the  audience,  and,  soon  after  transferring  himself  to  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


599 


Chatham  and  Bowery  Theatres,  he  acquired  considerable 
favor  among  a  lower  class  of  playgoers  in  a  lower  range 
of  parts. 

As  manager,  he  has  had,  at  various  times,  control  of 
several  minor  theatres  in  the  city,  in  some  of  which  he 
catered  most  successfully  for  that  kind  of  dramatic  appetite 
which  is  best  pleased  with  coarse,  high-seasoned  fare,  aided 
materially  by  the  great  energy  and  industry  of  his  wife,  for- 
merly Mrs.  French,  and  originally  Miss  Mestayer  whom  he 
married  in  1831.  Their  tours  in  California  and  Australia 
have  been  eminently  prosperous. 

April  29th.  Miss  Kelly  commenced  a  new  engagement  as 
Mrs.  Oakley,  and  Marian  Ramsay. 

Mrs.  Barnes,  for  her  benefit  on  the  4th  of  May,  personated 
the  character  of  Horatia,  in  the  "  Roman  Father,"  and,  also, 
for  the  first  time,  Victoire,  in  the  "  Invincibles." 

Wallack  was  re-engaged,  and  opened  on  the  6th  as  Benedick, 
supported  by  Miss  Kelly. 

Clara  Fisher  came  back  on  the  18th,  and  appeared  as  Helen 
Worrett,  and  the  Four  Mowbrays. 

On  the  22d,  the  musical  comedy  called  "  Home,  Sweet 
Home !  or  the  Ranz  de  Vache,"  was  produced  with  great  suc- 
cess, thus  cast : 

Capt.  Laroche    .    .    .    Mr.  Hilson.  Natz  Mr.  Barnes. 

Col.  Laroche  ....     "   Barry.  Bronze  "    T.  Flacide. 

Edward  "   Richings.  Florine     ....    Mrs.  Wallace. 

Valcour  "   Simpson.  Lissette    ....     "  Sharpe. 

Madame  GermanceS Miss  Clara  Fisher. 

Miss  Clara  warbled  the  melodies  in  this  pleasant  little  piece 
most  chaimingly,  and  the  spirit  and  archness  she  threw  in 
her  respective  characters  placed  them  among  her  most  fa- 
vorite and  attractive  personations. 

Mr.  Wallack's  farewell  benefit  and  last  appearance,  previous 
to  his  return  to  Europe,  occurred  on  the  29th,  when  he  ap- 
peared, in  the  "  Iron  Chest,"  as  Sir  Edward  Mortimer,  with 
Clara  Fisher  as  Wilford,  Miss  Kelly  as  Blanche,  and  Mrs. 
Austin  as  Barbara. 

June  1st.  For  Miss  Clara  Fisher's  benefit,  her  sister,  Mrs. 
Vernon,  appeared  for  that  night  only,  and  for  the  first  time  on 


600 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


the  Park  boards,  as  Rosantha,  in  "  Brother  and  Sister,"  and 
Rose,  in  "  Is  He  Jealous  ?" 

June  3d.  Mr.  Barnes  produced  a  farce  called  "  My  Wife, 
what  Wife  ?"  thus  cast : 

Capt.  Tempest    .    .    .    Mr.  Barnes.  j     Blunt  Mr.  Placide. 

Hector  "    Simpson.  Lady  Longpurse     .    Mrs.  Wheatley. 

Simon  Pym   ....     "   Hilson.  Louisa  "  Wallace. 

June  13th.  Miss  Cramer,  late  of  the  Bowery  Theatre,  had 
a  benefit,  when  Mr.  Plumer,  whom  she  afterward  married, 
made  his  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  the  Seraskier.  He 
was  quite  a  favorite  vocalist  for  several  years,  and  finally 
became  a  prominent  member  of  an  Ethiopian  minstrel  com- 
pany. Miss  Cramer,  on  this  occasion,  personated  Lilla,  and 
Paul,  in  "  Paul  and  Virginia."  The  farce  of  "  Gretna  Green" 
was  produced  about  this  time,  and  created  great  amusement, 
with  the  following  cast : 

Jenkins  Mr.  Placide.  Larder  Mr.  Richings. 

Lord  Lovell  ....     "   T.  Placide.  Emily  Mrs.  Godey. 

Tompkins     ....     "    Horton.  I     Betty  Finikin      .    .    Miss  C.  Fisher. 

Mrs.  Austin,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pearman  and  Mr.  Comer,  again 
went  through  a  series  of  operatic  performances.  "  Peter 
Bell"  was  produced  on  the  4th  of  July,  with  Hilson  as  Peter, 
Barry  as  Felix  Durand,  Richings  as  Arnold,  Placide  as  Mar- 
tin, and  Mrs.  Hilson,  Catharine. 

An  Indian  drama,  called  the  "  Manhattoes,"  was  also  played 
the  same  night,  thus : 

Omala  Mr.  Barry.  Eugene     ....    Mr.  Richings. 

Ned  Scupper ....     "   Hilson.  Fanny  Mrs.  Sharpe. 

Tim  Malaga  ....     "   Barnes.  Orilla  Mrs.  Hilson. 

Mr.  Hamblin  now  appeared  several  times,  in  conjunction 
with  a  troupe  of  French  dancers.  Jerrold's  melo-drama  of 
"Ambrose  Gwinett"  was  first  played  here  on  the  21st,  with 
Barry  as  Ambrose,  Hilson  as  Ned  Grayling-,  (a  most  excellent 
performance)  Barnes  as  Gilbert,  Placide  as  Label,  and  Mrs. 
Hilson,  Lucy  Fairlove. 

July  22d.  The  opera  of  "Tancredi"  was  revived,  with 
Madame  Brichta  as  Tancredi,  Sig.  Ferri  as  Argivio,  Angrisani 
as  Orbizzano,  and  Madame  Feron  as  Amenaide. 

Mons.  and  Mme.  RoDzi  Vestris,  Mons.  and  Mme.  Achille, 
Miles.  Heloise,  Ravenot,  &c.,;  also  appeared  in  a  divertisement 
of  dancing,  and  the  entertainment  was  repeated  several  even- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


601 


ings.  Madame  Brichta  possessed  a  fine  contra-alto  voice,  and 
was  an  excellent  musician.  She  had  shortly  before  appeared 
at  the  Bowery,  and  continued  a  favorite  vocalist  for  several 
years,  especially  in  the  concert-room. 

July  25th.  The  burletta  of  "  Bombastes  Furioso"  was  thus 
performed : 


These  children  evinced  considerable  dramatic  ability,  and 
on  the  5th  of  August  took  a  benefit,  when  their  father  ap- 
peared as  Tyke;  and  the  "Review''  was  performed  by  the 
beneficiaries,  the  Misses  Wheatley  and  the  Misses  Parker,  all 
children. 

July  29th.  A  Mr.  Willmarth  made  his  debut  on  the  stage 
as  Octavian. 

Mr.  J.  H.  Clarke,  who  had  long  been  an  invalid  unable  to 
follow  his  profession,  was  sufficiently  recovered  to  announce 
a  benefit  on  the  30th,  when  he  re-appeared  as  Lieut.  Worth- 
ington,  and  Messrs.  Roberts  and  Stanley  volunteered  their 
aid.  His  daughters,  Fanny  (since  Mrs.  W.  Isherwood)  and 
Constantia,  (afterward  the  talented  Olympic  pet)  made  their 
infantile  debuts  on  this  occasion  as  Florio  and  Julio,  in  the 
"  Hunter  of  the  Alps/'  They  will  hereafter  be  more  particu- 
larly noticed. 

Aug.  4th.  Mr.  Pelby  made  his  first  appearance  this  season 
as  Charles  de  Moor,  and  on  the  6th,  Mrs.  Pelby  appeared  as 
Eugenia,  in  the  "  Foundling  of  the  Forest." 

Aug.  11th.  A  play  called  "Almachilde,  or  the  Lombards" 
was  first  produced,  when  Mr.  Southwell,  from  the  Bowery, 
appeared  as  Almachilde,  Woodhull  as  Longinus,  Richings  as 
Albornus,  Mrs.  Hughes,  from  the  Bowery,  as  Rosamunda,  and 
Mrs.  Sharpe,  Theolinda.  We  do  not  remember  that  it  was 
ever  again  heard  of. 

The  season  terminated  on  the  17th  with  a  benefit  for  the 
widowed  Mrs.  Gilfert.  Miss  Rock,  Mme.  Achille,  Mile.  He- 
loise,  Mile.  Rosalie,  Mr.  G.  Barrett,  Mr.  Roberts,  Mr.  Holland, 
Mr.  Cowell,  Mons.  Achille,  Master  Cowell,  and  the  principal 


Gen.  Bombastes  . 
King  Artaxominies 
Fusbos  .... 
Distaffina  .    .  . 


Mast.  Mercer, 
M    J.  Mercer, 

Miss  Jane  Mercer, 
"     M.  Mercer, 


aged  13. 


9. 
6. 
7. 


76 


602 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


members  of  the  stock  company,  gave  their  gratuitous  ser- 
vices. 

Immediately  after,  the  house  was  occupied  by  a  French 
company  from  New  Orleans. 

The  new  Bowery  Theatre  was  erected  and  ready  for  open- 
ing in  less  than  ninety  days  from  the  destruction  of  the  pre- 
vious edifice.  Its  front,  covered  with  a  white  stucco,  was  of 
the  Doric  order,  displaying  a  colonnade  of  six  columns  sup- 
porting an  entablature  and  pediment,  with  a  large  portico, 
reached  by  a  flight  of  seven  marble  steps.  In  its  interior, 
as  well  as  exterior,  it  greatly  surpassed  the  former  building 
in  grandeur,  elegance  and  taste.  The  ground  of  the  boxes 
was  of  a  pale  blue,  bordered  with  white  and  embossed  with 
golden  ornaments,  and  the  upholstery  was  of  crimson  damask. 
The  drop-curtain  was  superseded  by  a  superb  damask  drapery 
fringed  with  gold,  which,  dividing  in  the  center,  was  drawn 
apart  by  silken  cords,  and  gathered  in  graceful  festoons  to 
the  arch  of  the  proscenium.  This  curtain,  the  first  of  its  kind 
used  in  America,  was  recommended  by  Mr.  Serra,  the  archi- 
tect, and  its  introduction  was  greatly  approved. 

The  stage,  eighty-four  feet  in  depth,  in  point  of  convenient 
arrangement  and  general  excellence  of  material  and  work, 
had  no  equal  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic.  The  contractor 
and  builder  was  Mr.  Seth  Geer,  well  known  as  a  superior  me- 
chanic. The  management  continued  in  the  hands  of  Mr. 
Gilfert.  A  numerous  audience  assembled  to  greet  the  open- 
ing of  this  most  sumptuous  temple  of  the  Muses  on  the  even- 
ing of  Wednesday,  August  20th,  1828. 

On  the  rising  of  the  curtain,  Mr.  Forrest  delivered  the  fol- 
lowing address,  written  by  William  Leggett,  who  received  a 
silver  cup  as  the  prize  for  the  best  poem  appropriate  to  the 
occasion : 

"  Behold  the  scene  where  late  with  crackling  rage, 
Wide  sheets  of  fire  enwrapt  the  burning  stage  ! 
Where  cloud  on  cloud,  revolving  flames  rose  high, 
In  flickering  volumes  through  the  glowing  sky ; 
And  blazing  fragments'  of  the  ruin  driven, 
Like  meteors  flashed  along  the  vault  of  heaven  ! 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


While  startled  thousands,  gathered  by  the  light 
That  mocked  the  day,  and  staid  approaching  night, 
Thronged  round  the  spot,  in  pallid  silence  gazed 
On  the  proud  dome  where  red  destruction  blazed  ; 
Saw  the  bright  havoc  wide  and  wider  swell, 
And  sighed,  as  Shakspeare's  classic  structure  fell ! 

'  It  seems  but  yesterday  the  blackened  wall 
And  scathed  column  marked  our  temple's  fall ; 
Lone  relics  left,  in  ruined  beauty  stood, 
While  all  around  was  waste  and  solitude  ! 
Now — this  fair  shrine,  more  stately  than  the  last, 
Reared  from  the  smoldering  ashes  of  the  past, 
(Like  Theseus'  son,  who  from  his  early  tomb 
Sprung  back  to  life  in  renovated  bloom) 
In  finished  beauty  meets  th'  astonished  gaze, 
And  soars  as  proudly  as  in  former  days  ; 
While  fashion,  taste,  gay  youth,  and  thoughtful  age 
In  smiling  circles  gather  round  the  Stage  ! 

1  The  Stage ! — a  mimic  world  by  fancy  drest 
In  varied  charms,  that  thrill  the  polished  breast ; 
Where  Painting,  Poesy,  and  Music  roll 
Their  blended  influence  o'er  the  vanquished  soul ; 
And  bright-eyed  Eloquence  uplifts  his  voice 
To  bid  the  guilty  quake,  the  good  rejoice ! 
Here  Genius  reigns  with  necromantic  power. 
And  lends  strange  witchery  to  the  evening  hour  ; 
He  waves  his  wand — and  glittering  phantoms  pass 
Like  spectre  kings  in  Banquo's  prescient  glass  ; 
Each,  in  its  turn,  impressing  on  the  heart 
Some  useful  lesson,  with  persuasive  art. 
Around  his  throne  the  thronging  Muses  stand. 
And  light-winged  Fiction  soars  at  his  command  ; 
Grave  History  bends,  with  dust  of  ages  spread, 
And  reads  the  secrets  of  the  moldering  dead  ; 
The  dark-browed  maid  her  gleaming  dagger  rears, 
Now  fires  the  soul  with  rage — now  melts  to  tears  ; 
While  gay  Thalia  tries  her  sportive  wiles, 
Lulls  Care  to  rest,  and  lights  the  cheek  with  smiles. 

1  Since  first  in  Athens  dawned  the  Drama's  day, 
All  climes  and  ages  have  confessed  its  sway. 
There  are  who,  shrouded  in  Cimmerian  night, 


604 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Deride  its  power  and  turn  them  from  the  light ; 
Whose  bigot  hearts,  too  cold  to  feel,  refuse 
All  moral  beauty  to  the  Tragic  Muse  ; 
And  censure  smiles  that  owe  their  dimpled  birth 
To  her  bright  sister's  feats  of  frolic  mirth  : 
But  Wisdom's  sons  revere  the  scenic  page. 
And  own  its  influence,  pictured  from  the  Stage  ; 
Here  learn  to  hate  delusive  Error's  face, 
And  shun  the  windings  of  her  devious  race  ; 
Feel,  as  they  gaze,  what  suffering  Virtue  felt : 
Glow  at  her  triumphs,  at  her  sufferings  melt ; 
'Till,  warmed  and  chastened  by  the  Drama's  fire, 
They  nobly  strive  to  be  what  they  admire. 

"  May  this  proud  fane,  by  Art's  creative  hand 
Reared  from  the  dust,  as  by  Enchantment's  wand, 
Still  know  the  bounty  that  was  wont  to  cheer 
The  mimic  hero  in  his  efforts  here  ; 
May  radiant  Wit  assert  the  cause  of  Truth, 
Teach  vicious  Age,  and  guide  the  steps  of  Youth  ; 
While  playful  Satire  hurls  a  harmless  dart 
At  Folly's  plumage — not  at  Merit's  heart. 
Thus  shall  the  Drama  please  and  mend  the  age, 
And  Virtue's  voice  applaud  the  moral  Stage." 

The  comedy  of  the  "  Dramatist "  followed,  with  George 
Barrett  as  Vapid,  Kilner  as  Lord  Scratch,  Henry  Wallack  as 
Floriville,  W.  Chapman  as  Ennui,  Mrs.  May  wood  as  Lady 
Waitfort,  and  Mrs.  G.  Barrett  as  Marianne.  Herr  Cline  next 
gave  his  graceful  evolutions  on  the  Elastic  Corde.  A  second 
prize  poem,  written  by  Prosper  M.  Wetmore,  was  then  recited 
by  Miss  Rock,  and,  like  the  former,  was  received  with  rap- 
turous applause : 

"  As  pilgrim  wanderers  from  a  far-off  shore 
Blissfully  tread  their  native  soil  once  more, 
And  while  they  gaze  with  rapture-beaming  eyes 
On  each  loved  scene — the  hills,  the  vales,  the  skies — 
Forget  all  perils  of  the  way-worn  past, 
In  joy  to  meet  long-cherished  friends  at  last : 
Thus,  cheered  by  hope,  the  Drama's  votaries  come — 
Your  smile  the  sun  that  lights  them  to  their  home. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


"  Fond  Memory,  cease  thy  soul-subduing  power. 
Nor  e'er  recall  the  horrors  of  that  hour 
When  the  hot  breath  of  the  red  whirlwind  came. 
And  Desolation  fanned  the  crackling  flame. 
Lo !  where  the  appalling  vision  starts  to  view  ! 
Destruction  glares  through  clouds  of  lurid  hue — 
Fell  Havoc  hovers  o'er  the  tottering  walls — 
Hope  shrieking  flies — the  mighty  fabric  falls ! 
Where  towered  its  pride  a  smoldering  ruin  lies — 
The  enchanter  speaks ! — behold,  new  splendors  rise  ! 
Perish,  remembrance  of  that  fearful  night, 
Before  this  scene  of  loveliness  and  light. 

Immortal  Bard !  whose  life-reflecting  page, 
Undimmed  by  time,  descends  from  age  to  age, 
To  thee  is  dedicate  the  Drama's  shrine  ; 
Taste  rears  its  dome — the  pedestal  is  thine. 
Within  this  temple,  votive  to  thy  fame, 
Genius  shall  kindle  at  thy  muse's  flame  ; 
And  the  warm  incense  of  the  heart  shall  rise 
To  Nature's  minstrel,  feeling's  sacrifice. 

"  O'er  the  glad  scene,  when  Genius  sheds  his  light, 
A  god-like  radiance  gilds  the  mental  sight ; 
Imperial  Mind  high  adoration  pays, 
And  lights  her  fires  at  his  meridian  blaze. 
Within  the  Drama's  courts  he  scatters  gems 
More  rich  than  sparkle  in  earth's  diadems  : 
Waked  from  her  golden  dreams  in  sun-lit  bower, 
Where  thoughts  elysian  wreathe  the  captive  hour. 
On  new-fledged  pinions  borne  through  realms  of  light, 
Imagination  soars  her  eagle  flight ; 
While  Genius  leads — earth,  sea,  and  world-strewn  sky 
Unveil  their  mysteries  to  the  ardent  eye, 
And  Fancy's  bright  creations  start  to  life 
With  all  the  attributes  of  nature  rife. 

"  Let  shadowy  forms  in  fantasy  be  shown — 
Rapt  Fancy  build  an  empire  of  thine  own  ! 
Where  yonder  gay  and  sylvan  scene  unfolds 
A  fairy  court  its  mimic  revel  holds  ; 
Amid  the  mazes  of  the  umbrageous  grove, 
Joyous  or  sad,  the  air-wrought  visions  rove  ; 
Throned  in  a  bower  of  blushing  roses  twined. 
Whose  fragrant  odors  fill  the  summer  wind, 


606 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Queen  of  the  mystic  rites,  fair  Taste  appears, 

Her  flower- wreathed  sceptre  gemmed  with  dewy  tears. 

What  sounds  melodious  on  the  zephyr  swell  ? 

Tis  Music,  breathing  o'er  her  sweetest  shell ! 

Apollo's  train  flits  through  the  viewless  space, 

And  Genius  paints  the  eloquence  of  face  : 

Child  of  Italia's  sunny  skies,  'tis  thine 

To  thrill  the  breast  with  harmony  divine  ; 

And  see,  where  glides,  to  Music's  rapturous  measure, 

The  nymph  of  graceful  step  and  soul  of  pleasure  : 

Thalia's  glance  its  pensive  lustre  darts, 

With  smiles  to  soothe,  or  tears  to  sadden  hearts. 

Pale,  wan  and  desolate,  the  Tragic  Muse 

Stalks  darkly  by  ;  her  glistening  eyes  diffuse 

A  melancholy  sadness  round, — 'tis  past — 

That  piercing  shriek  !    Despair  hath  sighed  its  last ! 

The  veil  of  Fancy  drawn,  her  dreams  depart — 

The  spell  is  gone  she  flung  around  the  heart : 

Reality  appears  ! — in  all  the  light 

Of  truth,  it  bursts  upon  the  gladdened  sight. 

"  To  shed  sweet  fragrance  o'er  life's  weary  hours, 
The  Drama  comes  to  strew  her  choicest  flowers  ; 
She  brings  her  treasures  to  your  fostering  care, 
Nor  doubts  the  sunshine  of  your  smiles  to  share  ; 
Her  cherished  home  in  Feeling's  breast  she  rears, 
Basks  in  its  smiles,  and  doats  upon  its  tears  : 
Truth's  laws  shall  rule  the  fictions  of  the  Stage  ; 
Her  themes  can  ne'er  offend  a  moral  age  : 
Life's  varied  scenes  this  mirror  shall  reflect, 
When  Taste  prescribes  the  feast  of  intellect !" 

The  farce  of  "  Is  it  a  Lie  ?"  was  then  performed  by  George 
Barrett,  W.  Chapman,  Forbes,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Vernon,  and  Miss 
Amelia  Fisher ;  and  a  grand  pas  de  trois,  by  Monsieur  Bar- 
biere,  Madame  Labasse,  and  Mile.  Rosalie,  terminated  the 
evening's  entertainments. 

On  the  22d,  Mr.  Forrest  gave  his  initial  performance  in  the 
character  of  Damon;  and  on  the  23d,  Mrs.  Gilfert  appeared  in 
her  elegant  personation  of  Lady  Teazle. 

On  the  30th,  Monsieur  and  Madame  Charles  Ronzi  Vestris 
made  their  first  appearance  in  America  in  a  variety  of  dancing. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


607 


The  European  fame  of  these  artists  had  preceded  them,  and 
their  performances  fully  satisfied  anticipation,  and  entirely 
eclipsed  all  contemporary  competition.  The  gentleman  has 
never  since  been  excelled,  while  the  lady  has  alone  been 
equaled  in  general  estimation  by  Mile.  Fanny  Ellsler. 
Faultless  in  form,  and  nearly  so  in  feature,  her  movements 
were  compared  to  the  swell  and  fall  of  the  summer  sea,  the 
waving  grace  of  the  ripening  meadow,  the  sweep  of  the  wil- 
low's branch,  the  skimming  of  a  bird  in  air,  or  aught  that 
could  convey  the  most  delicate  and  fanciful  idea  of  the  very 
"  poetry  of  motion."  She  had  perfect  confidence  in  her  own 
powers,  was  bold,  daring  and  successful,  and  possessed  a 
fascinating  charm  of  manner  that  almost  redeemed  the 
French  school  of  dancing  from  the  just  imputation  of 
gross  immodesty.  Madame  Vestris,  originally  Caroline 
Marie  Ronzi,  was  born  at  Rome,  March  1st,  1802,  and 
we  have  never  heard  of  her  death. 

Sept.  1st.  The  farce  of  "Wool  Gathering"  was  first 
played : 

Pickleton  Mr.  Vebnon.  I     Mrs.  Pickleton    .    .    Mrs.  Maywood. 

Wander  "   6.  Baerett.  Harriet     ....     "6.  Barbett. 

Hector  Mango    .    .    .     "   W.  Fobbest.  Clarissa    ....     M  Fobbes. 

Sept.  loth.  Mr.  John  Jones  first  appeared  in  New  York  as 
Prince  Orlando,  in  the  "  Cabinet,"  supported  by  Mrs.  Knight 
(her  first  appearance)  as  Isadora. 

Mr.  J  ones  was  insignificant  in  person,  and  a  most  indifferent 
actor,  but,  as  a  vocalist,  he  finally  worked  his  way  to  high 
popularity  on  the  stage  of  the  Park  Theatre,  where  for 
several  years  he  held  the  post  of  "first  tenor,"  to  the 
entire  satisfaction  of  the  audience.  He  reached  the  meri- 
dian of  his  fame  in  his  performance  of  the  Prince,  in 
"  Cinderella,"  in  the  fall  of  1831,  being  its  original  repre- 
sentative in  America.  He  left  the  Park  in  1835,  and  vis- 
ited Europe,  but,  on  his  return,  was  unable  to  regain  his 
former  standing  with  the  public.  Except  as  an  occasional 
performer,  he  retired  from  the  stage  about  1844.  Mr.  Jones 
was  born  in  London  in  1796,  and  first  appeared  there  in  1816. 
He  died  in  New  York,  November  2d,  1861. 


608 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


A  Mrs.  Barnes,  of  the  Boston  Theatre,  long  known  there  as 
an  excellent  actress  of  chambermaids  and  old  women,  first 
appeared  in  New  York  on  the  16th,  as  Mrs.  Hardcasile. 

Mr.  Henry  Hunt  and  Miss  Sophia  Phillips,  two  new  vocal 
candidates  for  public  favor,  made  their  debut  on  the  22d  as 
Aurelio  and  Clymante,  in  "  Native  Land,"  and  were  well  re- 
ceived. Miss  Phillips  was,  we  believe,  a  Jewess;  and  her 
sparkling  black  eyes,  as  well  as  her  melodious  voice,  aided 
her  in  securing  a  triumphant  success.  In  1834,  she  made  us 
a  second  visit,  and  sang  at  the  Park  Theatre,  where  she  last 
appeared  on  the  stage,  as  Susanna,  June  29th,  1835.  She 
married,  on  her  retirement,  a  gentleman  of  the  same  name. 

Mr.  Hunt  possessed  a  noble  person  for  the  stage,  and  was 
extolled  as  being  superior  to  all  competitors,  Mr.  Horn  alone 
excepted.  He  was  for  a  while  popular,  but  on  returning  to 
New  York  in  1842,  after  a  protracted  absence,  had  greatly 
fallen  off  in  merit,  and  finally  sunk  to  the  grade  of  a  mere 
supernumerary.  He  married  Miss  Louisa  Lane,  and  died  in 
New  York,  February  11th,  1854,  aged  60.  His  debut  in  Lon- 
don was  made  at  Covent  Garden,  February  4th,  1819,  as 
Macheath. 

The  farce  called  "  A  Daughter  to  Marry  "  was  brought  out 
on  the  23d,  with  George  Barrett  as  Frank  Vivid,  Read  as 
Dobbs,  W.  Chapman  as  Sam,  Mrs.  Maywood  as  Mrs.  Dobbs,  and 
Mrs.  G.  Barrett  as  Mary. 

Miss  Cramer  made  her  first  appearance  in  America  on  the 
30th,  as  Giovanni  in  London,  with  tolerable  success.  She  af- 
terward played  Letitia  Hardy,  Harriet  Arlington,  Caroline, 
in  the  "Prize,"  &c,  and  was  a  very  creditable  actress  and 
singer.    She  became  the  wife  of  Mr.  Plumer. 

Mr.  William  Chapman,  senior,  the  father  of  Miss  Caroline 
Chapman,  and  of  William  B.,  Samuel,  and  George  Chapman, 
an  actor  favorably  known  at  Covent  Garden  Theatre  as  early 
as  1804,  and  previously  distinguished  in  the  British  provinces, 
made  his  American  debut  on  the  2d  of  October,  as  Iago.  His 
forte  was  serious  and  sentimental  old  men,  though  he  was 
capable  of  infusing  life  and  spirit  into  those  of  a  more  hu- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


609 


morous  cast,  and  for  a  season  he  performed  such  characters 
with  success  at  the  Park  Theatre.  He  afterward  went  with 
his  family  to  the  West,  where  the  first  floating  theatres  on 
the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  Rivers  were  erected  under  his  di- 
rection, and  where  for  several  years  he  pursued  a  successful 
course  of  aquatic  management.  He  died  at  Cincinnati  about 
the  year  1840,  at  an  advanced  age. 

After  a  series  of  operatic  performances,  and  the  termination 
of  Mr.  Forrest's  engagement,  Mr.  Booth  was  added  to  the  com- 
pany, and  made  his  first  appearance  on  the  loth  October,  as 
Richard  III.  He  played  Iago  to  Forrest's  Othello,  on  the  16th, 
and  took  his  benefit  on  the  17th  as  Othello,  to  Forrest's  Iago, 
with  the  aid  of  Mrs.  Drake  as  Emilia. 

A  ballet,  founded  on  the  "Marriage  of  Figaro,"  and  en- 
titled "  Le  Page  Inconstant,"  was  produced  with  success  on 
the  23d,  thus  cast : 


It  was  frequently  repeated. 

Mr.  Booth  renewed  his  engagement,  and  appeared  as  Sir 
Giles  Overreach  on  the  3d  of  November,  and  the  valuable  aid  of 
Mrs.  Walstein  was  secured  for  the  representation  of  old  women. 

Mr.  H.  Wallack  took  his  benefit  on  the  24th,  when  his  bro- 
ther James  first  appeared  on  this  stage  as  Rolla,  and  Dick 
Dashall.    Mrs.  H.  Wallack  also  appeared  as  Cora. 

Miss  Clara  Fisher  volunteered  for  her  brother  John's  benefit 
on  the  27th,  and  appeared  as  Letitia  Hardy,  Louisa,  in  the 
"  Dead  Shot,"  and  Theodore,  in  the  u  Two  Pages." 

On  the  28th,  a  drama  by  William  Dunlap,  the  veteran 
American  author,  on  the  plan  of  "  Paris  and  London,"  and 
written  for  the  purpose  of  displaying  a  moving  panorama  of 
the  Hudson  River,  was  produced  with  great  success,  under  the 
title  of  a  "  Trip  to  Niagara,"  all  eD gaged  in  the  performance 
doing  the  best  to  insure  its  favorable  reception.  The  fol- 
lowing were  the  characters : 

Dennis  Doberty  .    .    .    Mr.  H.  Wallace.  JobJerryson  .    .    .    Mr.  Read. 

Wentworth    ....     "J.  Fisher.  ,     Amelia      ....    Mrs.  Huqhes. 

Bull  "   W.  B.  Chapman.  I     Nancy  ....        Miss  Amelia  Fibhir. 

Leatherstocking  ...     "  Foebes. 


Count  .  . 
Figaro  .  . 
Cherubin  . 


Mons.  Vestris. 

"  Achille. 
Mme.  Achille. 


Susanne 
Countess 
Fanchette 


Mme.  Vestris. 

"  Labasse. 
Mile.  Rosalie. 


77 


610 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


The  beautiful  scenery  of  the  Hudson,  as  exhibited  by  the 
skillful  pencil  of  Mr.  Jones,  commanded  universal  admiration, 
and  continued  to  be  introduced  long  after  the  play  itself 
ceased  to  attract. 

Mr.  Sloman,  with  his  budget  of  comic  ditties,  commenced 
an  engagement  on  the  1st  of  December. 

Mr.  W.  B.  Chapman  took  a  benefit  on  the  8th,  with  the 
tragedy  of  the  "  Apostate,"  when  Mr.  S.  Chapman  played  Pes- 
cara ;  Mr.  Greenwood,  Hemeya ;  and  Miss  Sarah  Chapman, 
Florinda  ;  their  first  appearance  in  New  York. 

Samuel  Chapman  was  born  in  London  in  1799,  and  first 
appeared  on  the  stage  as  a  child,  at  Covent  Garden.  In  1827, 
he  was  brought  out  by  Mr.  Wemyss  for  the  Chestnut  Street 
Theatre,  Philadelphia,  where  he  made  his  debut  with  success 
on  the  21st  October  in  that  year,  as  Pierre,  in  "  Venice  Pre- 
served," and  where  he  continued,  until  his  death,  a  favorite 
actor  in  leading  parts,  both  of  tragedy  and  comedy.  He  soon 
became  manager  of  the  Walnut  Street  Theatre,  and  in  1830, 
while  engaged  in  the  preparations  for  a  new  local  piece,  rode 
out  in  the  adjacent  country  for  the  purpose  of  sketching  the 
actual  scene  of  the  drama,  and  was,  unfortunately,  thrown 
from  his  horse,  dying  a  week  afterward  from  the  effects  of 
bruises  thus  received.  He  had  married,  less  than  a  year  pre- 
vious, Elizabeth,  daughter  of  the  comedian  Jefferson,  who 
afterward,  as  Mrs.  S.  Chapman  and  Mrs.  Richardson,  became 
a  great  favorite  in  New  York. 

Mr.  Greenwood  was,  we  believe,  one  of  the  Chapman  Bro- 
thers, who  for  a  while  assumed  that  name  theatrically. 

Miss  Sarah  Chapman's  talents  were  not  of  the  highest 
order,  but  as  Mrs.  Hamilton  she  is  well  known  as  a  useful 
actress,  and  was  at  intervals  at  Burton's  Theatre  and  Bar- 
num's,  as  lately  as  1852. 

Mr.  Forrest  took  his  farewell  benefit  for  the  season  on  the 
10th,  appearing  as  Octavian  and  Carwin,  Mrs.  Hamblin  com- 
mencing an  engagement  on  the  same  night,  as  Fioranthe  and 
Therese. 

Mrs.  Sloman  appeared  for  her  husband's  benefit  on  the  15th, 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


611 


as  Isabella ;  and  the  beautiful  drama  called  the  "  Two  Friends" 
was  produced  on  the  16th,  with  the  following  cast : 

Herbert  Mr.  H.  Wallack.  Elinor  Mrs.  Hughes. 

Ambrose  44   G.  Barrett.  Rose     ...  44  Vernon. 

Valentine  "  Read. 

The  "King  and  the  Deserter"  was  first  played  on  the  18th, 
as  follows : 

Frederick     .    .    .    .    Mr.  H.  Wallace.  De  Router ....    Mr.  Read. 

Adelbert  "   G.  Barrett.  Rosalie     ....    Miss  Amelia  Fisher. 

Moscoco  "   Stevenson.  Martha     ....    Mrs.  Walstein. 

The  "  Inch  Cape  Bell "  followed  on  the  25th,  thus  cast : 

Trevanly   Mr.  W.  Forrest.  Amelia     ....    Mrs.  Hughes. 

Guy  Ruthven     ...  "   G.Barrett.  Becky  "  Forbes. 

Hans  Hattuck    ...  44   Forbes.  Mrs.  Tapps    ..."  Walstein. 

Sampson  Sawdust  .    .  14   W.  B.  Chapman.  | 

Also,  a  farce  called  "  Brag's  a  good  Dog,"  with  G.  Barrett  as 
Brag',  Forbes  as  Holdfast,  John  Fisher  as  Thomas,  and  Amelia 
Fisher  as  Fanny. 

Mrs.  Hamblin  took  her  benefit  on  the  26th,  when  she 
rattled  through  the  part  of  Young-  Rapid,  and  recited  "  Belles, 
have  at  Ye  All!" 

Mrs.  Gilfert's  benefit  took  place  on  the  14th  of  January, 
after  which  the  establishment  remained  closed  until  the  21st 
of  February,  when  it  re-opened  with  the  "  Dramatist,"  the 
"  King  and  Deserter,"  and  the  Diorama  of  the  Hudson,  from 
the  "  Trip  to  Niagara."  Mr.  Scott  was  added  to  the  company, 
and  Mr.  Forrest  opened  on  the  25th  as  Damon. 

A  new  drama,  called  "  Roebuck,  or  Guilty  or  not  Guilty," 
was  produced  in  March,  with  Barrett  as  Lord  Melford,  W. 
Forrest  as  Sir  W.  Welling,  W.  B.  Chapman  as  Giles  Grizzle, 
Mrs.  G.  Bairett  as  Lady  Luton,  and  Mrs.  Hughes  as  Lady  Mel- 
ford. 

On  the  17th  of  March,  Mr.  Foot,  formerly  of  the  Park,  made 
his  first  appearance  here  as  Sir  Anthony  Absolute. 

In  April,  Monsieur  and  Madame  Vestris  were  on  the  boards, 
and  on  the  7th  of  the  month  a  new  piece,  called  the  "  False 
Accuser,"  was  produced  as  follows  : 

Lambert  Mr.  Scott.  Bernard     ....    Mr.  Forbes. 

Charles  44   G.Barrett.       I    Lissette  Miss  Amelia  Fisher. 

Edward  44    W.  Forrest.       |    Martoyne    ....    Mrs.  Walstein. 

On  the  20th,  a  fine  Italian  musical  entertainment  was 
given,  entitled  "  II  Trionfo  de  la  Music  a,"  (from  "  II  Fanatico 


612 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


per  la  Musica")  with  Mr.  Horn  as  Count  Carolina,  Signor 
Rosich  as  Don  Febeo,  Angrisani  as  Biseroma,  the  brilliant 
Madame  Feron  as  Aristea,  and  Madame  Brichta  (her  first  ap- 
pearance on  the  New  York  Stage)  as  Celestina.  It  was  re- 
peated five  or  six  times  with  great  applause. 

Mr.  Horn's  little  opera,  entitled  the  "  Quartette,"  was  brought 
out  on  Madame  Feron's  benefit  night,  the  lady  personating 
Madame  de  Luceval,  and  the  author,  Ernest. 

About  the  1st  of  May,  the  entertainments  were  again  sus- 
pended, and  were  not  resumed  until  the  4th  of  June,  when 
the  Theatre  re-opened  at  reduced  rates  of  admission,  and  with 
some  changes  in  the  company. 

The  opening  entertainments  were  "  Sweethearts  and 
Wives,"  an  Italian  duet  by  Madame  Feron  and  Signor 
Rosich,  and  the  petit  comedy  of  the  "Citizen,"  with  Miss 
Rock  as  Maria. 

June  5th.  Mr.  Henry  Southwell,  from  Philadelphia,  made 
his  New  York  debut  as  Romeo,  a  dashing  and  spirited  actor, 
well  calculated  to  make  a  favorable  impression  in  juvenile 
tragedy  and  melo-drama,  although  he  never  became  identified 
with  the  New  York  Stage.  He  came  from  London  in  1827, 
and  died  at  Antigua  in  1841. 

June  8th.  Hamblin  commenced  an  engagement  as  Vir- 
ginius. 

June  10th.  Mr.  George  Andrews  first  appeared  on  this 
stage  as  Luke  the  Laborer,  in  which  character  he  was  ad- 
mirable. 

June  16th.    The  "  Bear  Hunters  "  was  first  played : 

Estevaa  Mr.  Scott.  Muskito    ....    Mr.  Roberts. 

Caribert  .    .    .     "   G.  Barrett.  Aline  Mrs.  G.  Barrett. 

Claude  "  Stevenson. 

"Waverly"  was  also  brought  out  about  this  time,  with 
Scott  as  Evan  Dhu,  Southwell  as  Fergus  Mclvor,  Roberts  as 
Balmawhoppie,  and  Mrs.  G.  Barrett  as  Flora  Mclvor. 

Mr.  John  Jay  Adams  commenced  an  engagement  with  Wil- 
liam Tell,  on  the  6th  July,  and  took  his  benefit  as  Rolla,  on 
the  15  th. 

For  Mr.  George  Andrews'  benefit,  "  Ambrose  Gwinett "  was 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


618 


first  played  on  this  stage,  with  Southwell  as  Ambrose,  An- 
drews as  Ned  Grayling  (a  very  powerful  and  effective  per- 
formance), Roberts  as  Gilbert,  Bernard  as  Label,  and  Mrs. 
G.  Barrett,  Lucy. 

Master  S.  Cowell  commenced  an  engagement  on  the  8th,  as 
Crack  and  Dromio,  with  the  aid  of  his  father,  u  Old  Joe,"  as 
the  duplicate  Dromio. 

Mr.  D.  V.  Bell,  dramatizer  of  the  "Fair  Maid  of  Perth,"  took  a 
benefit  on  the  17th,  when  that  drama  was  performed,  with 
Southwell  as  Sir  John  Ramorny,  Bernard  as  Rothsay,  Scott  as 
Harry  Smith,  Roberts  as  Oliver  Proudfute,  Mrs.  G.  Barrett  as 
Catharine,  and  Amelia  Fisher  as  Louise.  It  had  previously 
been  played  with  success  at  the  Lafayette  Theatre. 

Young  Cowell's  benefit  occurred  on  the  20th,  when  he  gave 
very  excellent  representations  of  Matty  Marvellous,  Chip,  and 
Billy  Black,  and  his  mother,  a  very  pleasing  and  lady-like 
actress,  appeared  here  for  the  first  time  as  Phoebe,  and  Har- 
riet Arlington. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barnes  appeared  as  Sir  Peter  and  Lady  Teazle, 
for  Mrs.  Walstein's  benefit,  on  the  24th. 

The  Theatre  soon  after  closed,  and  disappointed  and  cha- 
grined at  his  want  of  success  throughout  the  season,  which, 
notwithstanding  its  powerful  attractions,  had  overwhelmed 
him  with  losses,  and  harassed  by  the  claims  of  pressing  cred- 
itors, Mr.  Gilfert,  the  manager,  sunk  under  his  misfortunes, 
and  was  overtaken  with  a  sudden  death  on  the  30th  of  July, 
at  the  age  of  42  years. 

A  grand  entertainment  was  got  up  for  the  benefit  of  his 
widow,  for  which  purpose  the  Theatre  was  opened  on  the  5th 
of  August.  Hamblin,  Miss  Rock,  Mrs.  Hughes,  and  Amelia 
Fisher  appeared  in  u  Is  He  Jealous  ?"  Several  overtures  and 
other  pieces  composed  by  Gilfert  were  performed  by  the  or- 
chestra, with  the  aid  of  the  Musical  Fund  Society.  A  grand 
vocal  concert  followed,  with  Madame  Feron,  Mrs.  Austin,  Mrs. 
Knight,  Signor  Rosich,  Mr.  Milon,  Mr.  Walton,  Mr.  Holland, 
and  Mr.  Roberts.  Messieurs  and  Mesdames  Vestris  and 
Achille   executed    various    dances.     Mr.   Barrett  played 


614 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Sponge,  in  a  "Race  for  a  Dinner,"  and  Mr.  Finn,  Trance, 
in  "  Is  It  a  Lie  ?"  and  the  whole  concluded  with  Herr  Cline's 
exercises  on  the  elastic  cord. 

Mr.  Cooper,  whose  attraction  had  now  greatly  declined, 
finding  it  difficult,  among  the  multitude  of  new  and  glit- 
tering stars,  to  procure  a  profitable  engagement  at  the  Park, 
once  more  assumed  the  reins  of  management,  and  courageously 
opened  the  Chatham  Garden  Theatre  on  the  15th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1828,  with  the  comedy  of  the  "Honeymoon,"  and 
the  farce  of  the  "Poor  Soldier."  In  the  first  piece,  he  ap- 
peared as  the  Duke  Aranza,  Mr.  Ludlow  (his  stage-manager) 
as  Rolando,  J.  Mills  Brown  as  Jacques,  John  Sefton  as  Lam- 
pedo,  Mrs.  Blake  as  Juliana,  and  the  beautiful  Mrs.  Flynn, 
Volante.  In  the  afterpiece,  Mr.  Still,,  a  pleasing  ballad-singer, 
was  the  Patrick.  Mr.  Ludlow,  in  the  Southern  and  Western 
theatres,  had  been  for  ten  or  twelve  years  a  very  favorite  light 
comedian,  and  was,  unquestionably,  a  general  actor  of  con- 
siderable merit. 

The  balance  of  the  company  consisted  of  Mrs.  Hartwig 
(formerly  Mrs.  Tatnall),  Mrs.  Edstrom,  Mrs.  Ludlow,  Mrs. 
Dunham,  Mrs.  Honey,  Miss  Eberle,  and  Messrs.  Scott,  Blake, 
Durang,  Grey,  Drake,  Somerville,  Quin,  John  Woodhull, 
Eberle,  and  others. 

Mr.  Cooper  played  several  of  his  most  favorite  parts,  and 
took  his  benefit  on  the  25th,  when  he  made  his  last  appear- 
ance as  Penruddock  and  Petruchio. 

On  the  26th,  Mr.  C.  B.  Parsons,  afterward  distinguished  as 
a  tragedian  in  the  West,  and  whose  sudden  leap  from  the 
stage  to  the  Methodist  pulpit  created  great  excitement,  made 
his  first  appearance  in  New  York  as  Paul  Jones,  in  the  well- 
known  drama  of  the  "Pilot."  From  the  Dramatic  Mirror, 
published  in  1842,  it  appears  that  Mr.  Parsons  was  born  of 
respectable  parents  in  Enfield,  Conn.,  July  23d,  1805.  His 
father  intended  him  for  the  ministry,  but  dying  ere  our  hero 
attained  the  age  of  15,  the  design  was  frustrated,  and  the  lad 
came  to  New  York,  where  he  imbibed  a  passion  for  the  Stage, 
and  took  part  in  many  amateur  performances.    He  was  after- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


615 


ward  engaged  for  the  Charleston  Theatre,  where  he  made  his 
regular  debut  as  Mortimer,  in  "  Laugh  when  You  Can,"  De- 
cember 19th,  1827.  After  acting  at  Albany  and  at  the  Chat- 
ham Theatre,  he  returned  to  Charleston,  and  took  the  situa- 
tion of  stage-maDager.  In  July,  1830,  he  made  a  hit  at  Cin- 
cinnati, as  Sir  Edward  Mortimer,  and  was  thereafter  recog- 
nized as  one  of  the  brightest  luminaries  in  the  Western  ho- 
rizon. In  January,  1834,  he  played  a  star  engagement  at  the 
Park  Theatre,  followed  by  a  series  of  performances  at  the 
Bowery,  where  he  produced  Jonas  B.  Phillips's  Indian  drama 
of  "  Oranaska."  In  1839,  while  engaged  as  stage-manager  for 
Mr.  Wemyss,  at  Baltimore,  he  became  interested  in  the  study 
of  theology,  and  at  once  abandoning  his  profession,  attracted 
crowded  and  admiring  audiences  by  the  force  and  eloquence 
of  his  clerical  discourses.  After  running  a  career  of  great 
popularity  for  a  while,  he  resumed  his  old  calling,  to  be  again 
repudiated  for  the  holier  one  of  the  ministry,  to  which  we  are 
unable  to  say  how  long  he  remained  a  faithful  adherent. 

On  the  same  evening  (Sept.  26th),  in  the  drama  of  "  Valen- 
tine and  Orson,"  we  first  notice,  as  the  representative  of  the 
latter  character,  the  name  of  William  F.  Gates.  He  after- 
ward rose  to  a  position  of  unbounded  favor,  on  the  east  side 
of  the  town,  as  a  low  comedian,  his  popularity  for  more  than 
ten  years  on  the  boards  of  the  Bowery  Theatre  being  entirely 
unrivaled.  He  could  not  justly  be  ranked  with  Hilson,  Barnes, 
Burton,  or  Placide,  but  the  audiences  to  which  he  generally 
played  would  have  been  unwilling  to  acknowledge  his  infe- 
riority. Mr.  Gates  was  an  American  by  birth,  and  died  in 
New  York  of  a  lingering  disease,  in  the  prime  of  life,  and 
deeply  regretted,  September  17th,  1843. 

For  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blake's  benefit,  on  the  27th  September, 
the  "  Child  of  Nature "  was  performed,  in  which  Miss  Ann 
Duff  Waring,  a  young  lady  scarcely  in  her  teens — the  daughter 
of  Mrs.  Blake  by  her  first  husband — made  her  first  appear- 
ance on  the  stage  as  Amanthis.  Her  fine  natural  talents, 
great  versatility,  unflagging  spirit,  and  unconquerable  good- 
nature, soon  caused  her  to  be  recognized  as  one  of  the  most 


616 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


valuable  performers  of  the  day.  With  a  little  more  grace  and 
refinement,  she  would  have  left  nothing  to  desire  in  high 
comedy ;  with  a  little  less  energy  and  fire,  and  a  freedom  from 
a  certain  "  Bowery "  mannerism,  her  heavy  tragedy  would 
have  borne  favorable  comparison  with  the  very  best  acting  in 
that  line.  With  more  strength  of  voice,  her  skill  in  music 
would  have  raised  her  to  the  grade  of  a  prima-donna,  and 
with  a  style  slightly  subdued  and  chastened,  her  rustics  and 
chambermaids  would  have  been  perfect.  In  melo-drama, 
hypercriticism  alone  would  find  a  fault.  An  unlucky  engage- 
ment in  early  life  (leading  the  female  department  at  the 
Bowery  Theatre  before  she  was  eighteen)  confirmed  her  in  a 
style  of  acting  that  she  has  never  since  entirely  shaken  off, 
and  that,  notwithstanding  her  transcendent  ability,  has  marred 
some  of  her  most  admirable  performances.  In  person  she  is 
tall  and  commanding,  but  her  countenance  is  not  remarkable 
for  beauty  or  variableness  of  expression.  She  married  Mr. 
William  Sefton,  March  19th,  1837,  who  soon  after  left  her 
a  widow.  When  Mr.  Wallack  managed  the  Old  National 
Theatre,  Mrs.  Sefton  divided  the  first  line  of  characters  with 
Emma  Wheatley.  She  afterward  entered  the  matrimonial 
state  with  James  Wallack,  junior,  by  whose  name  she  first 
appeared  in  New  York,  in  April,  1845.  Mrs.  Wallack  is  well 
known  throughout  the  entire  Union,  and  has  also  visited 
Great  Britain  with  her  husband,  and  in  the  provincial  theatres 
there  played  many  highly  successful  engagements.  She  re- 
turned to  America  in  1856,  and  has  re-appeared  on  several  oc- 
casions— the  last  during  the  run  of  Edwin  Booth's  Hamlet  at 
Winter  Garden,  1864-5,  when  she  played  the  Queen  with 
marked  excellence. 

Sept.  30th.  Mr.  Raymond,  a  Western  tragedian,  appeared  as 
Pescara.  In  1832  he  played  at  the  Bowery  Theatre,  and  some 
time  after  was  found  drowned,  a  supposed  suicide. 

Mr.  Charles  F.  McClure's  name  now  appeared  in  the  bills 
as  an  actor  of  old  men,  and  his  young,  beautiful,  and  more 
talented  wife  came  out  on  the  8th  of  October  as  Lady  Ama- 
ranth.   Mrs.  McClure,  formerly  Miss  Meek,  was  from  the  Mo- 


MRS.  JAMES    W.  WALLACK,  JR. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


617 


bile  Theatre,  but  a  native  of  New  York ;  she  was  an  ex- 
ceedingly pleasing  actress,  and  soon  after  became  a  great 
favorite  at  Philadelphia.  She  appeared  at  the  Park,  March 
5th,  1833,  and  afterward  obtained  an  engagement  at  the 
Bowery,  where  she  met  with  great  approbation.  She  last  ap- 
peared as  a  star  at  the  National  in  1844,  but  has  since  been 
known  in  the  Western  Theatres  as  Mrs.  Noah. 

About  the  1st  of  November,  Mr.  Cooper's  season  came  to 
an  end. 

For  several  months,  darkness  and  desolation  reigned  within 
the  walls  of  the  deserted  Chatham,  but  finally  Mr.  Hackett 
daringly  undertook  to  raise  its  fallen  fortunes,  by  having  its 
interior  entirely  renovated,  and  under  the  high-sounding,  but 
far-fetched  title  of  the  American  Opera  House,  with  a  superior 
corps  of  performers,  and  under  the  efficient  stage  management 
of  Henry  Wallack,  boldly  opened  the  establishment  on  the 
20th  of  May,  1829. 

His  stock  list  included  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cowell,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Blake,  Mrs.  Hackett,  Mrs.  Stickney,  Miss  Amelia  Fisher,  Miss 
Waring,  Mrs.  Blakely ;  Messrs.  Archer,  Chapman,  senior,  W. 
B.  Chapman,  Alexander  Simpson,  Jones,  (the  vocalist) 
Comer,  John  Woodhull,  Greenwood,  Tuthill,  John  Sefton, 
Gates,  Blakely,  Wray,  &c,  besides  himself  and  his  stage- 
manager. 

His  opening  pieces  were  the  "  Rivals/'  and  the  "  Agreeable 
Surprise." 

A  succession  of  sterling  comedies  and  musical  afterpieces 
followed.  Mr.  Hackett  made  his  first  appearance  on  this 
Stage  on  the  26th,  as  Solomon  Swop^  and  on  the  27th  James 
Wallack  also  first  appeared  here  for  the  benefit  of  his  brother, 
as  Rolla  and  Dick  Dashall.  Henry  Hunt  and  Sophia  Phillips 
commenced  a  star  engagement  in  the  "  Devil's  Bridge,"  June 
1st,  and  the  charming  Clara  Fisher  appeared  on  the  2d  in 
three  characters,  for  the  benefit  of  her  sister  Amelia.  Booth, 
on  the  16th,  played  Richard  III.  for  Mrs.  Cowell's  benefit ; 
Tuthill  made  something  of  a  hit  on  the  17th,  as  Terry 
ORourke,  and  on  the  latter  evening,  the  pleasing  drama 

78 


618 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


called  the  "  May  Queen "  was  first  played,  with  the  fol- 
lowing cast: 

Sergt.  Sampson  .    .    .   Mr.  Archer.  I     Tommy  Fly    .    .    .    Mr.  J.  Sefton. 

Hugh  Bowyer    ..."   Chapman,  Sr.  Mary  Bowyer     .    .    Mrs.  Cowell. 

Caleb  Pipkin  ....     "   Co-well.  Patience  Pipkin  .    .     "  Stioknet. 

Young  Cowell  appeared  for  his  father's  benefit  as  Dromio 
and  Billy  Black,  and  Madame  Feron  sang  in  the  "  Cabinet," 
for  Mrs.  Hackett. 

The  Fourth  of  July  terminated  the  season. 

Not  discouraged  by  the  result  of  his  experiment,  Mr. 
Hackett  again  opened  his  doors  on  the  15th  inst.,  with 
Archer  for  his  general  manager,  and  some  few  changes  in 
his  company,  in  which  now  were  found  the  names  of  Foot, 
Roberts,  Scott,  Walton,  and  others. 

George  W.  Dixon  made  considerable  noise  with  his  negro 
song,  the  "  Coal-Black  Rose,"  which  attained  great  popularity. 
He  also  played  Splash,  in  the  "Young  Widow,"  with  Miss 
Fairfield  (since  Mrs.  McLean)  as  Amelia,  and  Miss  South- 
well (afterward  Mrs.  Golden)  as  Lucy. 

Aug.  29th.  A  benefit  was  arranged  for  the  widow  of  Mr. 
Pritchard,  (formerly  of  the  Park)  in  which  a  Mr.  Rice  played 
Macbeth,  Charles  Thorne,  Othello,  and  a  Mr.  Addams  (we  be- 
lieve afterward  the  well-known  Augustus  Addams)  Macduff 
and  Cassio.  This  season  ended  September  1st,  and  Mr. 
Hackett  found  more  profitable  employment  for  his  talents 
in  other  spheres. 

The  Lafayette  Theatre  re-opened  under  the  stage  manage- 
ment of  James  M.  Scott,  December  24th,  1828,  with  Miss 
Emery  as  the  principal  attraction,  in  Isabella.  Mrs.  More- 
land  also  appeared  in  the  ballet  of  the  "  Village  Nuptials." 
The  company  included  Clarke  (late  of  the  Park),  Duffy,  Rob- 
ertson, Page,  John  Greene,  Laidley,  Schinotti,  Mrs.  Greene, 
Mrs.  Talbot,  Mrs.  Mitchell,  Miss  Kent,  and  others. 

On  the  31st,  Mrs.  Preston  made  her  first  appearance  on  the 
stage  as  Young  Norval.  Mrs.  Preston  was  exceedingly  pretty 
and  personally  interesting,  and  if  she  never  became  able  to 
claim  the  highest  honors  of  a  first-class  actress,  fortunately 
kept  free  from  glaring  and  offensive  faults,  and  in  the  sphere 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


619 


wherein  she  moved  enjoyed  long-continued  and  more  than 
ordinary  favor.  This  lady  was  well  known  on  the  boards  of 
the  National  Theatre,  Chatham  Street,  as  Mrs.  Horace  F. 
Nicholls,  and  is  now  playing  in  Brooklyn  (1866). 

Jones,  the  singer,  made  his  first  appearance  here  on  the 
15th  of  January,  as  Francis,  in  "  Rob  Roy." 

The  season  terminated  about  the  middle  of  March,  and  re- 
commenced on  the  6th  of  April,  with  poor  prospects  of  suc- 
cess.   Ruin  ensued,  however,  sooner  than  was  anticipated. 

On  the  morning  of  the  11th,  before  daybreak,  a  fire,  origin- 
ating in  a  neighboring  building,  communicated  to  the  Theatre, 
and  in  a  short  time  caused  its  total  destruction.  It  was  never 
rebuilt. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 


Park  Theatre,  1829-30 — Bowery  Theatre — Chatham  Theatre,  or  American  Opera 
House — Blanchard's  Amphitheatre. 


H  E  commencement  of  the  Theatrical  Season,  in 
the  fall  of  1829,  found  the  managers  of  the  Park 
sole  masters  of  the  field.  Their  great  rival,  Gilfert, 
of  the  Bowery,  was  dead,  and  his  theatre,  by  lease,  had  fallen 
into  their  hands.  The  Lafayette  was  in  ashes,  and  the  classes 
that  gathered  at  the  Chatham  were  few  in  number,  and  such 
as  were  gladly  spared  from  a  more  refined  audience.  Not  that 
their  victory  had  been  an  easy  one,  or  obtained  at  little  cost. 
The  contest  had  been  severe,  and  at  one  time  doubt  had  hung 
over  the  result.  Fortune,  however,  favored  the  old  house,  and 
the  public  found  its  management  at  this  period  in  full  vigor, 
and  its  affairs  prosecuted  with  energy,  spirit,  and  success. 
Under  the  direction  of  Messrs.  Price  and  Simpson,  with  Mr. 
Barry  as  stage-manager,  its  doors  were  once  more  opened  on 
the  2d  of  September,  1829,  when  Mrs.  Inchbald's  comedy  of 
"  Every  One  has  His  Fault"  was  performed  by  the  following 
array  of  talent : 


Harmony  [his  first  night]  Mr.  Chapman,  Sr, 

Lord  Norland     .  "  Woodhull. 

Sir  R.  Ramble    .    .    .     "  Simpson. 

Capt.  Irwin    ....     "  Barry. 

Solus  "  Barnes. 

Placid  "  Placide. 


Edward     .  . 
Lady  Elinor  . 
Mrs.  Placid  . 
Miss  Woodburn 
Miss  Spinster 


Miss  Parker. 
Mrs.  Sharpe. 
"  Hackett. 

*'  HlLSON. 

"  Wheatlet. 


The  petite  Misses  Parker  danced  a  pas  de  deux,  and  a  new 
Irish  romance,  called  "  Thierna  na  oge,"  was  given,  as  follows : 


Lord  Glencar 
O'Donaghue  .  . 
Sampson  Sinister 
Dan  O'Reilly  .  . 


Mr.  Woodhull. 

"  Richings. 

"  Placide. 

"  Mercer. 


Martin  . 
Usaga  .  . 
Kate  Kearney 
Dame  Kearney 


Mr.  T.  Placide. 

"  POVET. 

Mrs.  Hilson. 
"  Wheatley. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


621 


Mr.  Chapman  and  Mr.  Mercer  were  both  valuable  additions 
to  the  company,  the  former  for  old  men,  and  the  latter  for 
Irishmen  and  musical  characters. 

Mrs.  Sloman  commenced  an  engagement  as  Belvidera  on  the 
4th,  when  Mr.  Judah  appeared,  for  that  night  only,  as  Pierre. 

Caldwell  and  Miss  Kelly  opened  on  the  10th,  as  Benedick 
and  Beatrice. 

Mrs.  Sloman  took  her  benefit  on  the  17th,  when  she  ap- 
peared as  Lady  Restless,  in  "  All  in  the  Wrong."  Mr.  Sloman 
also  gave  his  comic  songs,  and  Herr  Cline  danced  on  the 
elastic  corde. 

The  nautical  drama  called  "Black-eyed  Susan"  was  first 
played  on  the  18th,  with  Mercer  as  William,  Barry  as  the  Ad- 
miral, Simpson  as  Capt.  Crosstree,  Placide  as  Gnatbrain,  Mrs. 
Hackett  as  Dolly,  and  the  blue-eyed  Mrs.  Hilson  as  the  interest- 
ing Susan. 

Mr.  Caldwell's  benefit  occurred  on  the  21st,  when  he  played 
Belcour,  in  the  "  West  Indian,"  with  Mercer  as  Major  O' Fla- 
herty, and  Miss  Kelly  as  Charlotte  Rusporl.  Mrs.  Sloman  also 
appeared  as  Catharine,  to  his  Petruchio. 

Miss  Kelly's  turn  came  on  the  23d,  when  she  personated 
Charlotte,  in  the  "Hypocrite,"  and  Florio,  in  the  "Forest  of 
Bondy,"  to  Caldwell's  Doctor  Cantwell  and  Capt.  Aubri.  A 
Miss  Peters  also  ascended  from  stage  to  gallery  on  the  tight- 
wire. 

The  veteran  Cooper  was  once  more  welcomed  to  his  proper 
sphere,  on  the  24th,  in  the  character  of  Virginius,  and  Mrs. 
Austin  made  her  first  appearance  this  season,  on  the  25th,  for 
Mr.  Sloman's  benefit,  as  Diana  Vernon,  in  "  Rob  Roy/'  with 
Sloman's  Baillie,  and  Mrs.  Sloman's  Helen. 

Miss  Clara  Fisher's  first  appearance  this  season  occurred  on 
the  28th,  in  a  new  piece,  called  the  "  Nymph  of  the  Grotto," 
in  the  character  of  Amadys,  supported  by  Barnes  as  the  Baron, 
Richings  as  Hypolito,  Mrs.  Wallack  as  Marguerite,  and  Mrs. 
Hilson,  Eglantine. 

On  the  3d  of  October,  Monsieur  and  Madame  Ronzi  Vestris 
arranged  to  take  a  farewell  benefit  previous  to  their  return  to 


622 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Europe,  when  they  were  assisted  by  Monsieur  and  Madame 
Achille.  Cooper  also  appeared  for  them  as  Alexander  the 
Great. 

An  indifferent  farce,  called  "  My  Old  Woman,"  was  per- 
formed on  the  5th,  with  Barry  as  Col.  Girouelte,  Barnes  as 
Michael  Witsgoff,  Miss  Clara  Fisher  as  Countess  Xenia,  Mrs. 
Sharpe  as  Caroline,  and  Mrs.  Wallack  as  Victorine. 

Mr.  Cooper  took  his  benefit  on  the  8th,  when  he  personated 
Beverly  and  Young-  Wilding,  and  Mrs.  Barnes  made  her  first 
appearance  this  season  as  Mrs.  Beverly. 

The  amusing  petit  comedy  of  the  "  Lancers,"  by  John  How- 
ard Payne,  was  now  first  played,  with  Chapman  as  Admiral 
Etiquette,  Simpson  as  Frank  Lenox,  Barry  as  Charles  Belton, 
and  Mrs.  Wallack,  Louisa. 

Miss  Clara  Fisher  took  her  benefit  on  the  12th,  reviving  the 
comedy  of  "  To  Marry,  or  Not  to  Marry,"  wherein  she  played 
Hester.  She  also  appeared  as  Betty  Finikin,  and  brought  out 
a  new  petit  comedy,  called  "  Manoeuvring,"  in  which  Wood- 
hull  personated  the  Count  de  Villa  Major  ;  Richings,  Frederick 
de  Cernay ;  Placide,  Finesse ;  Mrs.  Wallack,  Constanza ;  and 
Miss  Clara  Fisher,  Zanetta. 

On  the  14th,  the  opera  called  the  "  Caliph  of  Bagdad,"  the 
music  by  Boildieu,  and  the  words  from  Dibdin's  "II  Bondo- 
cani,"  was  produced  with  great  applause,  and  had  a  most  suc- 
cessful run.    It  was  thus  cast: 


Caliph  ......  Mr.  Mercer.  ;     Selim   Mr.  Woodhull. 

Mesrour   "   Chapman.  Abdallah  ....     "  Richings. 

Mahoud   "   Placide.  Kesia   Mrs.  Sharpe. 

Cadi   "   Barnes.  Selima  "  Hackett. 

Chebib   "   Hilson.  Darina  "  Austin. 


Mr.  Forrest's  first  engagement  in  the  Park  Theatre  com- 
menced on  the  17th,  when  he  opened  as  Damon,  and  succes- 
sively appeared  as  Hamlet,  Lear,  Iago,  (to  Cooper's  Othello) 
Macbeth,  Brutus,  and  Carwin. 

On  the  29th,  Peake's  farce  of  "My  Master's  Rival"  was 
produced  with  great  applause,  Barnes  and  Placide  making  it 
long  a  favorite.    It  was  cast  as  follows : 

Aldgate  Mr.  Blakely.  Paul  Shack    .    .    .    Mr.  Barnes. 

Sir  Colley  "   Chapman.  '     Mrs.  Aldgate  .    .    .    Mrs.  Wheatley. 

Capt.  Middleton  ..."   Richings.  Amelia     ....     "  Wallace. 

Peter  Shack  ....     "   Placide.  Tibby  Postlethwaite      "  Haokett. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


623 


Giuseppe 
Borello 
Elvira  . 
Fenella 
Briella  . 


Mr.  Barnes. 

"  Nexsen. 
Mrs.  Sharpe. 

"  Barnes. 

"  Wheatley. 


An  engagement  was  now  effected  with  George  Barrett,  who 
appeared  as  Goldfinch,  on  the  31st,  his  name  giving  great  ad- 
ditional strength  to  the  higher  department  of  comedy. 

Nov.  1st.  Mrs.  Austin,  for  her  benefit,  produced  a  new 
opera,  called  "Carron  Side,"  thus  represented: 

Col.  Campbell    ...    Mr.  Chapman.  Grace   Mrs.  Austin. 

Allen  Lindsay    .    .    .  Riohinqs.  Janet   "  Wallaok. 

Donald  Mackay  ..."   Mercer.  Blanche     ....  "  Sharpe. 
Sanderson     ....     "  Placide. 

She  also  appeared  as  Apollo,  in  "Midas." 

Nov.  7th.  The  melo-drama  of  "  Masaniello,  or  the  Dumb 
Girl  of  Genoa,"  was  first  played  in  New  York,  with  the  fol- 
lowing cast : 

Masaniello     ....    Mr.  Barry. 

Alphonso  M  Richings. 

Gonzalo  "  Povey. 

Sergt.  Huberto  ..."  Woodhull. 
Pietro  "  Chapman. 

Mr.  Hackett's  first  appearance  this  season  occurred  on  the 
10th,  for  the  benefit  of  his  wife,  in  the  character  of  Solomon 
Swop. 

Mrs.  Barnes  took  her  benefit  on  the  13th,  when  she  pro- 
duced a  new  play,  called  the  "  Sister  of  Charity,"  wherein  she 
personated  St.  Ursula,  assisted  by  Chapman,  as  Col.  Saxe, 
Barry  as  Capt.  Weimar,  Richings  as  Joseph,  and  her  husband 
as  Paulo.    She  also  repeated  Fenella. 

On  the  16th,  Clara  Fisher  commenced  a  new  engagement 
as  Hester  and  Victoire,  and  Mile.  Celeste  made  her  first  ap- 
pearance on  the  17th,  in  the  character  of  Fenella,  which  she 
portrayed  with  great  power  and  effect,  though  not  so  as  to  ef- 
face the  recollection  of  Mrs.  Barnes'  great  merit. 

The  next  evening  Mile.  Constance  appeared. 

Mr.  Forrest  began  a  new  engagement  on  the  24th,  as  Wil- 
liam Tell. 

Miss  C.  Fisher's  benefit  took  place  on  the  30th,  when  Far- 
quhar's  "  Inconstant "  was  revived,  with  Barnes  and  Barrett 
as  Old  and  Young  Mirabel,  Hilson  as  Duretete,  and  Mrs.  Hil- 
son  as  Oriana.  The  bewitching  beneficiary  appeared  as 
Bisarre,  Victoire,  and  Betty  Finikin. 

Miss  Kelly  commenced  again  on  the  3d  of  December,  as 
Beatrice  to  Barrett's  Benedick. 


624 


RECORDS  OP  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


On  the  8th,  Mr.  Hilson  for  his  benefit  produced,  for  the  first 
time  in  America,  Vanbrugh's  celebrated  and  once  favorite 
comedy  of  the  "  Confederacy,"  thus  finely  cast 


Moneytrap 
Gripe  .  . 
Dick  Amlet 
Brass   .  . 


Mr.  Barnes. 
"  Placide. 
"  Barrett. 
"  Hilson. 


Corinna 
Clarissa 
Araminta  . 
Mrs.  Amlet 
Flippanta  . 


Mrs.  Hilson. 
"  Sharpe. 
"  Wallace. 
"  Wheatlet. 
"  Haokett. 


We  do  not  recall  any  subsequent  revival. 

Mr.  Hackett  took  his  benefit  on  the  10th,  when  he  produced 
a  new  local  comedy,  called  the  "  Times,  or  Life  in  New  York," 
in  which  he  played  a  Yankee  part  with  great  humor  and  ef- 
fect. The  piece  was  well  performed  throughout,  and  run 
several  nights.    It  was  thus  cast : 


Industrious  Doolittle 
Sir  Croesus  Mushroom 
Traffic  .  .  .  .  • 
Dashwood  .  .  . 
Percival  .... 
Charles  Barton  .  . 


Mr.  Hackett. 
"  Simpson. 
"  Chapman. 
"  Richings. 
"  Barry. 
"  woodhull. 


Mons.  Ragout 
Pompey 
Mrs.  Traffic 
Amelia' 
Caroline  . 
Mrs.  Jenkins 


Mr.  Placide. 

"  T.  Placide. 
Mrs.  Wheatlet. 

"  Sharpe. 

"  Hackett. 

"  DURIE. 


Miss  Kelly  played  Romeo  for  her  benefit  on  the  11th,  and 
Mile.  Celeste,  on  her  night,  the  14th,  appeared  as  Julietta, 
Florio,  and  Fenella,  and  in  a  variety  of  dancing,  assisted  by 
Constance,  Heloise,  and  Messrs.  Barbiere  and  Martinez. 

Mr.  Forrest  took  his  benefit  on  the  15th,  when,  for  the  first 
time  on  any  stage,  was  represented  John  A.  Stone's  tragedy 
of  "  Metamora,  or  the  Last  of  the  Wampanoags."  It  was  in- 
troduced by  a  neatly  written  prologue,  the  production  of 
Prosper  M.  Wetmore,  spoken  by  Mr.  Barrett,  and  at  its  close  a 
sprightly  epilogue,  written  by  James  Lawson,  was  delivered  by 
Mrs.  Hilson  with  peculiar  grace  and  archness,  calling  forth  the 
unanimous  verdict  of  unqualified  success.  The  following  was 
the  original  cast  of  "  Metamora,"  and  in  it  Mr.  Langton  made 
his  first  appearance  in  New  York : 


Metamora 

Lord  Fitzarnold  .  . 
Sir  Arthur  Vaughn 

Guy  of  Godalmin  . 

Horatio     .    .    .  . 

Errington      .    .  . 

Church     .    .    .  . 


Mr.  Forrest. 

"  Richings. 

"  Chapman. 

"  Woodhull. 

"  Barry. 

"  Langton. 

"  T.  Placide. 


Wolfe  . 
Tramp  . 
Holyoke 
Kau  shine 
Child  . 
Oceana 
Nahmeokee 


Mr.  Nexsen. 

"  POVEY. 

"  Wheatley. 

"  Blakely. 
Miss  S.  Parker. 
Mrs.  Hilson. 

"  Sharpe. 


Whatever  faults  this  tragedy  may  possess  as  a  literary  or 
dramatic  composition,  its  real  merits  keep  it  living  on  the 
Stage,  and,  in  the  character  of  its  hero,  no  dissenting  voice 
has  qualified  Mr.  Forrest's  claim  to  the  highest  excellence. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


625 


It  was  created  for,  and  entirely  fitted  all  his  peculiarities. 
Its  author's  benefit  took  place  on  the  24th. 

On  the  21st,  Mrs.  Hilson's  benefit  night,  the  pleasing  farce, 
called  the  "  Happiest  Day  of  my  Life,"  was  first  played,  as 
follows : 

Gilman     .    •    .    .    .    Mr.  Hilson.  Mrs.  Dudley  .    .    .    Mrs.  Wheatley. 

Dudley  14   Chapman.  Sophia  "  Hilson. 

Frederick  "   Woodhull.  Mary  "  Wallace. 

Charles  "   T.  Placide.        1     Mra.  Grinsly  ..."  Dcbie. 

On  Christmas  night,  occurred  the  first  performance  of  a 
drama  called  "  Leonidas  the  Spartan,"  thus  cast : 

Leonidas   Mr.  Barry.  I     Xerxes     ....    Mr.  T.  Placide. 

Demarcitus    ....  "   Simpson.  Lynicles   ....    Mrs.  Wallace. 

Hydarnes  .    .        .    .  "   Richings.  |     Chariclea  ....     "  Sharpe. 

Pytho   "    Woodhull.  Chrysippe     ..."  Hilson. 

Also,  a  new  melo-drama,  called  "  Antoine  the  Savage :" 

Antoine  Mr.  Barry.  Violette    ....  Mrs.  Hilson. 

St.  Angeville .    ..."  Chapman.  Amy   "  Sharpe. 

Rosenford      ...     "  Richings.  Mme.  St.  Angeville  .  "  Wallace. 

Michael        ....     "  T.  Placide.  I 

Mrs.  Sloman  was  again  engaged,  and  appeared  on  the  26th 
as  Mrs.  Oakley ;  her  husband's  comicalities  followed,  and  Mrs. 
Wallack,  in  the  absence  of  Celeste  and  Mrs.  Barnes,  made  a 
most  successful  delineation  of  Fenella,  in  "  Masaniello." 

Mr.  Roberts  (late  of  the  Bowery  and  Chatham)  appeared  on 
the  5th  of  January,  1830,  as  April,  in  "  Secrets  Worth  Know- 
ing," and  on  the  8th  the  domestic  melo-drama,  called  the 
"  Robber's  Wife  "  was  first  played,  as  follows : 

Mark  Redland    .    .    .    Mr.  Barry.  i     Larry  O'Gig  ...    Mr.  Richings. 

Briarly  "   Woodhull.  Sawney  McFile  .    .     14  Barnes. 

Penfuddle     ....     "    Placide.  Rose  Redland     .    .    Mrs.  Sharpe. 

Mrs.  Sloman  produced  for  her  benefit,  on  the  11th,  a  new 
Grecian  tri  gedy,  called  "  Epicharis,"  by  Mr.  Lister,  in  which 
she  personated  the  heroine,  with  the  aid  of  Simpson  as  Nero, 
Woodhull  as  Caius  Piso,  Barry  as  Flavins,  Chapman  as  Fenius 
Rufus,  and  Richings  as  Volusius. 

A  drama,  called  "  Narramattah,"  from  Cooper's  "  Wept  of 
Wish-ton-Wish,"  was  first  played  on  the  15th,  with  Simpson  as 
Conanchet,  Barry  as  Metacom,  Chapman  as  Heathcot,  Placide  as 
Doctor  Ergot,  Mrs.  Hackett  as  Mrs.  Heathcot,  Mrs.  Wheatley  as 
Faith,  and  Mrs.  Sharpe,  Narramattah. 

Mr.  Sloman's  benefit  took  place  on  the  17th,  when  he  sung 
ten  comic  songs,  played  John  Moody,  and  Lafteur,  in  "  Animal 

79 


626 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Magnetism,"  and  his  accomplished  wife  appeared  as  Lady 
Townly. 

The  amusing  farce,  called  "  Thirty-three  John  Street,"  was 
brought  out  on  the  21st,  with  Simpson  as  Sir  Charles  Crazy, 
Placide  as  Mr.  Thomas  Tompkins,  Mrs.  Sharpe  as  Lady  Crazy, 
and  Mrs.  Godey  as  Eliza  Smith. 

The  "First  of  May,"  an  English  historical  drama,  was 
brought  out  on  the  23d,  with  Simpson  as  Edward  IV.,  Barry 
as  Harry  Woodville,  Barnes  as  Jonas  Chick,  Mrs.  Hilson  as 
Lady  Elizabeth  Grey,  and  Mrs.  Sharpe  as  Catharine. 

Mrs.  Austin  appeared  on  the  25th  as  Darina,  Mr.  Richings  at- 
tempting, for  the  first  time,  the  part  of  the  Caliph  of  Bagdad. 

A  petit  opera,  called  "Music  and  Prejudice,"  was  first  sung 
on  the  27th,  with  Mrs.  Austin  as  Alfred,  Placide  as  Count 
Cremona,  Hilson  as  Dense,  Mrs.  Sharpe  as  Adelle,  and  Mrs. 
Wheatley,  Eliza. 

A  tedious  affair,  called  "  Dead  Men's  Shoes,"  was  produced 
on  the  4th  of  February,  and  Celeste  and  Constance  again  ap- 
peared for  several  evenings.  The  former  took  a  "  farewell " 
benefit  on  the  9th,  when  Mr.  Booth  appeared  as  King-  John. 

The  house  was  then  closed  for  several  nights,  but  re-opened 
for  Mrs.  Austin's  benefit  on  the  22d,  when  she  appeared  as 
Ariel,  Ophelia,  and  Tancredi. 

Mr.  Wright  made  his  debut  on  the  25th,  as  Octavian. 

Buckstone's  comedy,  called  "  Snakes  in  the  Grass,"  was  pro- 
duced on  the  26th  with  great  applause,  and  had  a  most  suc- 
cessful run,  but  we  believe  was  never  played  after  this  season. 
Its  cast  stood  thus  : 


Janus  Mr.  Hilson. 


Skinner 
Walton     .  . 
Capt.  Agitate 
Frank  Skinner 
John  Thomas  . 
Fact     .    .  . 


POTET. 

Blakely. 

Simpson*. 

Richings. 

Nexsen. 

Placide. 


Dick  .  .  . 
Mrs.  Janus 
Mrs.  Skinner  . 
Mrs.  Walton  . 
Widow  Bloomly 
Cecelia  .  . 
Twill    .    .  . 


Mr.  T.  Placide. 
Mrs.  Wheatley. 

"  Wallace. 
Hackett. 

u  Hilson. 

"  GODEY. 

Miss  Jessop. 


Another  well-played  and  successful  drama,  called  "  Shak- 
speare's  Early  Days,"  was  thus  produced  on  the  3d  of  March : 


William  Shakspeare 
John  Shakspeare 
Gilbert  Shakspeare 
Southampton 
Tarlton     .    .  . 
Doct.  Orthodox  . 
Leicester  .    .  . 


Mr.  Barry. 

"  Blakely. 

"  Barnes. 

"  Richings. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Hilson. 

"  Nexsen. 


Sir  Thomas  Lucy 
Burbage  . 
Drawl  .  . 
Slyboots  .  .  . 
Queen  Elizabeth 
Mary  Shakspeare 
Hostess     .    .  . 


Mr.  Placide. 

"  Woodhull. 

"  Wheatley. 

"  Hayden. 

Mrs.  Hilson. 

"  Wheatlei. 

"  Wallace. 


SHAKESPEARE 

(Drawn  by  John  Boaden  from  the  Stratford  bust) 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


627 


A  still  more  popular  drama,  called  the  "  Brigand,"  afterward 
rendered  famous  by  Wallack's  superb  acting  in  the  part  of  the 
hero,  was  thus  first  given  to  the  public  : 


Massaroni  . 
Prince  Bianchi 
Albert  .    .  . 
Theodore  .  . 
Rubaldo    .  . 


Mr.  Simpson. 

44  Hilson. 

"  Barry. 

"  woodhull. 

"  RlCHINGS. 


Nicolo  . 
Spoletti  . 
Carlotti 
Maria  Grazie 
Ottavia 


Mr.  Blakely. 

44  Hayden. 

44  Povey. 
Mrs.  Shaepe. 

,4  Wallace. 


"  William  Thompson,  or  Which  is  He  ?"  a  farce  by  Caroline 
Boaden,  was  also  played  on  the  11th,  as  follows : 


W.  Thompson  1st 
W.  Thompson  2d 
Dr.  Soothem  .  . 


Mr.  Barnes. 
44  Simpson. 
44  Blakely. 


Julia  Mrs.  Wallace. 

Miss  Dormer  ...  44  Godey. 
Mary  44  Durie. 


A  troupe  of  French  dancers,  composed  of  Madame  Clara, 
Mile.  Heloise,  M.  Barbiere,  and  M.  Duruissell,  terminated 
their  engagement  of  several  nights  with  a  benefit  on 
the  12th. 

Mrs.  Sloman's  farewell  engagement  commenced  on  the 
25th,  when  she  appeared  as  Lady  Restless,  and  on  the 
same  evening  the  farce  of  the  "Bold  Dragoons"  was  pro- 
duced, as  follows: 


Berguin   Mr.  Blakely. 

Gavard   •«  Chapman. 

Victor  Gavard    ...  44  Woodhull. 

Leon  Sabertash  ...  "  Barry. 


Hanibal  Fusee    .    .  Mr.  Placide. 

Co-;o  Cocklet  ...  44    T.  Placide. 

Rosine   Mrs.  Hilson. 

Ninette     ....  44  Sharps. 


A  new  local  farce,  by  Charles  P.  Clinch,  called  the  "  First 
of  May  in  New  York,  or  Double  or  Quit,"  was  produced  for 
Mr.  Placide's  benefit  on  the  25th.  In  it  the  beneficiary 
played  Charles  Waverly,  assuming  several  other  characters; 
Mr.  Blakely,  Old  Barton  ;  and  Mrs.  Wallack,  Julia. 

March  31st.  A  young  and  pretty  Italian  girl,  Giulia  Da- 
ponte,  the  niece  of  Signor  Daponte,  a  well-known  resident 
professor  of  languages,  (who  fondly  hoped  that  she  would  fill 
the  throne  of  Italian  vocalism,  vacant  by  the  departure  of 
Garcia)  was  introduced  to  the  public  of  New  York  in  a  grand 
concert,  in  which  she  was  supported  by  Messrs.  Angrisani, 
Rosich,  and  Metz.  Signorina  Daponte,  though  cultivated  in 
the  best  schools,  was  not  equal  to  the  requirements  of  the 
position,  and,  after  a  few  appearances,  withdrew  from  the 
Stage,  and  gracefully  retired  into  the  more  congenial  shades 
of  private  life. 

Miss  Kelly  commenced  an  engagement  as  Rosalind,  April 


628 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


4th.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sloman  took  their  farewell  of  America  on 
the  6th,  in  the  "  Jealous  Wife,"  &c. ;  and  Hackett  opened  a 
new  engagement  as  Solomon  Swop,  on  the  8th. 

A  local  sketch,  called  "  Down  East,  or  the  Militia  Train- 
ing," was  first  played  on  the  17th,  with  Hackett  as  Major 
Joe  Bunker,  Richings  as  Melville,  Nexsen  as  Hateful  W. 
Parkins,  Mrs.  Wallack  as  Eliza,  and  Mrs.  Hackett,  Sally. 
Major  Bunker  was  one  of  Hackett's  most  amusing  Yankee 
assumptions,  aDd  continued  long  to  enjoy  great  popularity. 

Mrs.  Cowley's  celebrated  comedy,  called  "  Which  is  the 
Man?"  was  played,  for  the  first  time  in  twenty  years,  for 
Miss  Kelly's  benefit,  on  the  19th,  with  Richings  as  Lord 
Sparkle,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hilson  as  Bobby  and  Sophy  Pendragon, 
and  Miss  Kelly  as  Lady  Bell  Bloomer. 

On  the  same  occasion,  the  drama  of  the  "  Bohemian 
Mother"  was  first  played,  with  the  following  cast: 

Count  Manheim  .    .    .    Mr.  Barry.  Klencop    ....    Mr.  T.  Placidb. 

Friberg  "   Richings.  Mathilde   ...    Mrs.  Sharpe. 

Dessing  "   Chapman.  |    Lissette    ....     "  Wallace. 

An  Italian  operetta,  called  "  l'Ape  Musical,"  was  sung  on 
the  20th,  with  Rosich  as  Don  Nibbio,  Metz  as  Don  Canario, 
Angrisani  as  Narcisso,  Ferri  as  Mongi belli,  and  Signorina  Da- 
ponte  as  Lucinda. 

Mr.  Forrest  commenced  an  engagement  on  the  21st,  as 
Damon. 

A  dramatic  version  of  Irving's  "  Rip  Van  Winkle "  was 
first  played  on  the  22d,  as  follows : 

Rip  Mr.  Haceett.  Herman    ....    Mr.  Richings. 

Knickerbocker    ..."   Placide.  Dame  Van  Winkle    .    Mrs.  Wheatlet. 

Nicholas  Vedder .    .    .     "   Chapman.  Alice  "  Hackett. 

Von  Slous     ....     "   Blakelt.  Lowenna  ....     "  Wallace. 

Hackett's  Rip  was  a  fine  piece  of  acting,  true  to  nature 
throughout,  and  touchingly  pathetic  in  the  serious  parts. 
The  drama  was  afterward  reconstructed,  and  much  im- 
proved. 

The  still  favorite  farce  of  "Popping  the  Question"  was 
produced  on  the  26th,  with  Placide  as  Primrose,  T.  Placide 
as  Thornton;  Mrs.  Hackett,  Miss  Biffin;  Mrs.  Wheatley,  Miss 
Winterblossom  ;  Mrs.  Wallack,  Ellen  ;  and  Mrs.  Hilson,  Bobbin. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


629 


Miss  Daponte's  benefit  took  place  on  the  29th,  when  she 
appeared  in  a  concert,  simply. 

"  Nods  and  Winks,"  a  new  farce,  was  brought  out  May  1st, 
as  follows : 

Nankin  Mr.  Chapman.          I  Mrs.  Nankin  .    .    .    Mrs.  Wheatley. 

Pry  11   Placide.  Laura  "  Sharpe. 

Chatter  "   Richinqs.  I     Kate  "  Wallace. 

"Metamora"  was  played  for  Forrest's  benefit  on  the  5th, 
and  the  "  Caliph  of  Bagdad  "  again  brought  out,  with  Mrs. 
Austin  as  Darina,  on  the  7th. 

Mr.  John  Jones  made  his  first  appearance  here  on  the  10th, 
in  a  concert,  and  soon  gained  the  good  opinion  of  the  audience. 

The  opera  of  "  Rokeby,"  (from  Walter  Scott)  its  music  se- 
lected from  several  eminent  composers,  was  first  put  upon  the 
Stage,  May  17th,  cast  as  follows: 


Bertram   Mr.  Barry.  Philip   Mr.  Blakely. 

Oswald   44  Woodhull.  Denzil  44  Richings. 

Redmond   "  Jones.  Harpool    ....     "  Nexsen. 

Mortham   "  Reed.  Wilfrid     ....  Mrs.  Wallace. 

Baron   "  Nexsen.  Edmond    ....     "  Hackett. 

Walter   M  Hilsoic.  Marian     ....     44  Austin. 

Jasper   "  Placide.  Matilda     ....     "  Sharpe. 


It  was  moderately  successful,  and  was  given  for  the  fourth 
time,  for  its  author's  benefit,  on  the  25th. 

Mrs.  Barnes  re-appeared  on  the  20th,  as  the  Grecian  Daugh- 
ter, and  Fenella,  and  on  the  24th  played  Queen  Elizabeth,  to 
the  Richard  of  Mr.  Booth,  his  first  night  of  engagement. 
Booth  afterward  played  Pierre,  (to  Forrest's  Jaffier)  Sir  Giles 
Overreach,  and  for  his  benefit  on  the  31st,  Iago,  to  Cooper's 
Othello. 

The  success  of  "Metamora"  induced  the  composition  of 
other  dramas  illustrating  the  aboriginal  character,  and  Mr. 
Hackett,  for  his  benefit,  June  4th,  produced  one  of  that  class, 
called  the  "  Indian  Wife,"  in  which  Mrs.  Sharpe  played  the 
heroine.  The  principal  comic  part,  that  of  a  Yankee,  was  of 
course  written  for  and  played  by  Mr.  Hackett.  The  entire 
cast  stood  thus : 


Chev.  Lavalle    .    .    .  Mr.  Barry.  I     Sergt.  Peabody  .    .  Mr.  Hackett. 

L'Arraignee  ....     44   Reed.  Pierre   44  Potey. 

Sir  Guy  Carlton  ...     44   Blakely.  Pascal   44    T.  Placide. 

Corporal  O'Brien     .    .     44   Richinos.  Nina   Mrs.  Hackett. 

Bobby  Bowbell   ...     44    Hilson.  |     Altamah   ....  41  Sharpe. 


Hilson  revived  the  "  Winter's  Tale  "  for  his  benefit,  with 
Barry  as  Leontes,  Simpson  as  Florizel,  himself  as  Autolycus, 


630 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Barnes  as  the  Clown,  Mrs.  Hilson,  Hermione,  and  Mrs. 
Austin,  Perdita. 

June  7th.    The  "  House  of  Aspen  "  was  first  played  for  the 

benefit  of  Mrs.  Barnes,  with  much  applause,  and  by  the  fol- 
lowing cast : 

Duke  Mr.  Simpson.  I     Roderick  ....    Mr.  Woodhull. 

Rudiger  "    Reed.  Bertrand  ....     **  Richings. 

George  of  Aspen  .    .    .     "   Barky.  Isabella     ....    Mrs.  Barnes. 

Henry  "   Jones.  Gertrude  ....     "  Sharpe. 

Also,  on  the  same  evening,  John  Kemble's  alteration  of 
BickerstafPs  piece,  "the  Pannel,"  called,  "'Tis  well  'tis  no 
Worse,"  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Muskato  and  Beatrice. 

Mr.  Cooper  took  his  benefit  on  the  8th,  in  Brutus,  and  the 
pretty  little  Parkers  announced  their  farewell  of  the  Stage  on 
the  12th,  when  they  played,  for  the  first  time,  in  the  "  Two 
Pages  of  Frederick  the  Great."  They  also  brought  out  the 
melo-drama  called  "  Robert  the  Devil :" 

Robert   Mv.  Simpson.  Countess   ....    Mrs.  Hackett. 

Lindor  "   Richings.  Blanche    ....     **  Sharpe. 

Picolo  "  Barnes.  Matilda    ....     "  Hilson. 

Lodine  "  Wallace. 

True  to  their  resolution,  these  young  ladies  never  re-ap- 
peared after  this  season,  but  in  private  life  one  has  proved 
a  most  devoted  daughter,  and  the  other  an  estimable  wife  and 
mother. 

Mr.  Simpson  took  his  benefit,  June  14th,  presenting  the 
opera  of  "  Fontainbleau,"  with  Jones  as  Lord  Winlove,  and 
Mrs.  Austin,  Miss  George,  and  Miss  Clara  Fisher  in  the  piece. 
Miss  Kelly  also  appeared  in  "  Simpson  and  Co." 

For  Mrs.  Wheatley's  benefit  on  the  17th,  her  daughters 
executed  a  Shawl-dance,  for  the  first  time,  and  part  of  "  Paul 
Pry"  was  presented,  with  Barnes  as  Mrs.  Subtle!  Hilson  as 
Phoebe !  !  and  Mrs.  Wheatley  as  Paul !  !  ! 

The  once  admired  and  eminent  actress,  Mrs.  Johnson,  died 
on  the  18th  inst.,  and  the  overwhelming  grief  caused  by  the 
sad  event  to  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Hilson,  partially  deprived 
her  of  reason,  and  forced  her  retirement  from  the  Stage  for 
many  months. 

Mr.  Jones  took  his  benefit,  on  the  19th,  introducing  Miss 
Fairfield  as  Colin,  in  "  Nature  and  Philosophy,"  and  presenting 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


631 


a  new  opera,  called  the  "  Conjuror,"  in  which  his  wife  made 
her  first  appearance  on  this  Stage : 

Lenoir  Mr.  Jones.  I     Mme.  Bellfleur   .    .    Mrs.  Wallace. 

Bastien  "   Placide.  Laurette   ....     "  Sharpe. 

Blaize  "   Blakelt.  Nanette    ....     "  Jones. 

Mr.  Kilner  re-appeared,  after  a  long  absence  from  these 
boards,  in  the  character  of  Capt.  Copp,  for  Mr.  Woodhull's 
benefit  on  the  23d. 

Mr.  Joseph  M.  Field  made  his  debut  in  New  York  as  Pierre, 
announced  as  his  first  appearance  on  any  stage,  July  1st,  al- 
though he  had  played  at  Boston  as  early  as  1827. 

Mr.  Field  was  afterward  well  known  throughout  the  Union 
as  actor,  author,  editor,  and  manager.  He  was  generally  sup- 
posed to  be  a  native  American,  but  was  born  at  Stockton, 
England,  in  1810. 

He  was  at  one  time  assistant-editor  of  the  New  York  Even- 
ing- Post ;  afterward  wrote  for  the  New  Orleans  Picayune, 
and  siill  later  edited  the  St.  Louis  Reveille.  He  built  and 
managed  the  Varieties  Theatre,  St.  Louis,  and  was  manager 
of  the  Mobile  Theatre  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  the 
author  of  a  great  number  of  humorous  sketches  and  essays, 
signed  u  Straws,"  very  popular  in  the  South  and  West,  and 
also  wrote  the  tragedy  of  "  Grizelda "  for  Mrs.  Farren ;  the 
comedy  of  "  Family  Ties  "  for  Mr.  Marble ;  a  comedy  called 
"  Such  as  It  is,"  played  at  the  Park  in  1842 ;  a  comedy  called 
"  Married  an  Actress,"  played  at  Burton's  in  1850,  and  several 
light  occasional  pieces.  He  was  a  man  of  undoubted  abilities, 
and  had  he  devoted  his  undivided  attention  either  to  litera- 
ture or  the  stage,  would  have  probably  attained  high  distinc- 
tion. He  married  Miss  Eliza  Riddle,  (sister  of  Mrs.  W.  H. 
Smith)  a  great  favorite  in  the  South  and  West.  His  death 
occurred  at  Mobile,  after  a  lingering  illness,  January  28th, 
1856. 

July  3d,  was  produced  the  "  Wigwam,  or  Templeton  Manor," 
founded  on  Cooper's  "  Pioneers,"  and  on  Monday,  the  5th,  the 
regular  season  terminated  with  Mr.  Forrest's  representation 
of  Metamora.  No  recess  followed,  however,  for  on  the  6th  a 
new  season  begun.    The  "  Apostate  "  was  played  on  the  8th, 


632 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


when  Mr.  D'Angelis  made  his  first  appearance  as  Pescara,  and 
Mr.  Field  played  Hemeya. 

Mrs.  Blake  was  engaged  as  a  substitute  for  Mrs.  Sharpe, 
(who  left  the  theatre)  and  made  her  first  appearance  here 
since  early  childhood,  on  the  12th,  as  Nell,  in  the  "  Devil  to 
Pay  ;"  and  the  once  favorite  Mrs.  S.  Wheatley,  on  the  13th, 
made  her  first  appearance  in  ten  years  as  the  Jealous  Wife, 
and  Caroline,  in  the  "  Prize."  Time  had  imparted  a  matronly 
appearance  to  this  lady,  but  had  not  diminished  her  spright- 
liness  and  gayety.  She  went  through  a  line  of  light  comedy 
characters,  and  took  her  benefit  on  the  26th,  as  Priscilla  Tom- 
boy, and  Kathleen,  in  the  "  Poor  Soldier,"  being  her  last  ap- 
pearance on  the  Park  Stage. 

Mr.  Field  played  Romeo  on  his  benefit  night,  July  16th,  and 
also  a  character  called  Romeo  Moonshine,  in  an  original  sketch, 
entitled  "  Coming  Out." 

Mr.  Charles  Thome  was  engaged,  and  made  his  first  appear- 
ance this  season  on  the  20th,  as  Luke,  in  "  Riches." 

A  benefit  was  given  on  the  23d  to  Madame  Hutin  Labasse, 
(late  of  the  Bowery)  whose  husband  had  lately  died  after  a 
long  illness,  when  George  W.  Dixon  made  his  first  appearance 
on  the  Park  Stage. 

For  Mrs.  Blake's  benefit  on  the  29th,  Miss  Waring  made  her 
first  appearance  in  this  Theatre  as  Cicely  Homespun,  and  the 
"  Hundred-Pound  Note "  was  performed,  with  Mrs.  Blake  as 
Harriet  Arlington,  Blake  as  Montmorency,  Cowell  as  Billy 
Black,  and  John  Greene  as  CShaugnessy. 

The  season  terminated  on  the  3d  of  August,  when  Mr.  Simp- 
son took  his  benefit,  appearing  as  the  Brigand,  and  Jones  and 
Mrs.  Austin  sung  in  the  "  Beggars'  Opera." 

On  the  16th  of  August  the  French  opera  company  took  pos- 
session of  the  establishment,  and  for  a  fortnight  presented  a 
series  of  performances  in  a  very  satisfactory  style. 

The  regular  season  at  the  Park  Theatre,  as  just  detailed, 
was  one  of  the  most  successful  on  record,  and  deservedly  so. 
Notwithstanding  the  absence  of  opposition,  the  management 
displayed  great  industry,  taste,  and  liberality.    The  pieces 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


633 


performed  were  varied,  and  generally  excellent  in  their  char- 
acter, and  the  performers  unusually  numerous  and  skillful, 
both  in  the  stock  and  star  list. 

Forty-three  new  pieces  were  produced,  including  four  tra- 
gedies, four  comedies,  and  six  operas,  besides  the  revival  of 
several  plays  not  performed  within  the  memory  of  that  gen- 
eration of  play-goers. 

After  the  death  of  Mr.  Gilfert,  the  Bowery  Theatre  passed 
under  the  control  of  the  Park  management,  and  was  occasion- 
ally opened  for  the  benefit  of  some  performer  who  would 
make  an  arrangement  for  the  purpose,  and  in  this  manner  Mr. 
George  Barrett,  Mr.  Southwell,  Mr.  Holland,  Mr.  Roberts,  and 
Mrs.  Gilfert,  presented  their  claims  to  the  public,  and,  with 
the  aid  of  the  Park  company,  and  other  auxiliary  assistance, 
offered  attractive  bills  of  entertainment.  It  was  also  opened 
to  perform  the  opera  of  "  Tancredi,"  with  Mesdames  Feron 
and  Brichta,  and  on  such  holidays  as  the  Anniversary  of  the 
City's  Evacuation,  Christmas,  New  Year,  Eighth  of  January, 
&c.  This  continued  until  the  summer  of  1830,  when  it  went 
into  the  hands  of  new  lessees,  whose  management  will  be  the 
subject  of  a  future  chapter. 

The  Chatham  Theatre,  or  American  Opera  House,  during 
the  fall  of  1829,  was  occupied  principally  with  the  produc- 
tion of  G.  W.  Dixon's  negro  burlettas  of  "Love  in  a  Cloud," 
"  Coal-black  Rose,"  &c,  and  with  an  occasionally  fine  perform- 
ance by  Miss  Emery,  supported  by  an  indifferent  company. 

Afterward,  Mr.  G.  Barrett  and  Mr.  C.  Young  engaged  the 
establishment,  which  they  opened  December  24th,  with  a 
company  composed  of  themselves,  Clarke,  Mercer,  Gates, 
Phillips,  Stone,  Doyne,  and  Mesdames  Young,  Durang,  Mercer, 
Slater,  Nelson,  &c.  Their  experiment  terminated  unsuccess- 
fully in  about  a  fortnight. 

It  was  next  revived,  under  the  name  of  Blanchard's  Am- 
phitheatre, on  the  18th  of  January,  1830,  and  for  many 
months  received  a  large  share  of  public  patronage.  Blanch- 
ard,  the  lessee,  was  a  very  capable  equestrian  director,  and 
Roberts,  the  comedian,  who  took  charge  of  the  dramatic 

80 


634 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


entertainments,  was  an  experienced  and  judicious  stage- 
manager. 

Blanchard's  own  family  formed  a  principal  attraction  of 
the  place;  his  wife  will  be  remembered  as  Mile.  Adolphe, 
famous  as  a  rope-dancer,  and  his  children,  including  Mr. 
George  Blanchard,  Master  William  Blanchard,  and  two 
daughters,  were  all  fine  equestrians.  Miss  Elizabeth 
Blanchard  had  some  talent  as  an  actress,  and  Miss  Ce- 
celia, besides  her  skill  in  horsemanship,  performed  on 
musical  glasses,  and  executed  feats  of  jugglery  with  balls, 
knives,  &c. 

Mr.  Rockwell  was  also  a  graceful  and  elegant  rider,  and 
Myers,  the  clown,  with  Stickney,  Callaghan,  Downie,  and 
others,  formed  part  of  the  troupe. 

Among  the  corps  dramatique  who  appeared  during  the 
season,  were  Scott,  Kelsey,  Stevenson,  Laidley,  Roberts, 
Horton,  Irish  Anderson,  Eberle,  Grierson,  McGuire,  Mrs. 
Hughes,  Mrs.  Stickney,  Mrs.  Stevenson,  Mrs.  Golden,  Mrs. 
French,  and  her  sister  and  brother,  Master  Charles  Mes- 
tayer,  Mrs.  Frederick  Brown,  Mrs.  Roberts,  and  many  others. 


CHARLES  KEAN 

(Son  of  Edmund  Kean) 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 


Park  Theatre— Season  1830-31. 

H  E  Park  Theatre  was  re-opened  September  1st, 
1830.  Owing  to  the  retirement  of  Mrs.  Hilson, 
and  the  secession  of  Mrs.  Sharpe,  Mrs.  Blake  be- 
came the  leading  lady  of  the  company.  Mr.  Foot  was  en- 
gaged to  succeed  Mr.  Chapman  in  the  line  of  old  men,  the 
Misses  Wheatley  took  the  place  of  the  little  Parkers  as 
dancers,  and  Mr.  Field  was  added  to  the  stock  list  for 
general  utility.  Mr.  Charles  Kean  and  the  still -admired 
Mrs.  Barnes  were  the  first  stars,  appearing,  on  the  opening 
night,  in  the  tragedy  of  "  Richard  III.,"  thus  cast : 

Richard   Mr.  C.  Kean.  I     Lord  Stanley  .    .    .    Mr.  Blakely. 

Henry  VI   "  Foot.  Lord  Mayor    ..."  Wheatley. 

Richmond     ....  M  Simpson.  Prince  of  Wales  .    .    Miss  Wheatley. 

Buckingham.    ..."  Woodhull.  Duke  of  York     .    .     M    E.  Wheatley. 

Norfolk   "  Nexsen.  Queen  Elizabeth  .    .    Mrs.  Barnes. 

Catesby   "  T.  Placide.  Lady  Anne    ..."  Blake. 

Tressell   "  Richings.  Duchess  of  York  .    .     "  Wheatley. 

Mr.  Kean  was  received  with  acclamations,  and  in  the  course 
of  his  engagement  appeared  as  Sir  Giles  Overreach,  Othello, 
Sir  Edward  Mortimer,  Shylock,  Romeo,  Hamlet,  and  Felix,  in 
the  «  Hunter  of  the  Alps." 

Charles  John  Kean,  the  second  and  only  surviving  son  of 
the  celebrated  Edmund  Kean,  was  born  at  Waterford,  Ireland, 
January  18th,  1811.  Although  cradled  in  poverty,  the  up- 
ward turn  in  the  fortunes  of  his  father  gave  the  youth  every 
opportunity  of  education  that  the  best  preparatory  schools  and 
Eton  could  bestow.  When  nearly  seventeen,  he  was  offered  a 
cadetship  in  the  East  India  Company's  service,  a  situation 
which  his  father,  whose  prosperity  was  already  on  the  back- 


636 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


ward  track,  urged  him  to  accept,  but  which  he  declined,  ra- 
ther than  grieve  his  mother,  who,  neglected  and  finally  de- 
serted by  her  husband,  could  not  bear  the  thought  of  a  separa- 
tion from  her  only  child.  Looking  then,  naturally,  to  the 
Stage  for  the  support  of  his  mother  and  himself,  young  Kean 
eagerly  availed  himself  of  the  opportunity  offered  by  Mr. 
Price,  then  manager  of  Drury  Lane,  to  make  his  appearance 
on  that  stage,  at  a  salary  of  ten  pounds  per  week,  and  his 
debut  as  Young  Norval  was  announced  on  the  1st  of  October, 
1827.  His  second  character  was  Achmet,  in  "  Barbarossa 
his  third,  Frederick,  in  "  Lovers'  Vows,"  in  which  piece,  in  the 
character  of  Amelia  Wildenheim,  he  first  met  Miss  Ellen  Tree, 
his  future  wife.  His  success  was  not  such  as  he  had  antici- 
pated ;  the  newspaper  criticisms  were  discouraging,  and  he  felt 
that  he  had  not  created  a  favorable  impression  with  the  public. 

He  afterward  played  at  Glasgow,  where,  in  October,  1828, 
his  father,  who  had  become  reconciled  to  his  determination, 
played  for  his  benefit  the  character  of  Lucius  Brutus,  the  son 
appearing  as  Titus.  In  January,  1829,  he  appeared  again  at 
Drury  Lane  as  Romeo,  and  after  the  close  of  the  season  acted 
in  the  provinces,  and  at  the  Haymarket,  London,  where  he 
made  his  first  decided  success  as  Sir  Edward  Mortimer.  After 
practising  industriously  in  Great  Britain  and  on  the  Continent, 
he  determined  on  visiting  America,  where  his  first  season's 
success  was  of  the  most  gratifying  kind.  He  returned  to  Eng- 
land in  1833,  but  was  again  disappointed  in  his  reception,  so 
different  from  the  enthusiasm  he  had  awakened  in  the  United 
States.  He,  however,  continued  struggling  to  attain  the  emi- 
nence he  aimed  at,  and  at  length,  on  commencing  a  new  en- 
gagement at  Drury  Lane,  on  the  8th  of  January,  1838,  his  ex- 
cellence in  Hamlet  was  so  marked,  that  the  pit  rose  in  his 
honor,  and  greeted  him  with  the  loudest  acclamations,  and  he 
shortly  after  had  the  honor  of  receiving  a  public  dinner,  ten- 
dered by  the  most  distinguished  men  of  London,  at  which  a 
silver  vase,  valued  at  $1,000,  was  presented  to  him.  From 
that  period,  he  has  stood  unwavering  in  the  highest  regard 
of  the  British  public. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


637 


In  1839,  Mr.  Charles  Kean  made  a  second  visit  hither,  being 
engaged  by  Mr.  Wallack  for  the  National  Theatre,  which  was 
unluckily  burned  down  in  the  midst  of  his  first  series  of  per- 
formances. He  afterward  played  at  Niblo's  Garden  and  at  the 
Park,  but  his  efforts  were  marred  by  an  attack  of  bronchitis, 
which  nearly  deprived  him  of  his  voice,  and  from  which  he 
never  fully  recovered.  He  returned  to  England,  and  re-ap- 
peared at  the  Haymarket,  in  June,  1840.  On  the  29th  of 
January,  1842,  he  was  married  at  Dublin  to  Miss  Ellen  Tree, 
and  in  1845  again  visited  us,  and,  with  his  accomplished  wife, 
made  a  triumphal  progress  throughout  the  Union,  returning 
to  Europe  in  the  spring  of  1847.  It  is,  perhaps,  due  to  the 
lady  to  say,  that  the  great  success  of  the  latter  visit  was  prin- 
cipally attributable  to  her.  Since  that  period,  Mr.  Kean  has 
played  at  the  Haymarket,  and,  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  Keeley, 
managed  the  Princess's  Theatre,  London,  and  has  also  been 
selected  by  the  Queen  to  direct  the  theatrical  entertainments 
given  at  Windsor  Castle. 

Mr.  Kean's  last  visit  to  New  York  commenced  in  April,  1865, 
when,  with  his  wife,  he  gave  a  series  of  performances  at  the 
Broadway  (formerly  Wallack's  old)  Theatre,  which  were  re- 
newed during  the  following  September.  His  impersonations 
during  these  periods  placed  him  higher  than  ever  in  the 
esteem  of  the  public,  and  one  which  he  presented  for  the 
first  time  in  America,  viz.,  Louis  XL,  in  a  new  play  of  that 
name,  was  pronounced  faultless.  A  severe  critic  remarked 
that  the  character  fitted  him  so  exactly  and  so  admirably, 
that  those  peculiarities  in  his  elocution,  which  would  other- 
wise be  blemishes,  therein  became  positive  merits. 

A  subsequent  criticism  on  his  performance  of  Lear,  placed 
it  even  in  advance  of  Louis  XL,  and  characterized  it  as  a  per- 
fect effort  in  dramatic  art,  adding  that  the  present  generation 
had  not  seen,  and  probably  would  not  see,  a  greater  actor  than 
Charles  Kean. 

Mr.  Kean  made  his  farewell  appearance  in  New  York  on 
the  16th  of  April,  1866,  in  the  characters  of  Louis  XL  and  Mr. 
Oakley. 


638 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Though  giving  ample  evidence  of  thorough  scholarship, 
acute  power  of  critical  analysis,  and  the  most  refined  and 
fastidious  taste,  Mr.  Kean  has  had  several  physical  disqualifi- 
cations to  contend  with,  which,  in  the  opinion  of  many,  debar 
him  from  claiming  the  highest  rank  as  an  artist.  To  have 
arrived  at  his  present  distinction,  in  spite  of  an  inelegant 
person,  and  a  carriage  frequently  ungraceful,  with  features 
which,  if  often  expressive,  are  certainly  far  from  handsome, 
and  with  a  voice  harsh,  unpleasant,  and  occasionally  unman- 
ageable, argues  the  possession  of  a  skill  and  power  which 
native  intellect  and  assiduous  cultivation  could  alone  impart. 

As  a  man,  his  private  character  is  unblemished,  and  his 
whole  life,  especially  his  devotion  to  his  worse  than  widowed 
mother,  (a  devotion  that  never  faltered  till  her  death)  has 
been  such  as  to  reflect  the  highest  credit  on  his  name,  and  to 
be  justly  the  pride  and  boast  of  the  Stage.  Having  but  one 
child  of  his  own,  he  some  time  since  adopted  the  family  of  a 
widowed  sister  of  Mrs.  Kean,  (eleven  in  number)  whom  he  is 
supporting  and  educating  in  a  most  liberal  manner. 

To  return  to  the  Park.  On  the  2d  of  September,  Mr.  Cald- 
well commenced  an  engagement  as  Belcour,  in  the  "West 
Indian,"  with  Mrs.  Barnes  as  Charlotte  Rusport. 

Mr.  Cowell  appeared  on  the  3d,  as  Crack,  for  that  night 
only. 

Miss  Clara  Fisher  made  her  courtesy  on  the  6th  as  Beatrice, 
for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  to  Caldwell's  Benedick. 

A  patriotic  drama,  founded  on  the  recent  French  revolution, 
and  entitled  "  France  and  Liberty,"  was  produced  on  the  7th, 
with  Mr.  Foot  as  Gen.  Lafayette,  and  Mr.  Woodhull  as  Prince 
Polignac. 

On  the  8th,  Thomas  Haynes  Bayley's  beautiful  little  comedy 
of  "  Perfection  "  was  first  represented  in  New  York,  by  Placide 
as  Sir  Lawrence  Paragon,  Simpson  as  Charles,  T.  Placide  as 
Sam,  Mrs.  Blake  as  Susan,  and  Miss  Clara  Fisher  as  Kate 
O'Brien,  in  which  she  was  "  perfection  "  itself.  The  piece  has 
ever  retained  the  highest  popularity. 

Miss  Fisher  took  her  benefit  on  the  20th,  when  she  appeared 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


639 


as  Juliet,  aided  by  young  Kean  as  Romeo,  and  Caldwell  as 
Mercutio.  Gossips  immediately  hinted  at  a  matrimonial  en- 
gagement existing  between  Miss  Fisher  and  Mr.  Kean. 

Mr.  Forrest  opened  his  engagement,  on  the  22d,  as  Macbeth. 

Mr.  Caldwell's  benefit  came  off  on  the  23d,  when  he  ap- 
peared as  Charles  Surface,  and,  in  the  *  Forest  of  Bondy,"  as 
Capt.  Aubri,  aided  by  Clara  Fisher  as  Lady  Teazle,  and 
Florio. 

A  farce  called  "Pop,  or  Sparrow  Shooting,"  was  played  for 
the  first  time  on  the  24th,  thus  cast : 


Fizzlegig   Mr.  Foot.  Cramcalf  ....  Mr.  Barnes. 

Quizby  "   Blakely.  Miss  Fizzlegig     .    .  Mrs.  Wheatlet. 

Hoaxley  "    Richings.  Peggy   Miss  Jessop. 

Trimbush  "  Jones. 


Mrs.  Austin  begun  her  engagement  on  the  28th,  in 
"  Rokeby." 

October  1st.  For  the  benefit  of  Mrs.  Barnes,  Forrest  played 
King  Lear,  and  the  lady,  Cordelia  and  Kate  O'Brien. 

Oct.  2d.  "Peter  Wilkins"  was  revived,  for  the  purpose  of 
bringing  out  Mr.  Charles  T.  Parsloe,  from  Covent  Garden,  in 
the  part  of  the  Nondescript.  He  was  long  recognized  as  a 
star  in  that  class  of  characters,  but  finally  sunk  into  a  range 
of  small  parts  at  Burton's  Theatre,  and  became  a  business 
agent  for  actors  and  managers,  in  which  capacity  he  is  known 
as  honorable  and  efficient. 

Mr.  Forrest  played  Pierre  and  Carwin  for  his  benefit  on  the 
6th*,  aided  by  Mrs.  Barnes. 

A  new  farce,  "  My  Wife's  Husband,"  was  thus  first  played  on 
the  7th: 


Wildlove  Mr.  Richings.  Brass   Mr.  T.  Plaoide. 

Testy  "   Foot.  Joseph   "  Povet. 

Poppleton  "   Babnes.  Mrs.  Wildlove    .    .  Mrs.  Wallace. 

Cliffly  "    Woodhull.  Isabella     ....  "  Blake. 

Rod  well's  musical  romance,  called  "  Valmondi,  or  the  Tomb 

of  Terrors,"  was  produced  on  the  11th,  with  new  scenery  and 
dresses,  and  with  great  success,  thus  cast : 

Valmondi  Mr.  Barry.  i     Zuric   Mr.  C.  T.  Parsloe. 

Kelmar  "    Woodhull.  Elwina      ....  Mrs.  Blake. 

Baron  "   Foot.  Matilda     ....  "  Wallack. 

Michael  Frumptz    .    .     "   Barnes.  Cristabel   ....  "  Godet. 

Albert  "   T.  Plaoide.  Louise   "  Dcrie. 

Malek  "   Richings.  Jeannette  ....  "  Wheatlet. 


Oct.  15th.  A  Mr.  Wynne,  from  London,  made  his  first  and 
only  appearance  in  New  York,  as  Rover,  failing  completely. 


640 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Miss  Clara  Fisher  commenced  a  new  engagement  on  the 
18th,  as  Clari,  Kate  O'Brien,  and  Catharine,  in  Buckstone's 
farce,  called  "  A  Husband  at  First  Sight,"  then  first  played  as 
follows : 


Ferdinand 

Gundershoff 

Parchwitz 


Mr.  Simpson. 
"  H1L8ON. 
"  Plaoide. 


Baroness 
Augusta 
Catharine 


Mrs.  Wallace. 

"  Blake. 
Miss  C.  Fisher. 


Oct.  21st.  Mr.  Parsloe  took  his  benefit,  bringing  out, 
for  the  first  time,  "Jack  Robinson  and  his  Monkey,"  thus 
cast  : 


Jack  Robinson 
Mushapug 
Jose  Rimiero  . 
Muley  .    .  . 


Mr.  Richings. 
"  Parsloe. 
"  Field. 

"  WOODHULL. 


Tomaso     ....  Mr.  Blakely. 

Child   Miss  E.  Wheatlet. 

Emeline    ....  Mrs.  Blake. 

Isadora  "  Wallaok. 


"  Paul  Pry  "  was  performed  for  the  first  time  this  season  on 
the  22d,  Mr.  Hilson  personating  the  inquisitive  hero  for  the 
168th  time. 

Miss  Fisher's  benefit,  and  first  performance  in  America  of 
Howard  Payne's  play,  called  the  "  Spanish  Husband,  or  First 
and  Last  Love,"  occurred  on  the  1st  of  November.  The  piece 
was  thus  cast: 


Don  Carlos  . 
Don  Alvar 
Don  Salerno  . 
Don  Hypolito 
Benedetto  .  . 
Lissardo    .  . 


Mr.  Simpson. 
"  Richings. 
"  Woodhull. 
"  Barry. 
"  Plaoide. 
"  Blakelt. 


Celio  . 
Cardenio 
Bianca  . 
Julia  . 
Cariola  . 
Flora  . 


Mr.  T.  Plaoide. 

"  Povey. 
Miss  C.  Fisher. 
Mrs.  Blake. 

"  Wheatley. 

"  GODEY. 


Miss  Rock  next  appeared  on  the  3d  as  Charlotte,  in  the 
"Hypocrite,"  and  on  the  5th  as  the  Bride  of  Lammermoor, 
with  Mr.  Maywood  (for  that  night  only)  as  Caleb  Balderstone. 
She  took  her  benefit  on  the  8th,  appearing  in  a  new  melo- 
drama, called  the  "  Irish  Girl,"  and  as  Lauretta,  in  the  "  Devil's 
Bridge."  The  same  evening  Mrs.  Austin  personated  Claudine, 
in  that  opera,  and  Mr.  James  Thorne,  from  the  English  Opera 
House,  made  his  American  debut  as  Count  Belino. 

Mr.  Thome's  selection  for  his  first  appearance  was  most  un- 
fortunate, and  gave  but  little  promise  of  the  merit  he  after- 
ward displayed.  The  part  was  unsuited  to  his  voice,  which 
was  a  fine  baritone,  of  great  power  and  smoothness,  and  well 
adapted  to  the  range  of  many  characters,  in  which  he  subse- 
quently gave  great  pleasure.  In  Artabanes,  Figaro,  Dandini, 
Caliban,  Galveston,  (in  the  "  White  Lady  ")  Gabriel,  (in  "Guy 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


641 


Mannering  ")  and  other  similar  parts,  he  particularly  excelled, 
and  in  later  years,  after  he  left  New  York,  he  played  the  old 
men  of  comedy  with  great  humor  and  success. 

Mr.  Thorne  had  first  appeared  at  Drury  Lane,  in  October, 
1819,  as  Florian,  in  the  "Devil's  Bridge."  He  last  sung  at 
the  Park,  in  July,  1834.  He  was  afterward,  conjointly  with 
James  M.  Scott,  manager  of  the  Cincinnati,  Vicksburgh,  and 
other  Western  theatres.  He  died  at  sea,  while  on  his  voyage 
from  New  Orleans  to  England,  in  1843. 

Mr.  Charles  Kean  commenced  his  second  engagement  on 
the  12th,  as  Richard  III.,  Mrs.  Sharpe  as  the  Queen,  her  first 
appearance  this  season. 

A  new  farce,  called  the  "  First  of  April,"  was  produced  on 
the  15th,  and  became  very  popular,  thus  cast : 

Sir  Bumpkin  Pedigree  .  Mr.  Placide.  Lieut.  Leslie  .    .    .  Mr.  Woodhull. 

Gen.  Belford  ...     "   Foot.  Roughead  ....     "  Hilson. 

Maj.  Belford  ....     "   Bakrt.  Mrs.  Belford  .    .    .  Mrs.  Wallace. 

Col.  Alrey  "   Simpson.  Clara   .    .    .    .         "  Blake. 

Capt.  Hartfree   ...     "  Richinqs. 

The  celebrated  Irish  Roscius,  Master  Joseph  Burke,  made 
his  first  appearance  in  America  on  the  22d,  as  Young  Norval. 
He  afterward  led  the  orchestra  in  the  overture  to  "  Guy 
Mannering,"  and  concluded  by  playing  Terry  ORourke,  in 
which  he  introduced  a  comic  song.  During  his  engagement, 
he  appeared  as  Sir  Abel  Handy,  Jerry,  in  "  Whirligig  Hall," 
Richard  III.,  Shy  lock,  Master  Socrates  Chameleon,  in  a  new 
farce  called  the  "March  of  Intellect,"  Doctor  Pangloss, 
Looney  McTwolter,  Dennis  Brulgr  udder  y,  Jobson,  and  Tris- 
tram Fickle.  Besides  leading  various  overtures,  he  played 
several  solos  on  the  violin,  among  which  were  some  difficult 
variations  by  De  Beriot,  and  a  fine  concerto  by  J.  Barton. 
He  also  sung  a  very  humorous  descriptive  song,  illustrative 
of  a  boarding-school  play,  in  which  he  gave  characteristic 
imitations  of  the  Governess,  the  Parents,  the  French  teacher 
(directress  of  the  play),  little  girl  as  Prologue,  frightened 
little  girl  as  Macbeth,  screaming  little  girl  as  Hamlet,  lisping 
little  girl  as  Richmond,  true  style  of  delivering  Shakspeare, 
illustrated  by  the  French  teacher,  &c. 

Master  Burke's  success  was  of  the  most  decided  character, 

81 


642 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


his  nine  nights  of  performance  attracting  houses  averaging 
twelve  hundred  dollars  each.  As  a  prodigy,  in  both  music 
and  the  drama,  he  has  been  unapproached  by  any  child  who 
has  trodden  the  American  Stage,  though  we  are  assured  that 
he  was  inferior  to  Clara  Fisher  at  the  same  early  age.  His 
readings  were  always  discriminating  and  forcible,  and  en- 
tirely free  from  the  drilled  mannerism  of  most  child  actors, 
and  his  attitudes  and  gestures  were  easy,  striking,  and 
appropriate.  His  performance  of  Richard,  Shylock,  and 
Sir  Giles,  was  so  good,  that  none  sneered  at  the  absurd- 
ity of  a  child's  assuming  such  parts ;  while  his  comedy, 
especially  in  Irish  parts,  was  so  full  of  native,  genuine 
humor,  that  he  never  failed  to  convulse  his  audience 
with  laughter. 

Master  Burke  was  the  son  of  Doctor  Burke,  of  Dublin,  a 
gentleman  of  good  family,  who  was  induced,  by  the  wonder- 
fully precocious  development  of  the  child's  musical  ability 
and  power  of  mimicry,  to  introduce  him  on  the  boards  of  the 
Dublin  Theatre  Royal,  in  May,  1824,  in  the  characters  of  Tom 
Thumb  and  Lingo.  He  was  then  only  five  years  of  age,  but 
his  success  was  so  great  that  he  immediately  after  appeared  at 
Liverpool,  Margate,  Brighton,  and  at  the  Haymarket,  London, 
and  finally  at  the  Surrey,  under  Mr.  Elliston's  management, 
where  his  talents  had  every  opportunity  for  the  most  varied 
display.  For  several  seasons  in  America  he  proved  a  most 
attractive  star,  but,  his  popularity  waning,  he  re-visited 
Europe,  and  studied  music  thoroughly  under  the  best 
masters.  His  last  theatrical  appearance,  that  we  remember, 
was  at  Wallack's  National,  in  January,  1839.  After  a  short 
retirement,  he  re-appeared  in  the  concert-room,  acknow- 
ledged as  one  of  the  finest  violinists  of  the  age,  and  as- 
sisted in  the  entertainments  of  Jenny  Lind,  Jullien,  and 
Thalberg. 

On  the  25th  of  November,  in  honor  of  the  anniversary  of 
the  city's  evacuation,  and  of  the,  late  revolution  in  France  that 
raised  Louis  Philippe  to  the  throne,  the  Theatre  was  brilliantly 
illuminated,  transparencies  displayed,  and  the  interior  decor- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


643 


ated  with  great  elegance.  A  new  historical  drama,  called 
"Charles  the  Terrible,"  was  thus  performed: 

Charles   Mr.  Riohinqs.  Jacques  Hilaire   .    .  Mr.  Barry. 

Philip  de  Commines     .     "    Woodhull.  Galliott  11    T.  Placide. 

Thierry  M    Blakely.  Leontiiie    ....  Mrs.  Blake. 

Davillier  "   Foot.  Bertha   "  Godey. 

Also,  a  new  occasional  drama,  entitled  "Three  Days  in 
Paris,"  introducing  the  prominent  political  and  military 
actors  of  the  time,  and  concluding  with  the  Marseillaise 
Hymn,  sung  by  the  whole  vocal  force  of  the  establishment. 

Dec.  7th.  For  Mr.  Woodhull's  benefit,  the  "  Hero  of  the 
North  "  was  played  for  the  first  time  in  seven  years,  in  which 
Mr.  D'Angelis  (who  had  personated  Pescara  last  season)  made 
his  second  appearance  on  the  stage  as  Casimir  Rubinski. 

Dec.  13th.  Miss  C.  Fisher  re-appeared  in  the  "Country 
Girl  f  and  on  the  14th,  Mr.  Charles  Kean  was  announced  in 
the  character  of  Sir  Giles  Overreach. 

Mrs.  Vernon's  first  engagement  at  the  Park  Theatre  com- 
menced on  the  21st,  as  Minette,  in  a  "  Bold  Stroke  for  a  Hus- 
band." 

Although  kept  in  the  background  for  a  time,  the  public 
was  not  slow  to  discern  and  appreciate  her  merit  after  she 
reached  these  boards,  and  finally  awarded  her  a  position 
second  to  none  known  in  her  line  to  the  American  Stage. 

Mr.  C.  Kean  volunteered  for  Miss  Fisher's  benefit  on  the 
22d,  and  appeared  as  Durimel,  in  the  "  Point  of  Honor,"  the 
lady  personating  Bertha,  for  the  first  time.  A  new  farce  was 
also  played,  called  "  Rhyme  without  Reason,"  with  Placide  as 
Doggerel,  T.  Placide  as  Tom,  Mrs.  Wheatley  as  Miss  Fitzblue, 
and  Miss  Fisher  as  Phoebe,  assuming  the  characters  of  Philo- 
mela Dismal,  Melpomene  Scrag  gs,  and  Piety  Hopkins,  a  lady 
from  a  "  leetle  east  of  York." 

Mr.  Richings'  benefit  occurred  on  the  23d,  when  a  Mr. 
Hazard  appeared  as  Othello.  A  gentleman  of  the  same  name 
had  recently  appeared  with  great  success  at  the  Bowery. 

Mr.  Tuthill,  from  the  Chatham  and  Bowery,  also  made 
his  first  appearance  on  this  stage  as  Thady  O ]  Grady,  in  a 
new  drama,  called  the  "Irish  Patriot,"  in  which  Foot  ap- 
peared as  Lord  Beresford,  and  Woodhull  as  Daniel  OConnell. 


644 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mr.  Barnes  took  his  benefit  on  the  28th,  when  he  produced 
G.  W.  Parke  Custis's  drama  of  "  Pocahontas,  cast  as  follows  : 


Capt.  Smith 
Lieut.  Percy 
Master  Rolfe 
Barclay  . 
Hugo  .  . 


Mr.  Thorne. 

"  T.  Placide. 

"  Simpson. 

,l  Blakely. 

"  Barnbs. 


Powhatan  , 
Metacoran  . 
Selectaz 
Pocahontas 
Omaya  .  . 


Mr.  Richings. 

"  woodhull. 

"  Field. 
Mrs.  Barnes. 

"  Godet. 


Mr.  C.  Kean,  on  the  occasion  of  his  benefit,  December  31st, 
played  for  the  first  time  the  character  of  Lucius  Brutus,  and  Mr. 
Field  appeared  as  Titus,  his  first  prominent,  part  this  season. 

On  New  Year's  night,  1831,  Mr.  Forrest  appeared  as  Meta- 
mora,  and,  in  addition  to  other  entertainments,  a  new  farce, 
called  the  "  Dumb  Lady,"  was  played  as  follows : 


Sir  Jasper 
Leander    .    .  . 
Gregory  Grubbleton 


Mr.  Blakely. 
"  Thorne. 
"  Hilson. 


James  . 
Charlotte 
Dorcas  . 


Mr.  T.  Placide. 
Mrs.  Wallace. 
"  Wheatley. 


The  new  farce  proved  to  be  a  resuscitated  old  one,  formerly 
called  the  "  Mock  Doctor/' 

Master  Burke's  second  engagement  commenced  January  3d 
with  "  Douglas  "  and  the  "  Irish  Tutor,"  Mrs.  Sharpe  being  en- 
gaged for  Lady  Randolph. 

J  an.  8  th.  Was  played,  for  the  first  time  in  America,  and  with 
great  magnificence,  an  historical  drama,  entitled  the  "  Field 
of  the  Cloth  of  Gold,"  its  characters  thus  distributed : 


Henry  VIII 
Francis  I. 
Darnley  . 
Derby  . 
Sir  Caesar 
Sir  Payon 
Richard  Hartley 
Richard  Hartley,  Jr 
Cardinal  Wolsey . 
Jekin  Groby  . 


Mr.  Barry. 
"  Richings. 
M  Thorne. 
"   T.  Placide. 
"  Field. 

"  WOODHULL. 

"  Wheatley. 

"  HlLSON. 

"  Nexsen. 
Placide. 


Wilson  . 
Bertrand  . 
Scrapeface 
Queen  Katharine 
Queen  of  France 
Lady  Constance 
Lady  Katharine 
Margaret  . 
Dame  Hartley 
Madelette  .  . 


Mr.  Blakely. 
"  Haydex. 

"  POVEY. 

Miss  Jessop. 

»*  Rogers. 
Mrs.  Blake. 

"  Wallace. 

"  Wheatlet. 

M  DCRIE. 
11  GODEY. 


The  farce  of  "  Turning  the  Tables,"  ever  since  a  favorite, 
was  first  played  on  the  13th,  as  follows : 


Knibba  .  . 
Jeremiah  Bumps 
Jack  Humphries 
Edgar  De  Courcy 


Mr.  Blakely. 

•'  Simpson. 

"  Thorke. 

"  T.  Placide. 


Thornton   .  . 
Mrs.  Humphries 
Miss  Knibbs 
Patty  Larkins 


Mr.  Richings. 
Mrs.  Godey. 

"  Wallace. 

"  Vernon. 


Miss  Emery  made  her  first  appearance  on  this  Stage,  on  the 
14th,  as  Portia,  to  Master  Burke's  Shylock.  After  which  was 
acted,  for  the  first  time,  the  noted  Irish  farce  of  "Barney 
Brallaghan,"  with  the  following  cast : 


Barney   Mast.  Burke. 

Old  Brallaghan  .    .  Mr.  Blakely. 

O'Callaghan  ....  "  Woodhull. 

O'Toole   "      T.  Placide. 

Titus  Weatherproof  "  Placide. 


Sir  Patrick  O'Leary 
Capt.  Lucon  .  . 
Lady  Clonmere  . 
Judy  O'Callaghan 
Biddy  Brallaghan 


Mr.  Foot. 

"  Richings 
Mrs.  Vernon. 

"  Wallace. 

'•  Godey. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


645 


The  "  Wreck  Ashore "  was  first  performed  for  Mr.  Barry's 
benefit,  January  18th,  thus  cast : 


Miles  Bertram 
Walter  Barnard  . 
Capt.  Grampus  . 
Marmaduke  Magog 
Jemmy  Starling  . 


Mr.  Simpson. 

"  Thorne. 

"  Barry. 

"  Blakely. 

"  Placide. 


Blackadder    .    .    .  Mr.  Richinqs. 

Alice   Mrs.  Blake. 

Bella  "  Wallace. 

Dame  Barnard  .  .  "  Vernon. 
Lucy  u  Godey. 


During  his  engagement,  Master  Burke,  in  addition  to  vari- 
ous repetitions,  played,  for  the  first  time  in  New  York,  Romeo, 
Murtoch  Delany,  Hamlet,  and  Baron  Willinghurst,  in  "  Of  Age 
To-morrow." 

On  Monday  evening,  January  24th,  the  long-promised  opera 
of  "  Cinderella,"  as  arranged  by  Rophino  Lacy,  from  several  of 
Rossini's  works,  was  presented  for  the  first  time  in  America, 
with  all  the  elegance  and  perfection  that  taste  could  suggest 
or  liberality  accomplish.  Mr.  Evers  contributed  entirely  new 
scenery,  Mr.  Mead  the  superb  and  costly  dresses,  and  Mr. 
Dunn  the  complicated  and  extraordinary  machinery.  Mr. 
Metz  directed  the  chorus,  largely  increased  and  thoroughly 
drilled,  and  Mr.  De  Luce  led  the  orchestra.  The  whole  pro- 
duced under  the  careful  superintendence  of  Mr.  Barry,  who 
finally  succeeded  in  producing  the  opera  in  a  style  that  would 
have  reflected  credit  on  the  first  theatres  of  the  world.  Its 
cast  was  such  that  nothing  was  left  to  desire,  and  in  its  per- 
formance Mr.  Jones  established  his  repute  as  the  best  tenor 
singer  of  the  day,  Placide  eclipsed  every  buffo  previously 
heard  here,  Thorne  greatly  increased  his  popularity,  Thomas 
Placide  made  his  first  kit  as  a  comedian,  Mrs.  Austin  took  the 
town  by  storm,  Mrs.  Blake  sustained  her  previously  deserved 
reputation  in  opera,  and  Mrs.  Vernon  displayed  both  vocal  and 
dramatic  abilities  for  which  the  public  had  never  before  given 
her  credit.    The  entire  cast  stood  thus : 


Prince  Felix  . 
Baron  Pompolino 
Alidoro 
Dandini    .  . 
Pedro  .... 
First  Hunter 


Mr.  J  ones. 
"  Placide. 
"  Ricbinus. 
"  Thorne. 
"   T.  Placide. 
"  Povey. 


Cinderella  . 
Clorinda 
Thisbe  .  . 
Fairy  Queen 
First  Fairy 
Second  Fairy 


Mrs.  Austin. 
"  Blaee. 
"  Vernon. 
"  Wallace. 
"  Godey. 
"  Ddrie. 


Its  success  was  unprecedented,  and  on  the  last  night  of  the 
season  it  was  performed  for  the  forty-seventh  time. 
Miss  Emery's  benefit  and  last  appearance  occurred  on  the 


646 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


27th,  when  a  young  lady  of  New  York  made  her  debut  as  Jane 
Shore,  to  Miss  Emery's  Alicia. 

Mrs.  Sharpe  was  once  more  engaged,  and  appeared  on  the 
1st  of  February  in  a  new  drama,  called  the  "  Carnival  at 
Naples,"  thus  enacted: 


Due  di  Fontana 
Count  Cozenza 
Manfredi  .  . 
Fortescue  .  . 
Benedetto  .  . 
Valentine 


Mr.  Nexsen. 

"  Blakelt. 

"  Baeey. 

"  Simpson. 

"  W00DHULL. 

"  Jones. 


Rufo     .  . 
O'Donovan 
Duchess 
Aurora 
Zorantha  . 
Nina    .  . 


Mr.  Richings. 

"  Thoene. 
Mrs.  Veenon. 

"  Wallace. 

"  Wheatley. 
Shaepe. 


The  "  Force  of  Nature  "  was  thus  brought  out  on  the  8th: 


Count  de  Harville 
Frederick  .  . 
Philip  .    .  . 


Mr.  Simpson. 
"  Baeey. 
"  Hilson. 


Countess 
Matilda 


Mrs.  Shaepe. 
"  Wallace. 


Mrs.  Sharpe  took  her  benefit  on  the  14th,  when  Monk 
Lewis's  "East  Indian"  was  announced  as  a  new  comedy — 
its  first  performance  in  America.  It  had,  however,  been  al- 
ready played  here  in  1800.    Its  present  cast  stood  thus : 


Lord  Listless 

Rivers  . 

Beauchamp 

Walsingham 

Modish 

Squeezeum 


Mr.  Richings. 

"  Baeey. 

"  Simpson. 

"  Woodhull. 

"  T.  Placide. 

"  Blakely. 


Frank  .  .  . 
Lady  Clara 
Mrs.  Ormond  . 
Mrs.  Chatterall 
Mrs.  Slipslop  . 
Zorayda     .  . 


Mr.  Placide. 
Mrs.  Wallace. 

"    Blake.  „ 
Hackett. 

"  Veenon. 

"  Shaepe. 


Mr.  Hackett  also  appeared  as  Industrious  Doolittle. 

Feb.  24th.  A  version  of  Cooper's  "  Water  Witch  "  was  pro- 
duced, but  was  far  less  successful  than  C.  W.  Taylor's  compi- 
lation, afterward  brought  out  at  the  Bowery.  It  was  thus 
played  here : 


Van  Beveroot 
Von  Skaatts  . 
Capt.  Ludlow 
Tom  Tiller  . 


Mr.  Blakely. 
"  Povey. 
"  Richings. 
"  Baeey. 


Peter  Prong 
Cicero  .  . 
Seadrift  . 
Alida    .  . 


Mr.  Placide. 

"  T.  Placide. 
Mrs.  Blake. 

"  Wallack. 


Another  new  drama,  called  "  Separation  and  Reparation," 
was  thus  produced,  March  3d : 


Baron  Malamour 
Col.  Esplanade  . 
Von  Grotius  .  . 


Mr.  Baeey. 
"  Simpson. 
"  Placide. 


Poppinhoff.  .  . 
Mme.  Gilderland 
Angelique .    .  . 


Mr.  T.  Placide. 
Mrs.  Wheatley. 
"  Blake. 


Mrs.  Austin's  benefit,  and  sixteenth  night  of  "  Cinderella," 
took  place  on  the  7th  of  March,  when  was  also  performed  the 
opera  of  "  Don  Giovanni,"  with  Simpson  as  the  libertine,  Jones 
as  Octavio,  Placide  as  Leporello,  Thorne  as  Massetlo,  Mrs.  Blake 
as  Leonora,  and  Mrs.  Austin,  Zerlina.  Mrs.  Wallack  as  Annette 
danced  a  Bolero  with  so  much  elegance,  that  a  repetition  was 
demanded  for  many  nights  in  succession. 

March  9th.    Mr.  Barton,  from  the  Edinburgh  Theatre,  made 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


647 


his  first  appearance  in  America  as  Hamlet,  following  it  with 
Lear,  Werner,  and  Macbeth,  in  none  of  which  did  he  succeed 
in  creating  a  sensation.  Mr.  Barton  was  a  native  of  London, 
but  first  attracted  notice  at  the  Margate  Theatre  about  1820. 
In  the  metropolis  of  Scotland,  and  in  most  of  the  English 
provinces,  he  eDjoyed  considerable  repute  as  a  leading  actor 
in  tragedy,  and  in  the  better  range  of  melo-drama ;  and  in 
characters  generally  requiring  an  expression  of  impulsive 
feeling,  displayed  great  merit.  In  1832,  he  played  a  star  en- 
gagement at  the  Bowery,  and  was  afterward  for  several  years 
acting  manager  for  Caldwell  at  New  Orleans,  a  post  for  which 
his  gentlemanly  manners  and  scholarly  acquirements  emi- 
nently fitted  him.  Mr.  Barton  last  appeared  in  New  York 
about  the  year  1839.  He  returned  to  England,  and  died 
there  in  1848. 

The  farce  of  "  Short  Stages,"  afterward  called  the  "  Om- 
nibus," was  first  played  the  same  evening,  with  the  annexed 
cast: 


Ledger  Mr.  Blakelt. 

Dobbs  "  Povey. 

Tommy  Dobbs    ...     "  Barnes. 


Pat  Rooney    .    .    .    Mr.  Thorne. 
Julia  Ledger  .    .    .    Mrs.  Wallace. 
Mrs.  Dobbs    ..."  Durie. 


Mrs.  Austin  re-opened  in  Cinderella,  on  the  15th ;  and  on 
the  16th,  John  A.  Stone's  tragedy  of  "Tancred,  King  of 
Sicily,"  was  thus  first  put  upon  the  stage 


Tancred    .    .        .    .    Mr.  Field.  i     Guiseppe  . 


Emanuel   "  Nexsen. 

Romano   "  Richinos. 

Angelo   "  Barry. 

Malazzo   44  T.  Placide. 

Bishop   44  Wbeatley. 


Kan  Wogan 
Xenarchu9 
Child  .  . 
Olympia  . 
Augusta  . 


Mr.  Blakely. 

41  Simpson. 

44  woodhull. 
Miss  Julia  Turnbull. 
Mrs.  Barnes. 

44  Wallace. 


It  was  several  times  repeated,  and  the  author  had  a  benefit 
on  the  23d,  when  he  appeared  on  the  stage  as  Kan  Wogan, 
in  the  tragedy,  and  as  Splash,  in  the  "  Young  Widow." 

March  24th.  First  night  of  a  farce,  called  the  "  Jenkinses," 
which  was  played  as  follows,  with  great  applause  : 

Mr.  Carraway    .    .    .    Mr.  Placide.  I     Master  Jenkins    .    .    Mrs.  Godey. 

Augustus  Gingham      .     44    Simpson.  Mrs.  Jenkins  ...     44  Wheatley. 

Mr.  John  Jenkins   .    .     44   Barry.  Miss  Jenkins  ...     44  Blake. 

Mrs.  Barnes  took  her  benefit  on  the  25th,  in  "  Tancred  of 
Sicily,"  and  produced  a  new  petit  comedy,  called  the  "  Deuce 
is  in  Her,"  thus  cast : 

Sir  Guy  Don  .     ...    Mr.  Barnes.  i     Widow  Volatile  .    .    Mrs.  Barnes. 

Greville  44   Richinos.  Lady  Trifle    ...     44  Durie. 

Florid  44   Field.  Lady  Crocodile   .    .     44  Spiller. 


648 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Master  Burke  commenced  another  engagement  on  the  28th, 
as  Richard  III.  and  the  Irish  Tutor.  He  now  played,  for  the 
first  time  here,  Dr.  Ollapod,  Dr.  Lenitive,  Gen.  Bombastes,  and 
Lingo.  For  his  benefit,  various  selections  were  given,  and  he 
appeared  in  the  buff  a  scena  of  a  Musical  Rehearsal,  in  which 
he  performed  on  the  violin,  Rode's  celebrated  air  with  varia- 
tions, and  "  0  Dolce  Concento,"  on  the  piano-forte,  with  rap- 
turous applause. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hackett's  first  engagement  this  season  com- 
menced on  the  15th — the  former  appearing  as  Industrious  Doo- 
little  and  Rip  Van  Winkle,  the  latter  as  Caroline  Traffic  and 
Alice.  On  the  18th,  Mr.  Hackett  brought  out  a  comedy  in 
three  acts,  to  which  was  awarded  one  of  the  prizes  he  had 
offered  for  an  American  drama,  entitled  the  "  Moderns,  or  a 
Trip  to  the  Springs."  It  was  thus  cast  on  its  first  representa- 
tion, and  met  with  considerable  success  : 


Melodious  Migrate  Mr.  Haokett. 

Col.  Roanoke ....    Mr.  Woodhull.  Hopeful  Allslack      .    Mr.  Nexsen. 

Blakelt.  Mrs.  Flattenbarrack     Mrs.  Wheatlet. 

Richings.  Celestina  ....     "  Vernon. 

Thoene. 
Simpson. 
T.  Placide. 


Aid.  Flattenbarrack 
Cicero  Flattenbarrack 
Charles  Resolute  . 
Augustus  Tandem  . 
Tom  Ferrett  .    .  . 


Julia  Roanoke     .    .     "  Wallack. 
Hannah     ....     "  Godet. 
Tabby  Tittipup   .    .     "  Hackett. 


Hackett's  benefit  took  place  on  the  25th,  when  he  brought 
out  James  K.  Paulding's  prize  comedy,  the  "Lion  of  the 
West,"  in  which  he  created  a  great  sensation  as  the  repre- 
sentative of  the  redoubtable  Colonel  Wildfire.  This  per- 
sonation ranks  among  his  very  best,  and  has  received  unan- 
imous approbation  wherever  performed.  The  play  was 
afterward  remodeled,  but  the  ColoneVs  character  remained 
substantially  the  same.    Its  original  cast  was  thus  arranged : 


Nimrod  Wildfire     .    .    Mr.  Hackett.  j     Max  Mr.  Field. 

Gov.  Bramble     ..."  Blakelt. 

Roebuck  "  Woodhull. 

Count  de  Crillon     .    .     "  Richings. 


Higgins  ....  "  Collett. 
Cecelia  Bramble  .  .  Mrs.  Shabpe. 
Pullet  "  Godey. 


A  new  farce,  called  "  Was  I  to  Blame  ?"  was  produced  on  the 
26th,  as  follows : 

Lord  Evered  ....    Mr.  Richings.          I     Multiply    ....   Mr.  Blakelt. 
Edmund  Melville    .    .     "   Simpson.  Julia  Mrs.  Blake. 

Mr.  Forrest  commenced  a  new  engagement  on  the  27th,  as 
Metamora. 

April  28th.  Mr.  C.  T.  Parsloe  commenced  his  second  en- 
gagement in  "  Jack  Robinson  and  His  Monkey." 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


649 


Mr.  Forrest,  for  his  benefit,  May  9th,  brought  out  the  new 
tragedy  of  "  Caius  Marius,"  thus  cast : 


Caius  Marius . 
Granius 
Metellus   .  . 
Sulpitius  .  . 
Sylla  .    .  . 


Mr.  Forrest. 

"  Field. 
"  Woodhdll. 
M  Barry. 

"  RlOHINQS. 


Cinna   .  . 
ADtonius  . 
A  Cimbrian 
Martha 
Metella  .  . 


Mr.  Nexsen. 

"    T.  Plaoide. 

*'  Blakelt. 
Mrs.  Sharps. 

"  Wallack. 


Miss  Kelly's  last  engagement  in  America,  and  her  first 
this  season,  opened  May  13th,  with  her  performance  of 
Lady  Teazle,  Mr.  Barton  being  engaged  for  Charles  Sur- 
face. After  which  was  played,  for  the  first  time  in  America, 
a  new  melo-drama  that  attained  great  popularity,  called 
"Comrades  and  Friends,"  thus  cast: 


Roland  Duroc 
Charles  Valcour 
Morazzi    .  . 
Henry  .    .  . 
Dumont 


Mr.  Barry. 

™  Simpson. 

"  Woodhull. 

"  Thorne. 

"  Field. 


Valentine  .  . 
Adolphus  . 
Mme.  Derville 
Mme.  Bertrand 
Laurette    .  . 


Mr.  Blakely. 
Miss  E.  Wheatley. 
Mrs.  Wallack. 

"  Vernon. 

"  Blake. 


Mr.  Barton  and  Miss  Kelly  appeared  as  Jacques  and  Rosa- 
lind,  on  the  16th,  after  which  was  presented  a  new  melo- 
drama, called  "  Tuckitomba,  or  the  Obi  Sorceress,"  thus  cast : 


Edwards  .  . 
Fletcher  .  . 
Goliah  Fletcher 
Tuckitomba  . 
Chickati  .  . 
Nick  Dragon  . 


Mr.  Woodhdll. 

"  RlCHINGS. 

"  Placide. 

"  Barry. 

"  Parsloe. 

"  Hilson. 


Simon 
Cudjoe 
Henry 
Esther 
Clara  , 
Mrs.  Edwards 


Mr.  Barnes. 

"  POYEY. 
Miss  J.  TURNBULL. 

Mrs.  Sharpe. 
"  Blake. 
"  Wallaok. 


Mr.  Barton  and  Miss  Kelly  appeared  as  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Oakley, 
for  the  former's  benefit,  on  the  18th,  and  the  latter  took  her 
farewell  on  the  20th,  in  her  favorite  character  of  Beatrice, 
with  Mr.  Barton  as  Benedick.  Miss  Kelly  also  delivered  a 
farewell  address,  written  by  John  A.  Stone.  Having  acquired 
a  handsome  fortune,  she  had  the  good  sense  to  retire  before 
her  powen  failed  or  popularity  waned. 

Master  Burke  was  again  engaged,  and  appeared  on  the  23d 
as  Sir  Abel  Handy  and  Terry  ORourke,  Mrs.  Barnes  being 
employed  to  support  him  in  tragedy.  During  this  series  of 
performances,  which  terminated  on  the  6th  of  June,  he,  for 
the  first  time  in  New  York,  played  Cornelius  ODedimus,  My 
Lord  Duke's  Servant,  Crack,  Victor  Pleyel,  in  a  new  farce, 
called  "  Home  for  the  Holidays,"  and  Midas. 

June  11th.  For  Mr.  Field's  benefit,  Mr.  Pelby  appeared 
as  Lucius  Junius  Brutus.  The  burlesque  tragedy,  entitled 
"  Chrononhotonthologos,"  was  also  first  played,  with  Hilson 

82 


650 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


as  Chronon,  Thome  as  Bombardian,  Richings  as  Aldiberonti, 
Mrs.  Vernon  as  Queen,  and  Mrs.  Wallack,  Tatlanthe. 

Mr.  Barnes  presented  a  diversified  entertainment  for  his 
benefit  on  the  13th,  and  attracted,  astounded,  and  delighted 
an  audience  by  his  extraordinary  performance  of  Romeo  ! 

Mrs.  Austin  re-appeared  on  the  14th  as  Cinderella. 

The  farce  of  "  Highways  and  By-ways  "  was  first  performed 
on  the  16th,  with  Richings  as  Charles  Stapleton,  Barnes 
as  Narcissus  Stubble,  Mrs.  Wallack  as  Eliza  Gordon,  Mrs. 
Wheatley  as  Miss  Primly,  and  Mrs.  Vernon  as  Miss  Susan 
Piatt. 

Signor  Cioffi,  at  this  time,  attracted  great  attention  in  the 
orchestra  by  his  performances  on  the  trombone,  and  his  solos 
were  given  with  a  skill  and  effect  never  before  heard  here. 
He  had  a  benefit  on  the  18th. 

Mr.  Finn,  who  had  been  "  starring  "  at  the  Chatham,  after  a 
long  absence  from  these  boards,  appeared  on  the  21st,  as 
Philip  Garbois,  in  "  One  Hundred  and  Two." 

Mrs.  Blake's  benefit  occurred  on  the  23d,  when  little  Alexina 
Fisher  made  her  first  appearance  on  this  Stage  as  Clari,  and 
Mrs.  Asbury,  (formerly  Miss  Eliza  Placide)  after  several  years' 
retirement,  undertook  the  part  of  Vespina;  Mr.  Finn  also 
played  Billy  Black  and  Mawworm  ;  Mr.  Blake,  Montmorency, 
in  the  "Hundred-Pound  Note,"  and  Lovell,  in  "High  Life 
Below  Stairs  ;"  Mr.  Thayer,  My  Lord  Duke  ;  and  Miss  Waring, 
Kitty  ;  being  their  first  appearance  this  season.  Miss  Alexina 
Fisher,  now  about  ten  years  of  age,  had  just  appeared  with 
success  at  the  Bowery  and  Chatham,  and,  though  somewhat 
unequal  in  her  performances,  was  worthy  of  the  warm  en- 
comiums lavishly  bestowed  upon  her.  It  was  hoped  that  a 
joint  engagement  would  be  effected  with  her  and  Master 
Burke,  (and  their  attraction  in  the  same  play  would  have 
been  overwhelming)  but  the  hope  was  never  realized. 

During  Mr.  Blake's  engagement,  he  personated  Rover,  Sir 
Benjamin  Backbite,  Col.  Freelove,  the  Three  Singles,  &c. 

Mr.  Hilson  terminated  his  long  career  of  service  in  this 
Theatre  on  the  3d  of  July,  in  the  character  of  Paul  Pry,  leav- 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


651 


ing  the  city  for  a  starring  tour,  to  the  regret  of  all  who  had 
for  years  enjoyed  his  masterly  representations. 

The  regular  season  ended  on  the  4th,  with  the  production 
of  a  new  national  drama,  called  the  "  Polish  Patriots,"  in  which 
Mr.  Richings  represented  the  hero,  Skrzynecki. 

The  summer  season  begun  on  the  6th  of  July,  with  Finn  as 
Mawworm  and  Billy  Black.  During  his  engagement,  he  ap- 
peared as  Nicol  Jarvie,  Lord  Ogleby,  Beau  Shatterly,  Bob 
Logic,  Sir  Peter  Teazle,  Paul  Pry,  Paul  Shack,  Mr.  Gilman, 
William  Thompson,  Dr.  Lenitive,  and  Fogrum,  in  the  "  Slave," 
with  abundant  applause. 

Mrs.  Gilfert,  whose  attempts  at  earning  a  livelihood  by 
teaching  had  received  small  encouragement,  and  who  had 
lately  resumed  her  profession  on  the  Chatham  Stage,  now  re- 
ceived a  short  engagement,  and  on  the  19th  appeared  for  the 
first  time  in  eight  years,  at  this  establishment,  as  Mrs.  Haller. 
She  played  her  famous  character  of  Lady  Townly  on  the  21st, 
Eugenia,  in  the  "  Foundling  of  the  Forest,"  on  the  24th,  and 
for  her  farewell  benefit,  on  the  26th,  Constance,  in  the  third 
act  of  "  King  John."  For  the  latter  occasion,  Miss  Kelly  ap- 
peared as  the  Widow  Cheerly,  for  the  last  time  in  America, 
and  Miss  Clara  Fisher  sung,  "Hurrah!  for  the  Emerald  Isle." 
This  was  the  last  appearance  on  the  Stage  of  the  once  idolized 
Mrs.  Gilfert,  who,  by  her  husband's  failure  and  death,  was 
plunged  from  the  height  of  prosperity  into  the  most  sad  re- 
verses, and  who,  a  few  months  after,  sunk  heart-broken  to 
the  grave. 

Mr.  C.  T.  Parsloe's  pantomimic  pieces  strengthened  Mrs. 
Gilfert's  attractions,  and  Clara  Fisher  appeared  on  the  20th, 
on  the  occasion  of  Mrs.  Vernon's  first  benefit  at  the  Park. 

Mr.  Simpson's  benefit,  and  last  night  of  the  season,  occurred 
on  the  29th,  when  "  Cinderella,"  with  Mrs.  Austin,  was  given 
for  the  forty-seventh  time. 

A  series  of  French  operas,  under  the  management  of  Mr. 
John  Davis,  from  New  Orleans,  immediately  followed,  com- 
mencing on  the  2d  of  August,  with  "  La  Fausse  Agnes." 


CHAPTER  XL. 


Bowery  Theatre— Chatham  Theatre,  1830-1. 

IjjljlJ  N  the  summer  of  1830,  Messrs.  Hackett  and  Hamblin 
JBI  became  the  lessees  of  the  Bowery  Theatre,  and  with 
J|||;  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Blake  as  stage-manager,  prepared 
to  make  a  vigorous  attempt  to  gain  a  reasonable  share 
of  public  patronage.  Gathering  around  them  a  powerful  and 
efficient  company,  they  commenced  the  campaign  on  the  2d 
of  August,  with  the  comedy  of  the  "  School  for  Scandal,"  and 
the  farces  of  "  Teddy  the  Tiler  "  and  the  "  Lottery  Ticket."  In 
these  pieces,  Mr.  Charles  Green  and  Mr.  Rowbotham  made 
their  first  appearances  in  New  York,  the  former  as  Sir  Oliver 
Surface  and  Lord  Dunderford,  the  latter  as  Joseph  Surface 
Mr.  Cowell  played  Sir  Peter;  Mr.  Blake,  Charles;  Mr.  Roberts, 
Crabtree  and  Wormwood;  Mr.  John  Greene,  Teddy ;  Mr.  Tut- 
hill,  Tim;  Mrs.  Hamblin,  Lady  Teazle;  Mrs.  Hackett,  Mrs. 
Candour;  Mrs.  Jones,  Lady  Sneerwell  and  Mrs.  C  or  sett ;  Miss 
Vaughan,  Maria  ;  Mrs.  Cowell,  Susan,  and  Miss  Waring,  Oriel 
Madame  Hutin  Labasse  contributed  a  pas  seul.  The  other 
members  of  the  company  were  Messrs.  James  Scott,  Hazard, 
Jackson,  John  Woodhull,  Read,  Still,  Hutchings,  Wray,  Mons. 
Barbiere,  Madame  Edouard,  Mrs.  J.  Greene,  Miss  Kent,  Miss 
Turnbull,  &c. 

Mr.  C.  Green  was  a  native  of  Connecticut,  and  had  made 
his  debut  on  the  Stage  at  Charleston,  S.  C,  in  1827.  Unfortu- 
nately, he  sometimes  indulged  in  "a  glass  too  much,"  yet 
generally  was  a  judicious  and  effective  actor  of  old  men.  He 
died  at  Chicago  in  1849. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


653 


Mr.  Rowbotham  was  a  native  of  London,  and  first  played 
there  in  1819.  He  was  but  slightly  known  in  New  York,  but 
stood  high  in  the  esteem  of  the  Philadelphia  audience.  He 
first  appeared  in  that  city  in  1828,  and  died  there,  February 
14th,  1837. 

On  the  4th  inst.,  Mr.  Haniblin  made  his  first  appearance  as 
Hamlet;  on  the  5th,  Mr.  Hackett  played  Solomon  Swop  and 
Morbleau,  and  on  the  6th,  the  veteran  Cooper  commenced  an 
engagement  as  Pierre,  to  Hamblin's  Jqffier. 

In  the  farce  of  "Mons.  Tonson,"  Mr.  George  W.  Hazard 
made  his  debut  as  Tom  King,  with  unusual  success.  He  soon 
after  appeared  as  Octavius  Ccesar,  to  Cooper's  Antony,  Hamb- 
lin's Brutus,  and  Blake's  Cassius,  and  was  deemed  worthy  of 
a  full  share  of  the  applause  of  the  night.  He  next  played 
Malcolm,  (in  "Macbeth,")  Alonzo,  Icilius,  Selim,  (in  "Barbar- 
rossa,")  Young  Nor  vol,  and  for  his  benefit,  September  27  th, 
Alexander  the  Great  and  Carwin,  gaining  additional  laurels  in 
every  fresh  character.  To  a  fine  person  and  an  expressive 
face,  he  added  a  powerful  voice,  a  carriage  easy  and  uncon- 
strained, a  just  conception  of  character,  and  a  remarkable 
facility  of  embodying  and  conveying  it  to  an  audience.  In  the 
full  promise  of  a  high  and  brilliant  career,  and  in  the  very 
flower  of  his  days,  he  was  suddenly  cut  down  by  the  hand  of 
death  on  the  24th  of  October,  1831,  at  the  age  of  22.  No 
actor  of  his  years  and  inexperience  had  ever  made,  in  the 
short  period  of  two  months,  so  powerful  an  impression  on  the 
public  mind,  and  his  death  was  universally  deplored  as  an 
almost  irreparable  loss  to  the  profession. 

Aug.  14th.  For  the  benefit  of  Madame  Labasse,  was  first 
played  the  powerfully  interesting  drama,  entitled  the  "Fate 
of  Calas,"  with  the  following  excellent  cast : 

Jean  Calas    ....    Mr.  Soott.  Laurence       .    .    .  Mr.  Roberts. 

Marc  Antoine     ..."   Blake.  Mme.  Calas    .    .    .  Mrs.  J.  Greene. 

Edouard  "    Hazard.  Pauline  44  Hackett. 

Jacob  44   C.  Green.  Jeannette  ....  Miss  Waring. 

Mr.  Cooper  ended  his  engagement  with  a  benefit  on  the 
16th,  playing  Damon,  and  on  the  18th,  Mr.  George  Barrett 
made  his  first  appearance  this  season  as  Doricourt. 

On  the  19th,  Hamblin  played  King  John,  and  Cooper  Fal~ 


654 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


conbridge — Mrs.  Sharpe,  late  of  the  Park,  making  her  first  ap- 
pearance as  Lady  Constance,  and  in  her  personation  display- 
ing a  skill  and  power  unsuspected  during  her  earlier  engage- 
ments in  New  York.  She  was  shortly  after  announced  as 
Lady  Macbeth  and  Lady  Randolph,  and  gained  additional 
credit  in  both  representations. 

The  erratic  Mr.  Booth  commenced  an  engagement  on  the 
31st,  as  Richard,  Mr.  Hamblin  condescending  to  the  part  of 
Richmond. 

Mr.  Hamblin  was  announced  as  sole  lessee  of  the  Theatre 
September  1st,  Mr.  Hackett  retiring  from  the  management, 
but  contributing,  for  a  while,  his  services  as  actor. 

Mr.  Gates  joined  the  company  and  appeared  as  Horatio,  in 
"  Hamlet,"  September  14th,  and  Mr.  Holland  opened  an  en- 
gagement the  same  evening  as  Jerry,  in  "  A  Day  after  the 
Fair." 

The  drama  of  "  Paul  Clifford  "  was  first  played  on  the  28th, 
as  follows : 

Paul  Clifford ....    Mr.  Hazard.  I     Sir  W.  Brandon  .    .    Mr.  Soott. 

August.  Tomlinson  .    .     "   Blake.  Dunnaker  ....     "  Roberts. 

Ned  Pepper  ....     "    Tuthill.  Lucy  Brandon     .    .    Mrs.  Hamblin. 

On  the  4th  of  October,  an  attempt  at  operatic  performances 
was  made,  but  from  deficiencies  in  the  orchestra,  (which,  how- 
ever, included  the  accomplished  Cuddy  on  the  flute,  and  was 
ably  led  by  Mr.  Segura,  the  best  violinist  of  the  day)  with  a 
weak  and  inefficient  chorus,  and  a  general  lack  of  unity 
among  the  performers,  a  failure  was  the  result.  The  opening 
opera  was  the  "Marriage  of  Figaro,"  and  this  its  cast: 

Count   Mr.  Plumer.  Cherubino  ....  Mrs.  Knight. 

Fiorello   "  Taylor.  Countess    ....  "  Hackett. 

Figaro   "  Roberts.  Susanna    ....  Mme.  Feron. 

Antonio   "  Holland.  Barbarina  ....  Miss  Waring. 

The  four  ladies  were  effective  both  in  singing  and  acting. 
Madame  Feron's  Susanna  was  unsurpassed  in  brilliancy,  and 
Mrs.  Knight's  Page  was  full  of  piquancy  and  humor.  The 
gentlemen,  however,  were  not  so  much  at  home  in  their  re- 
spective parts,  and  a  few  nights  after,  Mr.  Plumer  came  to  an 
open  quarrel  with  his  manager—refused  to  perform  the  char- 
acter of  Henry  Bertram  for  which  his  name  was  in  the  bills — 
and,  seated  in  the  boxes  during  the  representation  of  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


655 


opera  of  "  Guy  Mannering,"  (in  which  Mr.  Walton,  from  Phila- 
delphia, was  opportunely  substituted  in  his  place)  distributed 
angry  handbills  to  the  audience,  by  whom,  however,  he  was 
finally  compelled  to  leave  the  Theatre. 

The  "  Exile,"  "  Guy  Mannering,"  "  Rob  Roy,"  "  Siege  of  Bel- 
grade," the  "  Quartette,"  the  "  Prize,"  "  Rosina,"  and  "  Of  Age 
To-morrow,"  were  given  during  this  period.  Mr.  Hamblin 
played  Daran  and  Rob  Roy;  Mme.  Feron,  Catharine,  Lucy 
Bertram,  Lilla,  Madame  de  Luceval,  Caroline,  Phoebe  and 
Maria  ;  Mrs.  Knight,  Alexina,  Julia  Mannering,  Diana  Ver- 
non  and  Rosina;  and  Mrs.  Hackett,  Francis  Osbaldiston  and 
the  Seraskier. 

Mr.  James  Anderson  made  his  first  appearance  here  on  the 
16th,  as  Teddy  the  Tiler,  with  much  applause. 

Mr.  John  J.  Adams'  first  appearance  since  his  return 
from  Europe,  occurred  on  the  18th,  in  the  character  of 
Hamlet. 

On  the  21st,  Mrs.  Pelby  and  daughter  joined  the  company, 
playing  severally  Elvira  and  Cora,  to  Mr.  Adams'  Rolla. 
This  was  the  first  appearance  in  New  York  of  Miss  Pelby 
since  childhood. 

Mr.  Augustus  A.  Addams  made  his  first  appearance  in  this 
Theatre  on  the  26th,  as  the  Stranger.  He  had  played  at  the 
Chatham  a  few  nights  the  year  previous,  and  had  already 
attained  some  distinction  at  the  Boston  Theatre,  where  he 
had  acted  as  early  as  1823.  Possessing  every  physical  requi- 
site for  the  stage,  and  glowing  with  the  fire  of  natural  genius, 
ordinary  discretion  and  reasonable  study  were  alone  wanting 
to  have  insured  him  the  highest  rank  in  the  histrionic  world. 
But  carelessness  and  dissipation  soon  injured  his  standing, 
and  ultimately  broke  him  down  mentally  and  bodily ;  so  that, 
in  his  latter  performances,  he  was  but  the  shadow  of  his 
former  self.  Mr.  Addams  was  born  in  Boston.  He  married 
Miss  Mary  Duff,  who  procured  a  divorce  from  him  on  the  plea 
of  ill  treatment.  His  death  occurred  at  Cincinnati,  of  disease 
of  the  lungs,  March  21st,  1851. 

Mr.  A.  Addams'  first  range  of  characters  here,  included 


656 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


Collatinus,  Virginius,  Banquo,  Damon,  Earl  Osmond,  William 
Tell,  &c. 

Herr  Cline  and  Mr.  Hyatt  were  engaged,  and  appeared  on 
the  30th,  the  former  on  the  tight-rope,  and  the  latter  as  Crack. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mestayer  and  Mr.  F.  Durang  were  also  enlisted 
in  the  ranks,  from  which  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cowell,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Jones,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Greene,  Mr.  Roberts,  and  others,  had  suc- 
cessively departed. 

The  Indian  drama  of  "  Miantonimoh,"  in  which  Mr.  Addams 
made  a  great  hit,  was  first  played  on  the  12th  of  November, 
as  follows : 


Conanchet  .  . 
Metacom  . 
Uncas  .... 
Mark  Heathcot  . 
Content  .  .  . 
Eben  Dudley 


Mr.  A.  Addams. 
"   F.  Farren. 

"  JUDAH. 

"  Gates. 
"  Durang. 

"  TUTHILL. 


Dr.  Ergott 
Nipsett 
Martha .  . 
Ruth  .  -. 
Faith  .  . 
Narramattah 


Mr.  Hyatt. 

"  Taylor. 
Miss  Waring. 
Mrs.  Pelby. 

"  Hackett. 

"  Hamblin. 


The  farce  called  "  Sublime  and  Beautiful,"  which  for  a  time 
was  very  popular,  was  first  played  December  5th,  thus  cast : 

Sultan  Mr.  Jackson.  I     Capt.  Radnor      .    .    Mr.  Gates. 

Muley   "   Tuthill.  Elizabeth  ....    Mrs.  Hamblin. 

Mirza  "   Taylor.  ]     Florestine  ....    Miss  Waring. 

Mr.  George  P.  Farren  made  his  first  bow  on  the  American 
Stage  on  the  7th,  in  the  "  Rivals,"  as  Sir  Anthony  Absolute, 
Mr.  Judah  playing  Bob  Acres ;  Mr.  Hamblin,  Falkland  ;  Mr. 
Tuthill,  Sir  Lucius  O  Trigger  ;  Mrs.  Hackett,  Mrs.  Malaprop  ; 
Miss  Pelby,  Lydia  Languish  ;  and  Mrs.  Hamblin,  Julia. 

Mr.  Farren  was  a  nephew  of  the  great  English  comedian, 
W.  Farren,  and  by  birth  an  Irishman.  He  displayed  consider- 
able talent  in  the  representation  of  old  men,  both  serious  and 
comic,  and  soon  became  stage-manager  of  the  Bowery,  but  in 
July,  1834,  was  driven  from  the  boards  by  a  riotous  as- 
semblage, gathered  together  by  the  efforts  of  an  actor  named 
McKinney,  with  whom  he  had  had  some  difference.  Mr. 
Farren  went  South  and  West,  and  finally  married  the  daugh- 
ter of  Richard  Russell,  now  an  actress  of  eminence.  He  never 
re-appeared  in  New  York  until  the  spring  of  1859.  He  died 
here,  August  18th,  1861,  aged  53. 

Charles  Thorne  first  played  on  this  stage  on  the  9th,  as 
Pythias,  to  Mr.  Hamblin's  Damon. 

Dec.  13th  brought  the  season  to  a  close,  but  on  the  24th  the 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW  YORK   STAGE.  657 

theatre  re-opened  with  a  new  drama,  called  "Tohopeka,"  in 
which  Gates  appeared  as  Gen.  Jackson,  Judah  as  Pedrosa,  C. 
Thorne  as  Waterford,  and  Miss  Pelby,  Felicia. 

On  Christmas  night,  the  "  Cinderella "  pantomime  was  re- 
vived, with  Miss  Waring  as  the  Prince,  and  Miss  Pelby,  Cin- 
derella. Mr.  Sowerby,  a  half-brother  of  Mr.  Hamblin,  played 
Pantaloon,  and  Master  Charles  Mestayer,  afterward  a  well- 
known  comedian,  Cupid.  Mr.  Sowerby,  in  small  comic  parts, 
was  very  humorous  and  effective.  He  died  in  New  York  at 
the  age  of  36,  March  4th,  1850. 

"  Barmecide  n  was  revived  on  the  29th,  in  which  the  eldest 
daughter  of  Mr.  Hamblin,  aged  eight  years,  appeared  as  the 
child  Nair.  She  continued  playing  occasionally  until  the 
separation  of  her  parents,  when  she  was  withdrawn  from  the 
stage,  and  remained  under  the  protection  of  her  father,  and 
never  re-appeared  until  the  14th  of  October,  1853,  when  she 
performed  Mariana,  in  the  "  Wife,"  for  her  brothers  benefit 
at  the  Bowery. 

Jan.  10th,  18.31.  A  celebrated  performing  elephant,  Mile. 
De  Jeck,  the  property  of  Mr.  Gallott,  appeared  for  the  first 
time  in  America,  in  a  drama  called  the  "Elephant  of  Siam 
and  the  Fire  Fiend,"  which  had  a  run  of  three  weeks. 

About  this  time,  Mrs.  French  (afterward  Mrs.  C.  Thorne) 
joined  the  company,  and  Mr.  A.  Addams  went  through  with 
another  star  engagement. 

After  the  middle  of  February,  a  vacation  again  occurred, 
which  lasted  until  the  14th  of  March,  when  Mr.  Hamblin  re- 
opened the  campaign  with  Shakspeare's  play  of  "  Henry  IV.,'' 
cast  in  the  following  manner : 

Falstafl'    .    .    [his  first  appearance  this  season ]    .    .    Mr.  Kilnxr. 

Henry  IV.     .    [his  first  appearance  in  two  years]  .    .     44  Stevenson. 

Prince  of  Wales  [his  first  appearance  in  New  York]     .     "     G.  Jones. 

Prince  John  .    [her  first  appearance  on  this  stage]     .    Miss  E.  Mestayer. 

Hotspur  Mr.  Hamblin.  Sir  R.  Vernon     .    .    Mr.  Durano. 

Worcester     ....     "   Jackson.  Sir  W.  Blunt  ...     44  Tuthill. 

Westmoreland    ..."    Lindslet.  Carrier     ....      41  Collinqboirnk. 

Northumberland     .    .     44    Sarzedas.  Lady  Percy  .    .    .    Miss  Pelby. 

Douglas  "   Taylor.  Hostess     ....    Mrs.  Stevenson. 

Like  her  sister,  Mrs.  Thorne,  Miss  Emily  Mestayer  possessed 
a  form  most  symmetrically  proportioned,  features  of  rare  love- 
liness, a  complexion  of  dazzling  fairness,  a  voice  of  mingled 

83 


658 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


power  and  sweetness,  and  a  willingness  to  assume  any  range 
of  character,  that  rendered  her  at  once  one  of  the  most  useful 
and  personally  attractive  actresses  known  to  our  Stage.  With 
the  ability  to  throw  considerable  feeling  in  certain  serious 
characters,  and  a  skill  in  vocalism  that  always  pleased  an  un- 
cultivated ear,  Miss  Mestayer  long  maintained  a  distinguished 
popularity  with  the  frequenters  of  the  minor  theatres,  and  still 
commands  their  highest  approbation.  With  a  higher  grade 
of  auditors,  she  possessed  powers  of  fascination  not  easily  re- 
sisted, yet  a  sameness  in  her  personations  soon  palled  upon 
those  who  sought  some  diversity  in  the  portrayal  of  an  en- 
tirely opposite  class  of  characters.  Though  retaining  her 
maiden  name,  Miss  Emily  Mestayer  became,  at  a  very  early 
age,  the  wife  of  a  Mr.  Houpt,  now  deceased. 

Mr.  George  Jones  was  a  native  of  England,  who  possessed  a 
personal  appearance  well  adapted  to  the  juvenile  heroes  of 
tragedy  and  comedy,  combined  with  a  very  large  share  of  as- 
surance, which  led  him  to  style  himself,  when  on  a  visit  to 
his  native  land,  the  American  Tragedian!  He  married  Miss 
Melinda  Topping,  of  New  York,  whom  he  introduced  to  the 
Stage,  and  from  whom  he  afterward  separated.  He  at  one 
time  managed  the  Avon  Theatre,  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  in  which 
city,  we  believe,  his  daughter  Avonia  first  saw  the  light.  He 
last  played  in  New  York  in  1841,  and  has  since  rendered  him- 
self notorious  by  assuming  the  name  and  style  of  the  Count 
Joannes. 

March  21st.  C.  W.  Taylor's  drama  of  the  "Water  Witch" 
was  first  played,  and  received  with  unbounded  applause.  Its 

cast  stood  as  follows : 

Tom  Tiller    ....   Mr.  G.  Jones.  Mizen  Mr.  Jackson. 

VanBeveroot     ..."    Collingbotjrne.       Nathan      ....     "  Gates. 
Capt.  Ludlow    ...     "   Stevenson.  Seadrift     ....   Mrs.  Hamblin. 

Trysail  "    Durang.  Alida  Miss  Pelbt. 

Buntline  "   Taylor.  |     Deborah    ....    Mrs.  Stevenson. 

Jonas  B.  Phillips'  drama  of  the  "  Evil  Eye  "  was  first  played 
on  the  4th  of  April,  with  the  following  cast  : 

Camarez  Mr.  Collingbourne.  j     Menkatiz  ....    Mr.  Gates. 

Demetri  "    G.  Jones.  Zella  Mrs.  Hamblin. 

Cyril  Ziani    ....     "   Stevenson.  Leona  "  Stevenson. 

Madame  Hutin  Labasse,  and  Monsieur  Barbiere,  now  ful^ 


HAMLET 

Engraved  by  Peckt  from  a  painting  by  Goldberg 
(German) 


RECORDS  OF  THE   NEW   YORK  STAGE. 


659 


filled  an  engagement,  and  on  the  11th,  Mr.  Stone's  drama, 
called  the  "  Demoniac,"  was  thus  first  played  : 

Caliph  Mr.  Tctuill.  Orlow  Mr.  Roberts. 

Mahmoud  "6.  Jones.  Zameda     .        .    .    Mrs.  Hamblin. 

Ben  Yudah    ....     "    Stone.  I     Amooda     ....     "  French. 

Miss  Alexina  Fisher  made  her  first  appearance  here  on  the 
25th,  as  Young  Norval.  Mr.  Booth,  on  the  27th,  commenced 
a  fortnight's  engagement,  during  which  he  played  King  John, 
with  the  little  Fisher's  Prince  Arthur.  Mr.  Scott  made  his 
first  appearance  on  the  10th  of  May,  as  Long  Tom  Coffin;  and 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  G.  Barrett's  appearance  on  the  11th.  as  Ambrose 
and  Elinor,  in  the  "  Two  Friends,"  once  more  delighted  their 
numerous  admirers. 

Alexina  Fisher's  benefit  took  place  on  the  13th,  when  she 
played  Juliet,  with  George  Jones  as  Romeo ;  and  Paul,  in  the 
"  Wandering  Boys,"  with  Miss  Hamblin  as  Justin.  Her  en- 
gagement was  renewed,  and  on  the  21st  she  appeared  as 
Norval,  with  Mrs.  Stone  as  Lady  Randolph,  her  first  appear- 
ance in  this  Theatre. 

On  the  30th,  "  Cagliostro  n  was  brought  out  as  follows : 

Cagliostro     ....    Mr.  Scott.                    Lafranco   ....    Mr.  Stevenson. 
D'Alviano                      "   Jackson.                Matilda     ....    Mrs.  Stone. 
Alphonso  "    G.  Jones.  Julia  Miss  Pelbt. 

June  14th.  Mr.  Booth  played  Hamlet,  with  Mrs.  Dean 
(formerly  Miss  Drake,  and  mother  of  Miss  Julia  Dean)  as 
Op/ielia.  On  the  16th,  in  "Julius  Caesar,"  he  appeared  as 
Cassius,  to  Cooper's  Antony,  and  Hamblin's  Brutus,  and  on 
the  18th  as  Prince  of  Wates,  in  "Henry  IV.,"  to  Cooper's 
Falstaff,  and  Hamblin's  Hotspur. 

Mr.  Hamblin  took  his  benefit  on  the  22d,  when  "Jane 
Shore"  was  magnificently  rendered  by  Booth  as  Gloster, 
Cooper  as  Hastings,  Hamblin  as  Dumont,  George  Jones  as 
Belmour,  Mrs.  Duff  as  Jane  Shore,  and  Mrs.  Stone,  Alicia. 

Mrs.  Duff,  on  this  occasion,  made  her  first  appearance  on 
this  stage  in  four  years. 

The  "Water  Witch"  was  also  played  for  the  fortieth 
time. 

On  the  24th,  Mr.  Booth  played  the  diverse  parts  of  Old 
Norval,  Othello  and  Mawworm,  for  his  benefit,  and  Cooper, 
Hamblin  and  Mrs.  Duff  appeared  in  prominent  characters. 


660 


RECORDS  OF  THE  x\EW  YORK  STAGE. 


Mr.  Coopers  first  appearance  as  Sit  Peter  Teazle  was  an- 
nounced for  his  benefit  on  the  27th,  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hamb- 
lin  as  Joseph  and  Lady  Teazle  ;  and  selections  from  "  Venice 
Preserved/'  with  Cooper,  Booth  and  Mrs.  Duff. 

For  Mrs.  Duff's  benefit,  July  6th,  Mr.  Booth  and  Mr.  Hamb- 
lin  appeared  as  King  John  and  Falconb ridge,  and  the  lady 
personated  Constance,  and,  for  the  first  time,  Mathilde,  in  the 
"  Bohemian  Mother." 

Mrs.  Hamblin,  on  the  7th,  took  her  farewell  benefit  pre- 
vious to  visiting  Europe  for  the  purpose  of  recruiting  the 
company.  She  had  acquired  far  more  popularity  here  than 
when  she  had  played  as  a  star  at  the  Park  and  other  theatres. 

The  season  came  to  a  close  on  the  13th. 

The  Chatham  Theatre  having  passed  out  of  the  hands  of 
Blanchard,  the  equestrian,  and  into  those  of  Moses  S.  Phillips, 
was  opened  on  the  11th  of  March,  with  A.  Addams  as  Damon, 
Blake  as  Pythias,  Mrs.  Stevenson  as  Hermione,  and  Miss 
Waring,  Calanthe.  Equestrian  and  other  performances  were 
given  by  the  Blanchard  family,  with  Mr.  Madden  as  clown, 
and  the  extraordinary  living  skeleton,  Calvin  Edson,  one  of 
the  wonders  of  the  day,  appeared  as  Jeremiah  Thin,  in  the 
comedy  of  "Rochester."  Foot,  Hyatt,  Judah,  McKinney. 
Moreland,  Jervis,  G.  W.  Dixon,  Mrs.  Walstein,  Mrs.  Nelson 
and  others,  were  in  the  company. 

D.  D.  McKinney  was  a  young  man  well  known  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Catharine  Market,  who  had  imbibed  a  passion  for 
acting,  and  whose  abilities,  under  proper  cultivation  and  in  a 
better  school,  would  have  entitled  him  to  a  very  creditable 
position.  He  became  a  favorite  actor  at  the  Bowery,  whence 
he  was  dismissed  in  consequence  of  his  share  in  the  riot 
which  drove  Mr.  Farren  from  its  boards.  In  the-  spring  of 
1834,  he  played  a  star  engagement  at  the  Park.  He  was 
afterward  one  of  the  firm  of  Dean  &  McKinney,  managing  the 
theatres  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  Columbus,  Ohio.  He  died  in 
the  fall  of  1839. 

Mr.  Flynn  was  engaged  as  a  star,  and  appeared  on  the  29th 
as  Vapid. 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW   YORK  8TAGE. 


mi 


For  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Nelson,  the  prompter,  on  the  11th  of 
April,  Mr.  Danforth  Marble  made  his  first  acknowledged  ap- 
pearance on  the  stage  as  Robin  Roughead,  paying  for  the 
privilege  the  sum  of  twenty  dollars.  His  second  appearance 
was  as  William,  in  "  Black-Eyed  Susan." 

On  the  6th  of  March,  1832,  he  made  his  third  public 
attempt  as  Damon,  at  Richmond  Hill  Theatre,  the  manager 
according  him  the  opportunity  for  ten  dollars.  He  afterward 
took  a  position  in  the  profession,  of  the  very  lowest  grade, 
from  which,  in  the  representation  of  Yankee,  Kentuckian  and 
nautical  peculiarities,  he  worked  his  way  to  fame  and  fortune 
Mr.  Marble  was  born  at  Danbury,  Conn.,  in  the  year  1810. 
At  an  early  age,  he  had  a  situation  in  a  dry-goods  store,  at 
Hartford,  which  he  left  to  learn  the  trade  of  a  silversmith  in 
New  York.  He  here  became  a  member  of  a  Thespian  associa- 
tion, and  was  introduced  behind  the  scenes  of  the  Chatham 
Theatre,  and  after  some  practice,  made  his  debut  as  above 
stated.  Some  few  years  later  he  gained  repute  in  the  coun- 
try theatres  with  Yankee  stories  and  a  few  Yankee  parts. 
In  November,  1886,  he  married  Miss  Annie  Warren,  daughter 
of  the  celebrated  comedian  of  Philadelphia,  and  not  long 
after  made  a  great  hit  at  Buffalo,  as  the  hero  of  a  piece  called 
"  Sam  Patch,"  written  for  him  by  Mr.  E.  H.  Thompson.  Trav- 
eling South  and  West,  he  was  hailed  with  enthusiasm  in 
this  part,  and  he  ever  after  remained  one  of  the  most  at- 
tractive stars  that  could  be  presented  to  an  audience  in  that 
section  of  the  country.  In  1838,  on  the  26th  of  July,  he 
made  his  first  appearance  on  the  Park  boards  as  Solomon 
Swop.  In  1844,  he  sailed  for  Europe,  and  made  his  first  ap- 
pearance in  London  on  the  30th  September,  at  the  Strand 
Theatre,  in  the  "  Vermont  Wool-Dealer,"  with  entire  success. 
He  continued  in  London  and  the  provinces  during  the  whole 
season,  meeting  with  general  approbation  at  every  appear- 
ance. 

His  return  to  America  was  a  complete  triumph,  particu- 
larly at  the  West,  where,  in  the  height  of  his  popularity,  he 
played  his  last  engagement  in  the  city  of  St.  Louis,  early  in 


662 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


May,  1849.  Going  thence  to  Louisville,  he  was  seized  with 
the  Asiatic  cholera,  which  terminated  his  existence,  in  the 
latter  city,  on  the  13th  of  that  month.  His  funeral  sermon 
was  preached  by  the  Rev.  C.  B.  Parsons,  formerly  an  actor, 
who  publicly  testified  to  the  deceased's  honesty  of  purpose, 
generosity  and  sincerity  of  heart.  His  prudence  was  fortu- 
nately attested  by  the  accumulation  of  $25,000,  which  he  left 
for  the  support  of  his  wife  and  children.  His  remains  were 
conveyed  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  where  they  repose  in  his  family 
vault.  We  never  had  the  pleasure  of  witnessing  his  perform- 
ances, but  his  repute  as  a  local  comedian  was  fully  equal  to 
that  of  Mr.  Hackett,  or  Mr.  Hill. 

The  Chatham  Theatre  closed  its  doors  about  the  middle  of 
April,  and  passed,  by  a  new  lease,  into  the  possession  of  Mr. 
C.  R.  Thorne,  who  had  it  entirely  renovated,  and  here  made 
his  first  essay  in  management  on  the  4th  of  May,  1831.  He 
opened  with  the  "  Honeymoon"  and  "  High  Life  Below  Stairs," 
in  which  Mrs.  Gilfert,  the  star  of  the  evening,  Messrs.  W.  R. 
Blake,  Thayer,  McKinney,  Foot,  Hyatt  and  Phillips;  Mrs. 
French,  Mrs.  Walstein  and  Miss  Waring,  all  appeared.  The 
other  members  of  the  company,  besides  the  manager,  were 
Judah,  Jervis  and  Collins,  Mrs.  Hughes,  Mrs.  Thayer,  (formerly 
Mrs.  Palmer  Fisher)  Mrs.  Nelson,  Mrs.  Moreland,  Miss  E.  Mes- 
tayer,  &c. 

Mr.  Pelby  commenced  an  engagement  on  the  9th,  as  Brutus, 
with  Mrs.  Gilfert  as  Tullia,  and  on  the  same  evening  the 
melo-drama  of  "Will  Watch,  the  Bold  Smuggler,"  was  first 
played  in  New  York,  with  the  following  cast  : 

Will  Watch   ....    Mr.  Blake.  Stranger   ....  Mr.  Thayer. 

Bob  Rudderly    ...     "   McKinney.  Mary    .    .    .    .    .  Miss  Waring. 

Hugh  Mallinson  ..."   Jervis.  Susan   Mr3.  Nelson. 

Levi  Lyons   ....     "  Jcdah. 

Mr.  John  J.  Adams  made  his  first  appearance  on  the  18th, 
as  Hamlet. 

Mr.  Finn  opened  on  the  19th,  as  Paul  Pry. 

Mrs.  Gilfert's  benefit  and  last  appearance  was  on  the 
25th,  when  she  enacted  Lady  Teazle,  to  Mr.  Finn's  Sir 
Peter. 

Mr.  Gallott  about  this  time  personated  Jack  Junk,  Will 


RECORDS  OF  THE  NEW  YORK  STAGE. 


663 


Steady,  &c,  and  his  elephant  De  Jeck  went  through  with  her 
various  evolutions. 

Mr.  Archer,  formerly  of  the  Bowery,  was  next  engaged. 
He  appeared  on  the  3d  of  June,  as  Lear,  and  took  his  henefit 
on  the  8th,  as  Richard  III. 

The  nautical  drama  of  "Tom  Bowline"  was  played  for 
Blake's  benefit  on  the  11th,  with  Jervis  as  Tom  Bowline,  Blake 
as  Harry  Lanyard,  Thorne  as  Daredevil  Bill,  Mrs.  Hughes  as 
Lucy  Bowline,  and  Miss  Waring,  Polly.  Little  Alexina  Fisher 
also  made  her  first  appearance  as  the  Spoiled  Child,  the  same 
evening. 

John  Howard  Payne's  tragedy,  entitled  "  Oswali  of  Athens," 
was  produced  on  the  13th,  for  the  benefit  of  Mr.  J.  J.  Adams, 
and  repeated  with  success  several  times.  A  spirited  and 
taking  epilogue,  written  by  Jonas  B.  Phillips,  was  delivered 
with  great  effect  by  Mrs.  Hughes.  We  subjoin  the  cast  of  the 
principal  characters : 

Oswali  Mr.  J.  J.  Adams.  Lambros    ....    Mr.  C.  Thorne. 

Abdoul  "   Judah.  Zofreni  Mrs.  Hughes. 

A bdulhamed .    ...     u    Blake.  Ianthe  Miss  Warixg. 

The  season  soon  after  came  to  an  abrupt  conclusion,  and 
the  concern  passed  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Hamblin,  who 
opened  it  with  several  members  of  the  old  company,  strength- 
ened by  the  addition  of  Messrs.  Scott,  W.  J.  Walton,  Roberts, 
Dean,  J.  Woodhull,  Sowerby,  Anderson,  Mrs.  Stone,  Mrs, 
Dean,  Miss  Searle  and  others.  Mr.  Booth,  Mr.  A.  Addams, 
Miss  Emery,  Mrs.  Hill  and  Alexina.  Fisher  appeared  as  stars. 


END  OF  VOL.  I. 


AVERY 

CIA$3CS 


